Need help with letter of recomendations

[briansle]

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Hi,

what did you give your professors to help them write a letter of rec? I think I plan on giving them, grade transcripts, a list of the dental related activities I've done, a reason why I want to go into dentistry, and my DAT scores.

Should that be enough? What else can I add?

Also what kind of gift did you give the professor for writing the letter? Box of chocolates?

 

[ItsGavinC]

Those sound like good ideas, however I didn't give them most of those things you did.

I didn't give them my DAT scores because professors have nothing to do with DAT scores. I didn't give them my transcripts because it's none of their business (and has nothing to do with their LOR) how I did in all of my classes.

I didn't give them a list of why I want to be a dentist, because that's a list of MY reasons and shouldn't affect their letter one way or another.

In fact, all I gave them was a reminder of the grades I received in their classes (and they could have looked those up, and I'm sure they did to verify).

An LOR shouldn't be another person restating the obvious (youy GPA, your DAT scores, why you want to be a dentist). That does no good.

What it should be is an outsider giving their opinion of you as a person. Of course, if they are a professor then the grade you earned in their course(s) is fair game, but most of those other things aren't, in my opinion.

[Think of it this way. What if you had an employer write you an LOR (I did). If they referred to your DAT scores or your GPA, it would probably look a bit foolish. They have nothing to do with your DAT scores nor GPA. Adcoms don't care what they think of your DAT scores or GPA. Adcoms wnat the person to vouch for your character and motivations.]

 

[takingyearoff?]

Hi,

what did you give your professors to help them write a letter of rec? I think I plan on giving them, grade transcripts, a list of the dental related activities I've done, a reason why I want to go into dentistry, and my DAT scores.

Should that be enough? What else can I add?

Also what kind of gift did you give the professor for writing the letter? Box of chocolates?

give them an EXACT date that you need it done by!! I had one professor take two months longer than i wanted and now i am stuck waiting on hold and alternate lists. Nothing is more important than getting your application in early, I cannot stress this enough. Otherwise, good luck!!

 

[dentwannabe]

hey... ANYONE PLEASE ANSWER THIS..

by the way, nice to meet you all, i've been watching these boards for a long time now... i just have a question though..

I took Genetics and got a B in it... should I still ask the professor for a letter of rec? I know him so I'm thinking he might write me one... or would he not? cuz i didn't ace his class? i dont mean to sound arrogant cuz by no means do I get straight As... its just should I ask him for a LOR if i got a B..

Thanks

 

[briansle]

Hmm, I say if he knows you personally, then better to get a letter from him, than a professor who really doesn't know you.

Also, what did you guys give you professors to say thank you?

 

[Sweeti8286]

I didn't give my profs anything.....just kept them updated on my process.....

 

[wimmcs]

Hi,

what did you give your professors to help them write a letter of rec? I think I plan on giving them, grade transcripts, a list of the dental related activities I've done, a reason why I want to go into dentistry, and my DAT scores.

Should that be enough? What else can I add?

Also what kind of gift did you give the professor for writing the letter? Box of chocolates?

I made up a paper that included a synopsis of work experience, reasons for pursuing dentistry (just as you mentioned), volunteer work experience, dental related experience, (also as you mentioned), degrees obtained, GPA, and some personal info that may set me apart from my peers (like I lived in Mexico for most of my childhood life... so obvioulsy fluent in Spanish, non-traditional w/family, etc)
I wrote them all a very nice and sincere thank you card. I know 2 of them have them hanging in their office. Hope this helps.