When do I ask for LORs?

[TaeTae]

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Hi! I am the first generation in my family to pursue medical school and am seeking advice regarding a simple question: when do I ask for LORs? I want to ask the professors I have made connections with for LORs before they forget I exist, but I have no idea how to do this. I'm aware of the email process, but do I just ask them now? I'm not going to be applying this cycle; but, by the time I do apply, I doubt they will recall me well enough to write a good letter.

 

[flextape]

Create an account on Interfolio and have them upload it onto that site. It's free to store letters but it costs money to verify them (they check for everything med schools look for like letterhead, handwritten signature, etc.) and deliver them. I think it's $50 but IMO it was the best money I spent in my cycle.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

We also have a discount available through PrivateFolio as a benefit to SDN members to support this forum platform. It is a less expensive cost schedule compared to Interfolio. If you enroll in Becoming a Student Doctor, you could get access to the first year for free.

But for the question at hand, now would be a great time to ask your potential references before the application cycle starts (in the midst of your final exams and grading). We have articles about this.

 

[charm]

Quick story - I asked for a LOR from my ochem professor recently and after agreeing, they hit me back with "did you take the MCAT yet, what's in your personal statement, etc etc" then never replied. So I decided I'm just gonna ask when I have my test score and personal statement drafted to send to my prospective letter writers to get the ball rolling easily. That way they can at least write something strong about my academic and personal ability in the grand scheme. Especially if their memory of me isn't exactly crystal clear. But yeah interfolio is best if for nothing else than for how easy it is for your letter writers to use versus AAMC's convoluted system (the youtube comment section is full of confused professors lamenting the website/process).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Quick story - I asked for a LOR from my ochem professor recently and after agreeing, they hit me back with "did you take the MCAT yet, what's in your personal statement, etc etc" then never replied. So I decided I'm just gonna ask when I have my test score and personal statement drafted to send to my prospective letter writers to get the ball rolling easily. That way they can at least write something strong about my academic and personal ability in the grand scheme. Especially if their memory of me isn't exactly crystal clear. But yeah interfolio is best if for nothing else than for how easy it is for your letter writers to use versus AAMC's convoluted system (the youtube comment section is full of confused professors lamenting the website/process).

Just a note, we have a discount with PrivateFolio. Look at our Member Benefits.

 

[EEqualsRx2]

i would make them aware of your intentions to apply and that you will be requesting a letter from them. it gives them a little bit of time to think about what they want to say about you + you're not hitting them with that news last minute after they've forgotten about you. definitely use interfolio if you can and i would send the letter request to them a few months before submitting your applications.