Not so impressive GPA, how to ask for LORs?

[colualess]

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Even though I have a really strong recent upward trend (3.8 for the last 4 quarters) my GPA is pretty mediocre (3.3ish). With not so impressive GPA, I feel a little bit uneasy asking professors for LORs though I did really well in their classes. Maybe it's just my insecurity but why would they waste their time writing a letter for someone who doesn't have the stats to apply to medical schools. How should I go about asking them for letters? Anyone's been in this situation before?


I have the same problem with my research PI. I have been working in her lab for over a year and half and I am graduating in 3 months and wanting to ask her for a LOR. We do have a very close relationship and I feel like she would write me a great letter. However, from talking to her, it seems to me that she somehow thinks I am an outstanding student who has something like 3.8 (partly because my recently strong academic performance and she always asks me how I did on my exams). Now if I gave her my transcripts and CV, I don't know what she would think and how would that affect the strength of her letter.

Any advice, comment is greatly appreciated!

P/S: I also need these letters to apply to SMP programs

 

[colualess]

Besides MCAT score (taking in August), I have all my EC's lined up and they are relatively good too (teaching, lots of clinical hours, research with 1 pub and presentations, awards, community outreach, healthcare related job etc). I am thinking about coming back sometimes in September and ask my PI for LOR when I have my MCAT score in hand (hopefully a strong score) to lessen her disappointment I guess.

 

[kimchifarmer]

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[patel2]

one good way to ask for LORs is to strike a power stance to impress your teacher

 

[kimchifarmer]

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[Torr]

You don't have to give letter writers your transcripts. Just give them your CV and personal statement for your application IMO.

Also, you should always have a one on one talk with your letter writers so you know you're both on the same page about what they're going to include and there aren't any contradictions etc.

 

[patel2]

LOL saw this episode. Hilarious.

best episode of the series. Sure beats the recent one with the beta-white knight Tanner who basically got fatter over 3 months because of his awful gf.

 

[DessieW]

Is it normal to give your transcripts to your LOR writers?

 

[patel2]

Is it normal to give your transcripts to your LOR writers?

I would say generally no, unless they ask for it. They are evaluating you primarily from how they know you as an individual combined with your performance in their specific class. If you want them to know your grades, just write your GPA on the resume you give them.

 

[colualess]

I would say generally no, unless they ask for it. They are evaluating you primarily from how they know you as an individual combined with your performance in their specific class. If you want them to know your grades, just write your GPA on the resume you give them.

Would it raise suspicion if I don't include my GPA on my CV? If I have a 3.3 and leave it off, I don't want them to think that I had a 2.8 or something.

From what I read here on SDN, it's necessary to give your LOR writers a copy of your unofficial transcript? no?

Thanks

 

[Torr]

best episode of the series. Sure beats the recent one with the beta-white knight Tanner who basically got fatter over 3 months because of his awful gf.

What show is this? The douchey man stance is intriguing.

 

[denco88]

Would it raise suspicion if I don't include my GPA on my CV? If I have a 3.3 and leave it off, I don't want them to think that I had a 2.8 or something.

From what I read here on SDN, it's necessary to give your LOR writers a copy of your unofficial transcript? no?

Thanks

What I was told was only put things on your CV that are really impressive... So no do not put your GPA... Your CV is supposed to be your highlight reel per se...

Also, all I gave my letter writers was my CV and my PS...

 

[kimchifarmer]

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[kimchifarmer]

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[patel2]

What show is this? The douchey man stance is intriguing.

I used to be fat, the episode is with Jordan and Joey. Check it out and mtv.com, and I guarantee you'll find it's the exact opposite of a douchey man stance lol