LOR quandary

[medicomel]

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I'm just beginning the committee process for med school (applying in June), and have submitted application materials. What's left is to ask for LORs, which are due in April. Here's the problem. A prof that agreed in the Spring to write one for me has now reneged due to being "busy." I have always had a good rapport with him, but haven't stopped by to chat because I work full-time and am busy with class and volunteering (I'm a nontrad).

I have his agreement to write me a letter on email, but it seems that if I push he'll write a *bad* letter. I got an A in the class, so I don't see what the problem would be to hammer out a paragraph. I understand he's busy with students, but is there a way to get around this and talk to someone? Chair of the Department? Pre-Health advisor? I called and left a message on his office answering machine asking him to reconsider and letting him know that he had agreed to write one in the spring, but haven't heard from him yet. I was respectful, and have always been a good student. I don't understand why he would refuse to do this. 🙁

The other science profs I had have moved, and would have absolutely no recollection of me at this time, as I took their classes way back at the beginning of my post-bac stint.

How do nontraditionals do it????

Please help! I know it's five months away, but if I can't get another science letter the committee will throw my application in the trash.

 

[myodana]

what if you drafted a letter of recommendation yourself, then gave it to the professor to fill in the specifics? one of my recommenders was really busy but he agreed to it as long as i basically wrote the letter. i gave him a rough version, he made the additions, i printed it out and he signed it. just a thought...

 

[medicomel]

That's an excellent idea! You've given me some hope.

Did you sign the waiver?

 

[IAMS]

How do nontraditionals do it????

Hi,

I also am a non trad, and am experiencing a similar road block. I am applying for the 2005 year, so I'm pushing the deadlines. I have one professor from my undergraduate who has committed, and the others who I am able to find contact info for either don't remember me "well enough" or at all... which is disappointing.

I have asked advisors and the best I can get is contact the schools you're applying to to let them know your situation. Some schools may accept personal letters from coworkers or supervisors, but they are problably not given the same weight.

I'm taking 2 science courses now, but these instructors will not be able to write letters for me until after they've had me for a year.. which doesn't sort well for adcoms now. So, I'm applying to 8 schools, most of which require 3 or more letters from faculty member, and most of the require science. I'm going to focus on the ones who offer "evaluation forms" which anyone can fill out, and if I don't get in this year, which I'm really really hoping I do, then I will have 2 more letters from these classes this year - assuming I don't blow up the organic chem lab or something disastrous.

I'd be interested in hearing other non-trad letter situations.

Good luck!

 

[medicomel]

I think getting LORs is the most nerve-wracking part of the process (yes, even MORE than the MCAT) because it's completely out of your control.

And everybody knows premeds are control freaks. 😉

Good luck to everybody with this dilemma, esp. those that are applying right now. I guess I'll take a breather and try again in a few days.