Timing is everything!!!

Recommendations usually are needed from science professors and non-science professors. Typically, its best to ask for a recommendation as soon as your class is completed with a professor. The professor will better be able to give you a favorable recommendation when they clearly remember you.  Some pre-med advisors will give a composite recommendation for pre-med students. You will be required to have an interview with the pre-med committee and they will judge your abilities as a potential medical school candidate. The composite recommendation may replace all individual recommendations. If you decide against the composite recommendation, be ready to explain to medical schools your reason for doing so.

Most students tend to ask the same faculty members for recommendations who probably have difficulty making unique recommendations for every student. To distinguish yourself from other students consider the following:

• Ask professors for recommendations who are good communicators and lecturers. If you did well in a class but the professor's lectures are difficult to understand, you may get a recommendation which is full of grammatical errors. Although they may have good intentions, it will not help you.
  
  
• Decide on your future choice of medical schools.  Attempt to get a recommendation from a physician affiliated with your choice medical school either through research or volunteer work. The medical admission committee would appreciate your diligence and would trust the opinion of someone they know.
  
  
• After doing well in a class, inquire about research opportunities with the faculty member. Ask whether the possibility exists to collaborate on a project with publishable research. It may seem forward, but researchers need to know you have serious intentions. Not only will the professor be able to state your academic ability in the recommendation but your character and research abilities can be assessed as well.
  
  
• If you are applying as a non-traditional student different rules apply. You may still need a science recommendation from your undergraduate university as well as your graduate program/employer. To cover your bases, continue to maintain a relationship with the pre-med adviser of your undergraduate university after you leave.
  
  
• Each individual school clearly states recommendation criteria in the secondary application.
  

Approaching Evaluator:
When approaching someone for a recommendation, it is important to give them the all necessary materials. When talking to them, ask them if "they would be comfortable writing a positive letter of recommendation for you. The recommendation is due on Sept 15." It is important to ask them months before you need it. During application season, many people are vying for the professor's attention so be early in your requests.

Materials for Evaluator:
Include a cover sheet that includes instructions. Ask to have your AAMC ID number printed on the letter of evaluation. This allows the recommendation letters to be matched easily with your application. The cover sheet should mention your name and phone number for them to call if they have further questions.  Make it as simple as possible for them. Include the addresses and deadlines for all recommendations. (Deadlines given to the evaluator should be three weeks before they are actually due.) Include pre-addressed envelopes with stamps to all schools. 

Curriculum vitae
List of honors/awards
List of extracurricular activities (including which activities you had a leadership role and describe duration if it was a long term association)
AMCAS essay
Transcripts

Most recommendations tend to regurgitate your personal information so establish a good relationship with the evaluator. It helps to have a recommendation that singles you out as an exceptional candidate. Most interviewers and admission committees have only a few moments to assess your personality so they look to the recommendation to get a better sense of the student.

Follow-Up:
Follow up, to make sure the recommendation is promptly being sent.  An applicant can call and say, "Dr. B, hope you are doing well. I was calling because I wanted to confirm whether you have sent my recommendation for medical school. Also, I wanted to follow up to see if you have any additional questions for me."

Send a thank you note! In addition, after you are accepted into medical school contact everyone who helped you and thank them. Let them know you would not have gained admission without their help and let them know which school you will attend. Evaluators enjoy hearing the positive results of their contributions. It also encourages them to do a recommendation for you in the future if you need one.

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