Slow LoR authors?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

ryanbeckworth

Member
7+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
20+ Year Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2001
Messages
97
Reaction score
0
One of my LoR authors was given the material almost three weeks ago. About ten days ago I ran into him and asked if he had what he needed. He did. I know that he thought highly of me, and I'm wondering if this is typical of MDs to take so long.

If I do inquire, would e-mailing be too impersonal? The guy is a critical care attending and hard to bump into most of the time.

TIA,

RB
 
I was having trouble with one of my letter writers too. Fortunately, my guy does frequently check e-mail. Most med school prof's are e-mail savy and check theirs on a regular basis, so if you do have their address, it shouldn't hurt just to e-mail a gentle reminder. You can say "thanks again for agreeing to write my letter... was wondering if you've had a chance to write it yet... if possible, the sometime in the next couple of weeks would be great as our dean recc'd that we get our letters early...". Be sure to check ADTS to see if he hasn't already sent your letter in too.
 
I checked with my Dean's Office because two of my four letters haven't been turned in yet. They said that since I already had two in and the remainder of my application was complete that I should probably wait another week or two before beginning to worry. They also said they would be willing to help "gently remind" my writers if necessary.
 
Hopefully you know their secretaries well. If so, then you can get the secretaries to lean on your writers a bit to get the letter out. If not, a phone call or email to the writer will work too. Worse case scenario, take a stroll to their office.
 
Unfortunately, this is classic. I have countless stories from people who never got the letters they were promised...until they bothered the hell outa the attending. It's unfortunate, but most attendings really never do it unless you continuously remind them, every time you see them. It sucks, but the alternative is not getting the letter in time. I had an attending tell me over and over how much he liked me, and that he would love to write me a letter when the time came. Then the time came, and I had to remind him every week because he was so busy and kept forgetting.
 
I e-mailed them last Friday afternoon. So far, have not heard a peep. Although I hate being a 'pest', it looks like I'll have to hit them again soon.

Thanks, guys.
 
Top