Are you a premed student feeling anxious about the daunting task of requesting a letter of recommendation? It's a lot like summoning the courage to ask someone out on a first date. Even if you have a longstanding relationship with the person, the fear of rejection lingers in the background.
But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way! As someone who has both requested and received numerous recommendation letters, I can assure you that there's a right way and a wrong way to approach this. And you definitely want to choose the former. By taking proactive measures beforehand, you can alleviate the worry of potential rejections.
Let's delve into three fundamental steps that will pave your way to obtaining excellent letters of recommendation for your medical school application.
Step 1: Cultivate Strong Relationships from Day One
This is where many premedical students falter. Without well-established connections, it's challenging to secure outstanding letters. Your parents' acquaintance doesn't count here. The moment you set your sights on becoming a premed, it's crucial to consciously forge relationships with individuals who are qualified to write your medical school recommendation letters. As much as we wish there were shortcuts, the truth is that a great letter necessitates a great rapport.
Step 2: Timing is Key—Ask Early and Aim High!
The magic number is six months in advance! That's when you should initiate contact with your potential letter writers. Remember, you're probably not the only student seeking recommendations from your professor or lab supervisor. They already have a full plate, and writing recommendation letters is considered "non-essential" work. In other words, their jobs won't be on the line if they choose not to write your letter. Consequently, your request may not rank high on their priority list. This is precisely why you must ask early and secure your spot at the front of the line. Students who approach them later will have to take a back seat. Moreover, by asking ahead of time, you provide your letter writer with no valid excuse for missing the submission deadline.
Extraordinary and exceptional! These are not words typically associated with requests from premed students seeking recommendation letters. However, when I request a letter, I never settle for less. Don't shy away from explicitly expressing your desire for greatness. Remember, a generic letter is merely good, and good is synonymous with average. What you need is a letter that stands out and exceeds expectations. Embrace the courage to make such a bold request.
Step 3: Provide Supplementary Materials
Sometimes, our letter writers need a gentle reminder. They interact with numerous students and can't possibly remember every detail about each one. Give yourself an advantage by sending them supplementary information to jog their memory and remind them of your accomplishments. Share your curriculum vitae (CV) and, if you've already composed a personal statement, forward that as well. This will enable your letter writer to craft a recommendation that authentically reflects your character and experiences.
Remember, recommendation letters play an immensely influential role in the medical school admission process. As admissions committees have limited opportunities to personally engage with applicants, they heavily rely on the insights provided by others.
