trouble getting 3rd LOR....

[heyimnick]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey all, for my prehealth committee file for med school apps, I require 3 letters of recommendation, at least 2 from university faculty. I have those 2 taken care of, but I really dont have someone that I can get for the 3rd letter. I worked with a professor last semester in a lab, but I dont feel comfortable with her writing it. As it stands right now, the only real options are the learning resources advisor (she runs our learning resources department, and i am a supplemental instructor who helps out the gen chem class), who i don't know that well, but is nice enough. The other, I suppose, is one from the volunteer coordinator at the hospital I volunteer at, and I see even less of her. I don't know any physicians who can write me a LOR, so this leaves me with some difficulties. Any suggestions at all would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[slim06]

Hey Dude/ette,
I got a recommendation from my volunteer coordinator, but she showed it to me and it didn't say anything except that I had worked for XXX hours. Unless your volunteer coordinator really knows what you did in the hospital and can talk about your personality and skills, I'd recommend that you go to the lab professor over the volunteer coordinator. I know that it's embarassing and we all hate to ask for it, but the worst that she can say is 'no'. Maybe is there another work supervisor - even from a summer - who knows you well?

Hey all, for my prehealth committee file for med school apps, I require 3 letters of recommendation, at least 2 from university faculty. I have those 2 taken care of, but I really dont have someone that I can get for the 3rd letter. I worked with a professor last semester in a lab, but I dont feel comfortable with her writing it. As it stands right now, the only real options are the learning resources advisor (she runs our learning resources department, and i am a supplemental instructor who helps out the gen chem class), who i don't know that well, but is nice enough. The other, I suppose, is one from the volunteer coordinator at the hospital I volunteer at, and I see even less of her. I don't know any physicians who can write me a LOR, so this leaves me with some difficulties. Any suggestions at all would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[BozoSparky]

Hey Dude/ette,
I got a recommendation from my volunteer coordinator, but she showed it to me and it didn't say anything except that I had worked for XXX hours. Unless your volunteer coordinator really knows what you did in the hospital and can talk about your personality and skills, I'd recommend that you go to the lab professor over the volunteer coordinator. I know that it's embarassing and we all hate to ask for it, but the worst that she can say is 'no'. Maybe is there another work supervisor - even from a summer - who knows you well?

If you ask your research advisor, bring him/her a CV, list of activities, ect. Anything that will give this person more information about you. Discuss what you accomplished during your time in the lab. Be positive!!!

 

[moranwoods]

I think ADCOMS are looking for letters that describe your character so that they may judge you potential to be a doctor. They want to know about your work ethic, dedication, motivation, ability to work with others, etc. What about former managers?

How you ask the question is very important as well.

Try to phrase the question like, "Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation for medical school?" This leaves them the option to say know and it also gives you a heads up on whether they will write you a solid letter. Perhaps your volunteer coordinator could reevaluate her letter.