What to include in an LOR?

[ravin]

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What are the things needed in an LOR?
I mean length, address, title, and that kind of stuff.

 

[newhavenjake]

First off, you're asking someone else to do this for you, and chances are they've already written a letter before

length: one page
Address: yes
title: not so much. Do you know how to write a letter?

 

[ravin]

First off, you're asking someone else to do this for you, and chances are they've already written a letter before

length: one page
Address: yes
title: not so much. Do you know how to write a letter?

I was primarily wondering about logistics, for the person and if there are any peculiarities about LOR writing that make it different from regular letters.
By title I was meant their title i.e. Dr. In retrospect that was a studpid question though.
thanks

 

[edfig99]

First off, you're asking someone else to do this for you, and chances are they've already written a letter before

length: one page
Address: yes
title: not so much. Do you know how to write a letter?

not just "do you know how to write a letter" but "CAN you write me a STRONG letter?"

i can't tell you how many bad letters i've read over the years. Bad meaning "so and so earned an A in my course. he was ranked 4 out of 250 students taking organic chemistry which puts him in the top 10% of all premeds I have taught. He will make and excellent physician." I kid you not...it was a waste of time and paper...and never mind the anxiety that the premed had to go through just to get a letter like that.

a letter should be written by someone who knows you well, or has taken some time to get to know you...who will write about more things than your grades.

in terms of "practical stuff" - everyone usually writes on their letterhead which has their address and other contact info, and everyone usually signs off with their title "assistant professor of whatever" most people keep them 1 to 1.5 pages. the shorter they are the more convinced i am that they have no clue who you are, so it becomes a useless letter. Committee Letters are much longer and encompass a lot more of that detail -- so if your school has a premed committee, their letter is usually enough for most schools.