LOR from a dentist - Help

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I provided my dentist that I have a good relationship with my resume and personal statement so she could write a LOR. I have been going to her for the last 10 years, and she has allowed me do a lot of shadowing. I recently made a career change to pursue dentistry.

After reading my personal statement, she commented on my writing style. Then she basically said that I should write my own LOR. She would review it and add some personal things. I don't really want to do this, but I have a feeling that if I don't get the ball rolling, then it won't get done in time....and at this point I don't want to cause any friction. Is there some sort of standard format that dentists use? What would you do?

 

[naturegirl_1313]

I provided my dentist that I have a good relationship with my resume and personal statement so she could write a LOR. I have been going to her for the last 10 years, and she has allowed me do a lot of shadowing. I recently made a career change to pursue dentistry.

After reading my personal statement, she commented on my writing style. Then she basically said that I should write my own LOR. She would review it and add some personal things. I don't really want to do this, but I have a feeling that if I don't get the ball rolling, then it won't get done in time....and at this point I don't want to cause any friction. Is there some sort of standard format that dentists use? What would you do?

I would just be honest with her and tell her that while you are flattered by her compliment...that you don't feel comfortable. If she still insists... good luck 🙂

 

[mvs04]

hardest part about writing you own recommendation letter is that people have a tendency to be too humble. Don't! Describe yourself glowingly to the point where you're embarrassed to read it, then tone it down a nosh : ) This is actually more common than it seems... many professionals "write" LORs in this fashion.... "write what you want me to say and I'll just sign it".

 

[gryffindor]

If you're really stuck, look online or at some books at Barnes & Nobles for examples, and go from there. Often you will come across lists of words to incorporate in to make it sound real good & polished.

IMO, writing your own letter of reccomendation is actually harder than you think only b/c you don't want to sound real cheesy but not be too bashful either.

Your dentist isn't giving you an unusual request. I wouldn't go by naturegirl's suggestions. If you say "Gee thanks, I'm flattered, but I'd really appreciate it if it came from your heart, not mine" then it's gonna set your time table back even more since the letter of rec. is your priority, not your dentist's. His/her priorities are to make the practice run smoothly, keep the staff civil, not piss off patients, make money, take the kids to soccer practice, etc. And it may turn out to be something really generic; you probably would have done a better job. Most times when I've come across this request from people I wanted to have write letters for me, it's usually because they're too busy/lazy to do it. Since the application is my priority, I'm glad to do it. At least I know one of my letters won't turn out to be garbage.