Setting yourself up for success!

Identifying Possible Evaluators Ideally, you should have more evaluators in mind than you actually need Casting the net wide (and early) allows you to replace anyone who is not willing or able to write you a letter Select appropriate evaluators based on what you are applying for (admission to med school, an internship program, scholarships, etc.) For medical school, you will need 3 Academic Letters (at least one must be from a Science Faculty Member) You may also submit 2 optional letters (Additional faculty, Research faculty, doctor’s shadowed, work supervisors, volunteer coordinators)

Create a spreadsheet Evaluator’s Name Address Phone number Date you requested the letter Deadline agreed upon Date to submit packet of info Date to follow up (3 weeks before deadline, if not received early) Thank you letter sent?

Making the Request Always ask for a letter of evaluation/recommendation in person. Always ask at least one month before the deadline For med school apps, ask early so you know where you stand Request an appointment Request (for the appt) may by phone/voice mail or through Give the reason for requesting the appointment Be on time for the appointment Look nice (you don’t have to “dress up”, but don’t show up in sweats and flip flops!)

What to actually say Tell them the purpose of the letter you are requesting. Explain how a letter from the person will help support what you wish to accomplish. Ask if they will consider writing a letter on your behalf. Sweat bullets until they answer! If no, thank them for their consideration and depart. If yes, tell them that you are putting together a packet for their use. Ask when and how they would like to receive it from you. For Med School, ask if they have worked with the Interfolio system before. Give them the date when the letter is to be submitted.

Packet Contents Current Resume If you need help, please make an appt with Lesley. Personal Statement (And/or app required materials) This can be in rough draft form. Grade Report (or informal transcript) Photo Passport photo, or any other professional looking head shot Instructions for how (and, if relevant, when) to submit letter Put the information together in a folder or envelope

Gentle Reminders About three weeks before the letter is due, touch base with your writer ( is fine). Tell them that you are working on the application materials and (either) A)that you still plan to submit by the agreed upon date B)that you have adjusted your submission date to “X” and they are welcome to use the extra time also. Say that you are confirming that they still plan to write a letter on your behalf and that the letter will be ready by “X”.

Acknowledgement For internship programs, scholarships, etc., please send your letter writers a thank you note after the deadline has passed. Send another thank you letter when/if you accomplish the goal of the letter. For med school apps, send a quick thank you as soon as the letter is uploaded to Interfolio. Send another thank you letter when/if you are admitted to med school.