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Presented by Eric Lai

Recommendation Letters. Presented by Eric Lai. Why so important?. Required for professional schools Medical school: 3 required 2 science faculty, 1 non-science faculty After admissions committee views scores: Usually look at recs next Required for prestigious summer jobs/internships

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Presented by Eric Lai

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  1. Recommendation Letters Presented by Eric Lai

  2. Why so important? • Required for professional schools • Medical school: 3 required • 2 science faculty, 1 non-science faculty • After admissions committee views scores: • Usually look at recs next • Required for prestigious summer jobs/internships • Shows people that you’re more than #’s

  3. What they convey? • Positive character attributes: • Responsible (no late hw, never misses class) • Effective communicator (ask meaningful questions, quality written work) • Motivation (understand healthcare, always try) • Extracurricular Experiences • Sometimes even rank in class!!

  4. Know your teacher… • Go to office hours frequently • Minimum: 3-4 times a semester • Topics to discuss: difficult class material, study suggestions, their background (city, family, undergrad experience, research), opportunities on campus • Ask & answer questions in class • Makes you stand out, shows you’re genuinely interested in the class subject • Do NOT suck-up! (see straight through you)

  5. Know your teacher (cont) • “I’m shy and don’t like asking questions” • Alternatives: • Take advantage of office hours (one on one time) • Get to know your TA  joint recommendations • P/F seminar (smaller discussion setting) • Undergraduate research  mentor • Bag lunches/talks  Dean Laude

  6. Rec. Specifics • Request recs well in advance • Preferably 3 weeks and in person (appointment) • If applying in summer, request recs end of spring semester at the latest • Give professor a folder with: • Resume • Personal statement (clearly explain your motivation) • Unofficial transcript • Stamped envelope • Waived rec. form • Always waive your right of access to view rec • Professor gives more honest opinions

  7. Rec. Dilemma! • “Eric, I have a problem. Who should I request a rec from?” • Professor Smith is really famous and I aced his class but I never went to his office hours • I got a B in Professor Jones’ class, but I attended his office hours frequently • My answer: Professor Jones, of course! • Request from those who know you best~ • Committees don’t appreciate name-dropping

  8. Good Luck!

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