When to ask for LoRs?

[Kouneko]

---

Members don't see this ad.

If I am applying for post-baccs/master's the end of this year... Should I ask for letter of recommendations right now? Like right after you take a class from a professor then you ask a letter from that professor? Or should I ask for a letter closer to the application date?

Also, if I am applying for dental school next year, can I reuse the same letters?

Thank you!

 

[nowaysurvey]

Personally, I like to ask (I want to clarify here that by "asking" I mean giving your professor a heads up, your sincere request should come later) my professor for letters of recommendation like 4-6 weeks into the semester (you should never wait til the end of the semester, or, even worst, around application time to ask). Around this time, usually you'll have several quizzes and a test or two that you've done well on, actively participated in classes, and met with the professor maybe once or twice. So with all that stuff done, hopefully the professor notices you by now. When asking a professor for a LOR, I would usually ask in person. If they say yes, give them your PS, resume, or CV to make their life easier. If not, give them the middle finger. I kid! Just thank them anyways and awkwardly move on. Also just to put it out there, when asking for a LOR, it is best to ask for a POSITIVE / STRONG letter of recommendation. I have heard horror stories from other professors and students claiming their professors offering letters only to write negatively about the student (so not cool). It's also advised to go around and ask a few professors just in case one decides to back down later on. Two or maybe three weeks before the letter is due, send the professor a friendly reminder that you're about to apply to whatever, and you'll give them the necessary information on where to submit them. Once everything is said and done, it wouldn't hurt to send them a gift card or a thank you note to show your appreciation to them.

Depending on what the letter writer wrote, I would advise not to use the exact same letters you use for post-bac/masters to apply for dental school. If in doubt, I'm sure if doesn't hurt to ask your professors once again to revise your letters when applying to dental school. Better yet, you can aim to use letters from professors, etc that you will have during the post-bac/masters program.

Best of luck~

 

[dentalabscessed]

The longer you wait after taking the course, the less the professor is going to remember you! Too add onto what @nowaysurvey said, it's also okay to ask right after taking the course.

One thing I wish I knew as a pre-dent is how useful Interfolio.com is. It is a service that will hold all your letters for years (depending on what subscription option you choose) for a reasonable fee, until you need to submit them to AADSAS. No envelopes or stamps to worry about. It's all digital. The professors send letters to Interfolio, and Interfolio sends them to AADSAS. By the time you apply, your professors may not remember you, but the letters will stay fresh.

 

[SmileItsLife]

The longer you wait after taking the course, the less the professor is going to remember you! Too add onto what @nowaysurvey said, it's also okay to ask right after taking the course.

One thing I wish I knew as a pre-dent is how useful Interfolio.com is. It is a service that will hold all your letters for years (depending on what subscription option you choose) for a reasonable fee, until you need to submit them to AADSAS. No envelopes or stamps to worry about. It's all digital. The professors send letters to Interfolio, and Interfolio sends them to AADSAS. By the time you apply, your professors may not remember you, but the letters will stay fresh.

If I'm taking a prof this semester as a sophomore. Should I ask for a LOR at the end of this term? Or wait until January of next year? Will the date on the letter matter?

 

[dentalabscessed]

If I'm taking a prof this semester as a sophomore. Should I ask for a LOR at the end of this term? Or wait until January of next year? Will the date on the letter matter?

A LOR at the end of this term is best, the professor's impression of you will be stronger and more specific (as opposed to asking next term, after the professor has come into contact with a ton of other students). I haven't heard of dates on letters being a problem unless you're a nontraditional candidate applying for dental school with a LOR from ten years ago.