Presented by Eric Lai

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Recommendation Letters

• Presented by Eric Lai

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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 youre more than s

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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!!

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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 youre genuinely
  interested in the class subject
• Do NOT suck-up! (see straight through you)

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Know your teacher (cont)

• Im shy and dont 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

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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

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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 dont appreciate name-dropping

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Good Luck!