Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
I actually have a few questions about recommendation letters.
1. How should I go about asking teachers for them?
2. Is there anything I should give my teachers if they say yes?
3. Is there anything else I should know about recommendation letters?
1. I would choose teachers with whom you have a strong, personal relationship. You certainly want to select teachers whose classes you have done well in. I would simply approach them before/after class and ask "Would you be comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for me? I am applying for …." If this is not feasible, send them an e-mail asking if they would be comfortable writing a letter of recommendation and explaining why you would like a letter from them.
2. It is customary to give the teacher an envelope in which to place their recommendation. Depending on the program you are applying for, you may need to address and stamp it separately and have the teacher sign the seal (therefore preventing any tampering with the envelopes contents). Some programs will ask that you have the professor mail the envelope separately, while some request that you include it in your general mailing.
3. Remember that the teacher is doing you a favor by writing a letter of recommendation. Try to make it as easy for them as possible, including explaining what the program is you are applying for. Do not try to dictate what the teacher says. If they ask you, be prepared to talk up a few competencies you have demonstrated in their class or activities that you feel are relevant.
Good Luck!
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Monday, October 12th, 2009
I am currently applying to both MD and DO programs. I am all set with MD, but have not finished the DO. I shadowed a DO and she offered to write me a letter 4 months ago. My applications are being held up because I am waiting for this one letter. How do I get her to finish the letter for me? I have been e-mailing her but there has been no response. She had no difficulty replying before the letter was discussed. The letter is due in a month, and that is little time to get someone else to write one. Any suggestions on how I can politely get the message through?
If at all possible I would try to meet her face to face. I would begin by saying how nice of her to committ to thating time out of her busy scheduele to write the letter in the first place and then follow up in reminding her how important this letter is to you and your future. I would also add that if the letter does not get completed there are certain negative effects that will occur. Mention a few of them in a calmly manner. Once she sees your genuine concern, and how much you are relying on this letter she will understand. I would also offer to give her suggestions as to what to include in the letter, perhaps I would go as so far as writing a letter of recommendation for her approval and signature. This eliminates the burden of her time to write you this letter and you get to say exactly what you want the letter to state, all at the same time getting her to endorse it.
I was in a similar situation in the past and the above steps accomplished my goal in getting a letter of recommendation.
One final tip, set up a very specific time and location to pick up the letter. It would also "grease the wheels" if you approached her with a coffee or tea, to break the ice both when you ask her to get the letter written and again when you pick the letter up. Do not be cheap get her the large!
Hope that helps! Just in case explore other options or other people that can write you a letter of recommendation. As a plan B, even if you feel there is no time.
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