What items to bring when asking for LOR?

[Turkelton]

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I only found partial answers to this on the search engine, and was wondering what I should bring to the professor's office when asking them for LOR? Thanks!

Also I received a "B" in my upper-div physio course, and was wondering if its okay to ask for LOR's if you receive a "B" in a class. The prof used to teach physio at UCSF med school, and I don't know if receiving a LOR from an ex-med school professor is more advantageous than receiving a LOR from another professor. It's probably not, just wondering?

 

[DrMidlife]

First and foremost: you want to ask if the prof can give you a solid, positive letter. If they don't immediately say yes, or don't otherwise show you enthusiasm, look elsewhere. Hesitation means you have a wild card. Not good.

Don't worry about a B. Worry about not being memorable, if you're going to worry.

What to bring: make a presentation packet that has everything in it. Don't wait to be asked for something.
1. Resume if you have one
2. Transcript(s)
3. Your med school personal essay, even if it's a crappy first draft (the prof might offer good feedback)
.....actually this should be sent before you meet, so the prof has the opportunity to read it ahead of time
4. The form that the letter service (interfolio etc.) requires
5. A stamped, addressed envelope to the service for the LOR and form to go in
.....make sure you waive the right to read the letter, lots of profs will send you a draft of their letter before they finalize anyway
6. A picture of yourself

I used a clear sheet protector, and put a removeable label on the front with my name, "Recommendation Request" and my email and phone front & center.

Be prepared to be interviewed, and use it as med school interview practice. I wouldn't put on a suit, but you know, don't wear the ripped t-shirt that day.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Turkelton]

Thanks Dr. Midlife! The advice is appreciated, and is definitely useful. Congrats on your NOVA acceptance!!

 

[nascardoc]

Cash always works too 😉



Dr. Midlife has good info there

 

[TexasTriathlete]

An apple.

 

[Jpc984]

Give the prof a definite date the letter is due... If you say you need it in a couple of months, the professor may take his time.

 

[CDO2012]

Make sure you to go to the website of the med schools you want to apply to. Some of them have special requests for what they want in the LOR. I had to ask a prof to write a second letter after I saw what one of the schools wanted included in it.

 

[Darktide]

a $53 dollar bill helps all LOR requests =)

Or an offer of Lunch.... =)