What material to give letter writter?

[uclaussr]

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CV, personal statement, what kind of envelopes?

Also when do you typically give them a thank you gift?

 

[Morsetlis]

Don't forget stamped, addressed envelope with routing forms in them (typically university career centers or Interfolio will have a routing form).

As for thank-you gifts.. um.. I've never given one..

 

[JJMrK]

I'd probably do less of a CV and more of a "here's a list of things I've done to get into med school."

 

[riverjib]

I'd go with a CV and a very abbreviated version of why you want to go to med school. Even if you have no real work experience, your CV should list your education, honors, research, volunteer activities, and any relevant experience. Your short "personal statement" should detail what keeps you motivated to pursue med school.

On a side note, I hope this is not one of your primary LORs. You should have at least one person who knows you well enough not to need much prompting to write your LOR. Your CV should only serve as something s/he checks to make sure all the details in the LOR coincide with what you plan to put on your AMCAS. It's fine to have LORs that are formulaic, but one of them should be really genuine and captivating.

 

[rHinO1]

I gave every writer a copy of my resume, a 1 page list of my pertinent EC's with bullet points and description, my transcripts, and the routing form from interfolio. I also made appts. to meet with each writer to discuss my goals.

Interfolio lets writers submit by mail or online. Every writer I asked wanted to do it online so no envelopes were necessary. Online seems more convenient.

Also, I put my packet together in a plastic report cover with a cover sheet that included my name, the date I was requesting the letter by, and the professor/writers name.

 

[The Enchanter]

I just gave my letter writers a transcript and personal statement. My premed office has forms that go to each letter writer with instructions for writing the letter as well as instructions on how to return it to the premed office.

 

[Catalystik]

If convenient, include a small photo, so they recall who you are.

Do not give a gift. It looks bad (bribe, anyone?). After you're accepted a letter of appreciation would be nice, or a plate of cookies/brownies (homemade) if you really know them well. Or a $5 Starbucks card.

 

[lstone13]

I gave my letter writers my resume, a brief statement on why I chose to persue medicine (not my personal statement though), and either the evaluation form (necessary for pre-med committee packets) or routing letter (for those letters that went directly to AMCAS).

Personally, I don't think a gift would ever be appropriate in this situation, neither before nor after the letter has been written. However, a thank you note would be good. Also, I sent application updates a few times this year to keep my letter writers updated on schools I was interviewing at, etc.

 

[casillas]

don't give a gift to a letter writer, there is a word for that... bribe.

Give a personal statement (even rough draft is good) or a resume. Mailing supplies. and most important...

Give them a DEADLINE TO COMPLETE THE LETTER!!!! It will save you a lot of heartache especially if you give them a deadline that is a month before you actually need it.