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