most important points in a LOR?

[javandane]

---

Members do not see this ad.

an old prof. just agreed to write a LOR on my behalf. he requested that i provide four main points that i would like addressed in the LOR. what do people think should go into a solid LOR? academic strength? diversity?

 

[joselind]

go to the websites of your potential medical schools. many will have "desired qualities" of medical students or something similar.

example: loyola http://www.meddean.luc.edu/admissions/requirements.htm

"Personal characteristics..... Ideal candidates possess maturity, integrity and the ability to work with a diverse patient population. In keeping with our Jesuit heritage, we look favorably on candidates who have shown the capacity to work and care for people from different social and economic groups, as well as learn from them."

 

[N-toxicologist]

I had a number of people to choose from when it came to asking for LOR's. I chose the ones that knew me in the capacity I wanted to focus on. For instance, one prof is very familiar with my situation of being a non-trad, and I know will write a very heartfelt letter about my maturity, attitude, and personal strength as a full time student, mother, etc. Another is a prof with whom I've had several conversations with and I always go to her with questions about everything. Her letter will focus on my enthusiasm, intelligence, etc. And of course, my research supervisor will focus on the aspect of me wanting to be a DO/Ph.D.

My advice is to think about how each prof knows you, and choose those strengths for them to write about so when they write a rave review for you, it will sound genuine because they are writing about the capacity in which they know you. I also supplied my profs with copies of my PS, a little background sheet about my life, family, stats, classes I've taken, goals, work experience, philosophy of medicine, and on and on...

 

[Aegis]

I have a question about how long the letter is supposed to be. One of the nurses that I have worked with for over two years wrote me a letter. Although it gets to the point and is very heart filled, it is only about two paragraphs and a quarter of a page long. Whats average? Should I have her rewrite it and make it longer.

 

[Howard Roark]

FYI: Dont be afraid to asking for a "strong positive LOR" - that way you know it will be good. If they say "No" - at least you know and move on.


gl