LOR question- asking super early?

[alilip]

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I'm starting to get a little stressed as I research more and more about the application process. I want to think about my LORs now, because I know I am not the most competitive applicant and would really like a head start where I can get one.

Now, I've made the mistake of not getting to know a lot of my professors over the years and it's biting me in the butt when I realize that I do not necessarily know if I can find 2 faculty members to write me LORs.

However, my question is about my first LOR.

I had a class this past semester which absolutely inspired me. The teacher was hands down the best I've experienced in college, I made an effort to meet with them a few times during the semester. I even hope to be a TA for next years class, and to top it all off, by complete chance they ended up being assigned to me as my 'pre med advisor'.
However, they teach A&P and are therefore going to be flooded with requests as soon as school starts (I know for a fact that AT LEAST 3 of my pre-med friends are going to ask for a letter from them). I didn't get an A in the class, and instead ended up with a B which makes me even more worried that I'll be put on the back burner. However, this is the one faculty member that I feel like actually knows me beyond academics.

My question is, should I slightly jump the gun and send an email after New Years but before school starts, asking if they would consider writing me a letter, should I wait, or should I not even try considering my grade?

 

[deleted244469]

I'm starting to get a little stressed as I research more and more about the application process. I want to think about my LORs now, because I know I am not the most competitive applicant and would really like a head start where I can get one.

Now, I've made the mistake of not getting to know a lot of my professors over the years and it's biting me in the butt when I realize that I do not necessarily know if I can find 2 faculty members to write me LORs.

However, my question is about my first LOR.

I had a class this past semester which absolutely inspired me. The teacher was hands down the best I've experienced in college, I made an effort to meet with them a few times during the semester. I even hope to be a TA for next years class, and to top it all off, by complete chance they ended up being assigned to me as my 'pre med advisor'.
However, they teach A&P and are therefore going to be flooded with requests as soon as school starts (I know for a fact that AT LEAST 3 of my pre-med friends are going to ask for a letter from them). I didn't get an A in the class, and instead ended up with a B which makes me even more worried that I'll be put on the back burner. However, this is the one faculty member that I feel like actually knows me beyond academics.

My question is, should I slightly jump the gun and send an email after New Years but before school starts, asking if they would consider writing me a letter, should I wait, or should I not even try considering my grade?

Professors usually won't write LOR's unless you receive an "A" in the class. However, If your relationship with them is as strong as you say it is, then it wouldn't hurt to ask. You can usually get a feel for how strong their letter will be by judging their body language after you ask.

 

[alilip]

Thank you for the help! I'm hoping that even with the grade they will be willing to write 1 for me.

 

[bio53858]

I would definitely ask. If they say no, move on to another professor.

 

[Fluffy123]

When asking, using the phrase "Would you mind writing me a strong letter of recommendation for my application to medical school?"

Like stated above, some professors will not write you a LOR unless you got an A in the class but if you feel like you have a really good connection with said professor, it can be worth asking. If the prof says no, move on.

Also, I asked in February and told the professors I want the LOR submitted by June 1 if possible so I would be ahead of the game.

 

[alilip]

Thank you all! I really appreciate all the great advice. I have another class with this teacher this semester, so if they say they only write letters for "A" students, then I might have 1 more shot. 🙂

 

[Shawna-Kaye Lester]

I'm starting to get a little stressed as I research more and more about the application process. I want to think about my LORs now, because I know I am not the most competitive applicant and would really like a head start where I can get one.

Now, I've made the mistake of not getting to know a lot of my professors over the years and it's biting me in the butt when I realize that I do not necessarily know if I can find 2 faculty members to write me LORs.

However, my question is about my first LOR.

I had a class this past semester which absolutely inspired me. The teacher was hands down the best I've experienced in college, I made an effort to meet with them a few times during the semester. I even hope to be a TA for next years class, and to top it all off, by complete chance they ended up being assigned to me as my 'pre med advisor'.
However, they teach A&P and are therefore going to be flooded with requests as soon as school starts (I know for a fact that AT LEAST 3 of my pre-med friends are going to ask for a letter from them). I didn't get an A in the class, and instead ended up with a B which makes me even more worried that I'll be put on the back burner. However, this is the one faculty member that I feel like actually knows me beyond academics.

My question is, should I slightly jump the gun and send an email after New Years but before school starts, asking if they would consider writing me a letter, should I wait, or should I not even try considering my grade?

Yes! JUMP that gun. See number 2 here: https://www.memorableessay.com/writing-help/the-economics-of-education
More important than the grade you got is if they respect you, truly believe in your potential, and can write why you would be an impactful physician.