When is it a good time to ask for LOR?

[sam26880]

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I have just started taking all the pre-reqs for DAT. Currently i'm taking Bio I and doing very well. My bio prof knows that I'm planning to apply to dental school and he has agreed to write me a LOR. My question is when should I get that from him? Right now? is it too early? I'm prob. gonna be going to school in Fall 2008. If he writes one now, wouldn't he have to date it? Would the schools care if it's dated today meaning it'll be couple years old by the time they see it? Or should my prof. just write the LOR and sign it and give it to me without dating it? Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but I'm really not sure. thanks

 

[aurora507]

I have just started taking all the pre-reqs for DAT. Currently i'm taking Bio I and doing very well. My bio prof knows that I'm planning to apply to dental school and he has agreed to write me a LOR. My question is when should I get that from him? Right now? is it too early? I'm prob. gonna be going to school in Fall 2008. If he writes one now, wouldn't he have to date it? Would the schools care if it's dated today meaning it'll be couple years old by the time they see it? Or should my prof. just write the LOR and sign it and give it to me without dating it? Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but I'm really not sure. thanks

I would advise you to get your LOR as soon as you can. You never know what could happen if you wait (he could get really sick, go on sabbatical, change his mind, etc. these have all happened to people I know). I don't think dental schools would care that you got the rec a few years before applying as long as the content of the letter is good. That being said, some of the other letters you get should be dated close to when you actually apply so the adcoms see a continued trend of doing well in classes.

 

[djeffreyt]

early, and after the professor or letter writer has gotten to know you. Don't wait until they have forgotten you, and have the letters kept at your career services file or prehealth office file until you need to apply.

 

[sam26880]

early, and after the professor or letter writer has gotten to know you. Don't wait until they have forgotten you, and have the letters kept at your career services file or prehealth office file until you need to apply.

career services file? prehealth office? Not sure what you're talking about. I'm not a full time student. In fact, I already have my masters but going back to school part time (i work full time) to take this pre-reqs. Please explain. Thanks