Professor needs help with writing my letter. Suggestions?

[Longcatislong]

I asked my chemistry professor to write me a letter of recommendation (for next cycle). He's been taking his time on it, and recently sent me an email, which states:

"At this time, I would request that you furnish me with a brief note on the things/areas you would suggest that I highlight and expound on as I write the letter."

I've provided him with my personal statement, resume transcripts, and a little fact sheet about myself. What sort of areas to highlight should I give him? I'm a little confused, as I have never written a recommendation letter. What typically is highlighted when professors write dental school recs? Does anyone have a sample letter I could use to give him?

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[Dentalkid434]

If you had him for lab, you may want to tell him to highlight your manual dexterity and ability to work well with you hands. If you had him for lecture you may want him to highlight your level of attention during class and you your curious nature if you asked questions during class.

 

[Svande8952]

Just write the letter for him/her and tell him/her to make any changes they see fit. That worked for me and made the letters happen more quickly.

 

[Svande8952]

To whom it may concern:


Mr. xxxx completed both semesters of Anatomy and Physiology under my instruction at the College of xxx during the summer and fall of 2011. While in my class, Sxxx conducted himself in a professional and intelligent manner, taking the lead in lab situations and earning a grade of A in both semesters.


During the fall 2011 semester Sxxxx had a 14 credit hour school schedule in addition to his full time work as a fluffer and family commitments, excelling under such circumstances takes commitment and dedication. I can say with confidence that Sxxx will do well in any academic program he is accepted into.


I sincerely hope this letter helps in his admission process. Along with his good dental admission test score I anticipate Sxxxx will have a strong application. Once admitted, he will surely give dental school the same level of dedication he showed during my courses.




Best regards,
Dr. vanostrand


I'm not even sure if the adcoms read these letters, they're probably all about the same

 

[KittySquared]

You can provide him with a list of positive attributes for them to put in your letter, like your e.g.

assertiveness
politeness
ability to work in groups
intellectual curiosity

etc etc

 

[RaeRae0903]

My OChem professor asked that I meet with him to "get to know me" a little better outside of class. He said he gets asked to write a lot of letters as the dean of the department so setting up a ~30 minute meeting helps him to really figure people out and have more to say than "he or she was in my class and got this grade." Maybe see if he'd be willing to meet with you? Then he could see your passion for the field, etc? Just an idea...

 

[Longcatislong]

My OChem professor asked that I meet with him to "get to know me" a little better outside of class. He said he gets asked to write a lot of letters as the dean of the department so setting up a ~30 minute meeting helps him to really figure people out and have more to say than "he or she was in my class and got this grade." Maybe see if he'd be willing to meet with you? Then he could see your passion for the field, etc? Just an idea...

I wish I could, but i moved away from campus so that may not be possible. But good idea


Thanks everyone. SDN is so helpful!

 

[toastybread]

Just get lunch together, problem solved

 

[RaeRae0903]

Skype? FaceTime? Lol it's worth a shot... 😉

 

[steveymcdubs]

One of my professors moved from UW to Cornell. We obviously couldn't meet up, so we Skyped.