Please Review

Started by gabem480
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gabem480

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Would this be considered a strong LOR? I just received this from one of my old professors. Thank you for your time.

January 28, 2017


Admissions Committee

This letter is in regards to ------------- and his goal to be admitted to medical school. I have chosen to address keys points I believe would be important factors in considering his application.

Mr. Martinez was a student in my Introduction to Psychology course offered by -------------- in the spring of 2014. My recommendation is therefore based on this time, his interaction with me and others in class, his academic performance and finally an important shift which is one of the strong reasons I choose to write this letter.

First, I would like to address the shift. Many times I have people in my classes taking courses when they are ‘trying out’ the college experience and not sure if they will proceed. Then there are those people who become true students; they want to learn, excel, set academic challenges and proceed with purpose. I believe this is the shift Mr. Martinez underwent and it reframed his perspective on education and goals for him. His academic performance is evidence of this shift.

Secondly, students that are both working and taking classes need discipline and perseverance to be successful. It can be an overwhelming task to fulfill both work requirements and college class work. Mr. Martinez’s attendance in the course was consistence, on time and regular, particularly for an early morning class. Many times he had worked a night shift and came directly to class from work. He excelled in taking tests, completing assignments on time and meeting all requirements to earn an A in the course.

The third point I am addressing is Mr. Martinez’s interaction and participation in the class. Many students have answers in discussion they would like to share, however not all students apply a critical eye to those answers and question theory or application. This area stands out for me and it is one of the reasons I remember Mr. Martinez so well. His ability to express those ideas motivated others in the class to question and participate in the discussions. I have a vivid memory of the excitement he generated with one student in particular after such an interaction.

Finally, I would ask the Admission Committee to seriously consider Mr. Martinez’s request for admittance. I believe he would exceed all requirements and be a successful contributor to the medical community.

Respectfully submitted,


----------------------,MA

Adj Faculty --------------/Psychology
 
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Would this be considered a strong LOR? I just received this from one of my old professors. Thank you for your time.

January 28, 2017


Admissions Committee

This letter is in regards to ------------- and his goal to be admitted to medical school. I have chosen to address keys points I believe would be important factors in considering his application.

Mr. Martinez was a student in my Introduction to Psychology course offered by -------------- in the spring of 2014. My recommendation is therefore based on this time, his interaction with me and others in class, his academic performance and finally an important shift which is one of the strong reasons I choose to write this letter.

First, I would like to address the shift. Many times I have people in my classes taking courses when they are ‘trying out’ the college experience and not sure if they will proceed. Then there are those people who become true students; they want to learn, excel, set academic challenges and proceed with purpose. I believe this is the shift Mr. Martinez underwent and it reframed his perspective on education and goals for him. His academic performance is evidence of this shift.

Secondly, students that are both working and taking classes need discipline and perseverance to be successful. It can be an overwhelming task to fulfill both work requirements and college class work. Mr. Martinez’s attendance in the course was consistence, on time and regular, particularly for an early morning class. Many times he had worked a night shift and came directly to class from work. He excelled in taking tests, completing assignments on time and meeting all requirements to earn an A in the course.

The third point I am addressing is Mr. Martinez’s interaction and participation in the class. Many students have answers in discussion they would like to share, however not all students apply a critical eye to those answers and question theory or application. This area stands out for me and it is one of the reasons I remember Mr. Martinez so well. His ability to express those ideas motivated others in the class to question and participate in the discussions. I have a vivid memory of the excitement he generated with one student in particular after such an interaction.

Finally, I would ask the Admission Committee to seriously consider Mr. Martinez’s request for admittance. I believe he would exceed all requirements and be a successful contributor to the medical community.

Respectfully submitted,


----------------------,MA

Adj Faculty --------------/Psychology

What does the letter tell us? You appeared to want to learn, (this was not observable and measurable -- he is making assumption about your mental/emotional state), you showed up on time for an early morning class, you earned a good grade, and you participated in class discussion and got others excited (this could be positive or negative - Kellyann Conway has generated quite a bit of excitement too.).

I would not call this a particularly strong letter but it is not bad.
 
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Why would you post an entire LoR that you arent even really supposed to see kn an internet forum publicly?

I'm concerned with your judgment Mr. Martinez.
 
Why would you post an entire LoR that you arent even really supposed to see kn an internet forum publicly?

I'm concerned with your judgment Mr. Martinez.

besides my last name i have removed all other identifying information as far as school and this instructors name. i was posting to gather some feedback on the content seeing as how this is the first time I have ever had to ask for a LOR for anything.
 
Why would you post an entire LoR that you arent even really supposed to see kn an internet forum publicly?

I'm concerned with your judgment Mr. Martinez.

There is no prohibition against seeing a LOR written on your behalf. In fact, you have a right in US federal law (FERPA) to anything in your academic file (which would include some LORs) unless you have waived your right to see a specific item.
Do you by chance have any suggestions that could make this a stronger lor?

Specifics plainly stated. Rather than saying, "some students do x, y, z and Mr. Martinez is such a student." a strong letter will say, "Mr. Martinez did x, y, z. I particularly recall his..."

Also, most letters close with a comparison of the applicant to all other applicants to medical school, or all other students the professor has taught etc. In that regard, it is better to have a letter from a more experienced professor who can say, "In my 27 years at x and y Universities, I have taught many students and Mr. Martinez would be in the top 5% of that group."