BSMD Programs: A Comprehensive Guide by Kristen Moon

Author:Kristen Moon [Moon, Kristen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798657048407
Google: vMMJzgEACAAJ
Publisher: Amazon
Published: 2020-09-09T23:13:48.467952+00:00

Chapter 25: Asking for Letters of Recommendation

Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take you to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.

Earl Nightingale

Another essential part of your application is the letter of recommendation. Many BS/MD programs require you submit at least two letters of recommendation, while others let you submit up to four. Some schools might have certain requirements on who they want the letter from, so make sure to pay close attention to each school’s qualification. For example, some schools might require that at least one letter comes from your guidance counselor, while others might require that it comes from a science or math teacher.

Remember, quality is always better than quantity. Even if you can submit four letters of recommendation, you should think carefully on who you will ask. If each of your letter writers aren’t able to add anything new to your application, then you shouldn’t ask them. Only include those who can truly add something meaningful to your application. The content is more important than how many letters you can submit.

Teachers

Teachers can be a good source for you. However, especially for BS/MD programs, you should ask a teacher of math or science, rather than English or economics. Even better is a teacher who has known you for several years whom you might have interacted with outside of the classroom.

For example, if you have a mentor whom you worked with for one of your extracurricular activities or you spent time after class asking questions, they might be a good person to ask. They can speak to your determination to succeed, your growth over the years, and other good qualities you might possess.

Outside Letters of Recommendation

It is a good idea to ask other people who might have different experiences with you. For example, if you worked in a lab, you could ask the lab director or someone higher up in the lab whom you worked with closely.

Or, if you work at a part-time job, you might want to consider asking your manager. Your supervisor at the place where you volunteered or even the doctor you shadowed can all be excellent candidates to ask to write your letter of recommendation. By diversifying the type of person you ask, you can paint a better picture of who you are to your admission officer.

When Should I Ask?

Your guidance counselor or teacher is likely going to be flooded with requests to write letters of recommendation. Get ahead of the crowd by asking the summer before your senior year. Give them plenty of time to write the letter of recommendation. If they agree to write the letter, make sure to remind them once you return at the start of your senior year. That way, you won’t have to worry about the deadline, and they won’t feel rushed when writing the letter.

How To Ask

If possible, you should always ask in person. Teachers and mentors are usually willing to take the time to write a letter of recommendation, especially if you give them ample time before the deadline.

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