Several Questions about LOR's

[drgreeneatutk]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello all. I just had a couple questions about LOR's that I hope someone (or several someones) might be able to help me out with. First off I'm talking about LOR's from personal/professional aquaintences, not evaluation letters from profs. I'll just be specific so you know exactly what I'm talking about. One of the Anesthesiologists I worked with in surgery at my local hospital is writing a lor for me. He was happy to do it, but had never written one for anyone before and wasn't quite sure exaclty what makes a "great" LOR. He went ahead and wrote it and then he emailed me a copy of it to me asking if that's what I wanted. Okay, now for the questions... With my secondary apps do I have to sign something saying I haven't read my LOR's? If so do you guys have any advice on what advice I should give him on what to include. Should he include particular experiences he remembers from working with me? How long, in general, do LOR's run? 1 page? 2? I'm really clueless as to what to tell him. I figured that what was actually in my LOR's from my Profs and Doc's was the one part of this whole annoying process I wouldn't actually have to concern myself with, but I was wrong. Oh well. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks

 

[Lady Tokimi]

Oka.....go to VCOM's website....http://www.vcom.vt.edu/admissionsinfo.html
and click on the secondary application for 2006....there is a list of questions for the person writing the LOR at the end. Just have the DR follow those guidelines and put it in a form of a letter.
Yes, the schools usually makes you sign a waiver but some dont.
I dont think the LOR should be more than 1 page. Hope that helps.

 

[LT2]

Hi-

Regarding your Waiver, it usually waives your right to see your letters, UNLESS they are provided to you. basically, signing means you can't go ask whoever it was for a copy of your letter. if one is given to you, you haven't broken any rule...

from my waiver for LORs, it says the typicall letter ranges from 4 paragraphs to 2 pages, so i don't think there's any set guidelines as to how long it should be. they also ask three questions:

General intellectual qualities such as curiosity, honesty, ability to reason critically, to solve problems, and to communicate.

Personal qualities such as compassion, commitment, empathy, and leadership. Did you enjoy teaching the applicant? Can you relate any anecdotal material which will bring the student's image into focus?

Background, including steps the student has taken to test his/her goals; his/her adjustments to demands of family, school, and society; his/her need for employment; or his/her choice of leisure activities.

Hope this helps...