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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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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
• Shows people that you’re more than #’s
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!!
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)
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
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
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