Letter of Recommendation: Commonly asked questions answered

1. What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation or letter of reference is a document containing a writer’s critique of someone’s qualities typically in a positive way. Many premeds underestimate the importance of these letter. They can actually ruin your chances at getting into medical school if done incorrectly. According to a survey of med school admission officers at 113 medical schools, the letter of recommendation was ranked as one of the most important tools used to assess candidates.1¬¬¬¬ Most letter of recommendations speak highly of the candidate so a lukewarm letter can be damaging.

2. Who should I choose?
A letter writer should be someone who has spent enough time with you to comment on qualities such as your professional behavior, perseverance, leadership abilities, and academic skills in a positive light. You may consider choosing writers who can highlight different areas you excel at. Examples of writers may be your professor, employer, volunteer supervisor preferably in an area related to medicine and healthcare. A shadowed physician can be a good choice only if you have worked with him or her on more than one occasion. Do not select an obvious family member. Also, avoid selecting someone who knows little about you, is unenthused about writing for you or is unreliable.

3. When should I ask?
Start early in developing relationships with those you feel may be strong advocates and mentors. Let them know your goal of becoming a medical doctor. Keep strong bonds with professors by meeting with them occasionally during their office hours to update them on your progress. Ask at least 1 month in advance for a letter. You need to make sure they have plenty of time. Letter writers are humans too and they can easily procrastinate.

4. How should I ask?
Do not request for a letter directly by email, before/after class, or in passing. Instead, try setting up an appointment to meet in person so you can discuss your future plans with them. Do not simply ask them if they can write a letter for you. Ask him or her if they feel comfortable writing a letter which will be helpful in supporting your application for medical school. This approach may help you get a feel for if that person can confidently and happily do so. It also allows them the opportunity to back out if they do not feel strong about writing you a powerful letter. Remember, they are doing you a favor so do not demand a letter but instead request for one. Waive your right to see the letter since many prefer confidentiality and many schools also prefer this. Provide your letter writer with a neat folder including all the materials which they will need to write the best letter they can. This may include recommendation forms, your CV, personal statement and a cover letter with your name and due date. Make it as easy as possible for your letter writer.

5. What next?
Hopefully you have done all of the above and provided your letter writer with plenty of time. Now you can sit back and relax a bit. It is okay to follow-up with your letter writer in a polite and non-nagging manner. Always think of a back-up writer just in case one of your writers fails to write the letter in a timely fashion. Don’t forget to send a thank you note to your letter writers.

References:
1. Dunleavy DM, Sondheimer H, Bletzinger RB, Castillo-Page L. Medical School Admissions: more than grades and test scores. Analysis in Brie. 2011;11(6):1-2.

 

Written by Dr. Daniel

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