Profs Ignoring LOR Request Emails

[CuteElectron]

Three days ago I briefly emailed 3 profs all of whose classes I got A's on last semester to ask them if they could write me a LOR for my upcoming scholarship application.
So far, none of them responded.
I often went to their office hours, they know who I am and I got A's in their classes, but how come they all ignore my emails?
Any thoughts?

 

[wizenedone]

Asking them for LORs through email is probably not a good idea.

 

[CuteElectron]

But since new semester started I went to their office and they were never there.

 

[wizenedone]

But since new semester started I went to their office and they were never there.

Well, usually they are available during office hours.

 

[mdgator]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=521496&highlight=grade+bump

I have a hunch

 

[njbmd]

Three days ago I briefly emailed 3 profs all of whose classes I got A's on last semester to ask them if they could write me a LOR for my upcoming scholarship application.
So far, none of them responded.
I often went to their office hours, they know who I am and I got A's in their classes, but how come they all ignore my emails?
Any thoughts?

Back in the "dark ages" when I asked for a letter of recommendation from my professors for medical school, I furnished them with a packet that contained the following:

• A copy of my CV
• A copy of my personal statement
• A list of the medical schools and locations (that I was applying to)
• A cover letter that contained the deadlines and addresses of where I needed the letter sent plus a thank-you.
• A waiver of my rights to see the letter.
• A stamped addressed envelope to my committee.

I personally delivered this packet to the professor (during office hours) when I asked them (face to face) if they would be willing to write a letter in support of my admission into medical school.

As soon as I had verification that the letter had been received by my committee, I sent a formal thank-you letter. I did not ever sent an e-mail other than to update them on my progress in the admissions process.

I didn't have any problems obtaining far more letters than I needed for this process.

 

[UVAbme2009]

The initial request needs to be in person.

 

[CuteElectron]

I should've have just tried to see them in person in the first place. But it's no use crying over spilt milk. Would it be weird if I visit them in person now to ask for it again?

 

[jjmack]

I should've have just tried to see them in person in the first place. But it's no use crying over spilt milk. Would it be weird if I visit them in person now to ask for it again?

I would try to see them in person and if they aren't enthusiastic about writing you a LOR i'd try to find another person. Best of luck.

 

[Pedsbro]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=521496&highlight=grade+bump

I have a hunch

Hmm...that definitely changed my perspective about this thread and the OP...

 

[NJDIF]

Hmm...that definitely changed my perspective about this thread and the OP...

exactly. what makes you think someone is going to take the time to write nice things about you if you put them through these kinds of ordeals?

If I was a professor and you carried on like you said you did in that thread I wouldn't respond to your emails either.

 

[nu2004]

today is Sunday. most profs ignore their school email over the weekend. you probably sent these what, Thursday afternoon?

relax. you may hear something this week. some profs take months to respond to email. besides, you should be doing this in person anyway.

 

[BlackSails]

relax. you may hear something this week. some profs take months to respond to email. besides, you should be doing this in person anyway.

I think I have a record on that one. Two weeks ago, I got an email reply from a professor that I emailed last January

 

[iA-MD2013]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=521496&highlight=grade+bump

I have a hunch

yeah...don't ask your biochem prof for a letter.

 

[iA-MD2013]

I think I have a record on that one. Two weeks ago, I got an email reply from a professor that I emailed last January

that's impossible

 

[bioteach]

Back in the "dark ages" when I asked for a letter of recommendation from my professors for medical school, I furnished them with a packet that contained the following:

• A copy of my CV
• A copy of my personal statement
• A list of the medical schools and locations (that I was applying to)
• A cover letter that contained the deadlines and addresses of where I needed the letter sent plus a thank-you.
• A waiver of my rights to see the letter.
• A stamped addressed envelope to my committee.

I personally delivered this packet to the professor (during office hours) when I asked them (face to face) if they would be willing to write a letter in support of my admission into medical school.

As soon as I had verification that the letter had been received by my committee, I sent a formal thank-you letter. I did not ever sent an e-mail other than to update them on my progress in the admissions process.

I didn't have any problems obtaining far more letters than I needed for this process.

I don't usually follow through with a LOR unless I receive these things. It is a huge pain to be asked to write a letter and then have to ask the student to furnish a CV, med school list, stamped and addressed envelopes, etc. Go to your professors office hours with those things in hand (even if they haven't yet agreed) and provide them to the professor if they agree to write the letter. Pretty much all email requests get ignored unless I really have alot of time to kill one day. If a student can't be bothered to come in person and furnished above mentioned items, why should I put out the effort to write a letter?

 

[MilkmanAl]

I emailed all of the profs I got recs from with my initial request. Of course, that was only because I was a thousand miles away from them at the time. I would've asked them all in person If I'd had my act together before the school year ended.

 

[BlackSails]

that's impossible

I honestly have no idea how he found my email. He is physics dept chair, he must get hundreds of emails per week.

 

[bluesnowbunny]

.

 

[Wylde]

Asking them for LORs through email is probably not a good idea.

QFT

Go talk to the people you want to write LORs for you. If you were a professor, would you want to take time out of your day to write a letter for some kid who isn't even polite enough to meet you in person?

Seriously, these guys are going to write you recommendations! Why would they want to write anything positive if they probably don't even know what you look like (try to get LORs from people who know you, 10% of every class gets an A, the professor has no idea who you are...).

 

[strongboy2005]

Back in the "dark ages" when I asked for a letter of recommendation from my professors for medical school, I furnished them with a packet that contained the following:

• A copy of my CV
• A copy of my personal statement
• A list of the medical schools and locations (that I was applying to)
• A cover letter that contained the deadlines and addresses of where I needed the letter sent plus a thank-you.
• A waiver of my rights to see the letter.
• A stamped addressed envelope to my committee.

I personally delivered this packet to the professor (during office hours) when I asked them (face to face) if they would be willing to write a letter in support of my admission into medical school.

As soon as I had verification that the letter had been received by my committee, I sent a formal thank-you letter. I did not ever sent an e-mail other than to update them on my progress in the admissions process.

I didn't have any problems obtaining far more letters than I needed for this process.

What do you do if your undergrad university doesn't have a pre-med committee?

 

[ChubbyChaser]

What do you do if your undergrad university doesn't have a pre-med committee?

get individual letters....Most of the time schools require 2 science facutly...and one nonscience.

It might also be a good idea to get a research advisor or volunteer coordinatior and then maybe a physician you shadowed.