Is this a good LOR? Any recommendations on what to add.. Forum

[sweet02215]

Z

[WhiskeyGuy]

It would benefit from anecdotes that explain some of the praise. Without at least a couple, the letter runs the risk of seeming as if the referee doesn't remember much and is just putting in standard praise. I notice you've only worked for him/her for only 3 months, so maybe this isn't possible, but it is ideal.

[sweet02215]

Thanks WhiskeyGuy! I just e-mailed her letting her know! Anyone else?

[sweet02215]

bump


anyone??!

[Ayeshabelle]

Examples that explicitly showcase your intellectual abilities might help. This statement makes it obvious that the recommender likes you and the reviewer might wonder if the general praise stems from a positive halo effect. Maybe you are a sweet, hard-working girl with good diction and a nice smile but not much going for you intellectually. Not saying that is actually true in your case, but it is quite common and the adcomms may be looking out for it.

"The applicant speaks intelligently" is a weaker statement than "The applicant has demonstrated her considerable intellectual ability with her successful handling of situation X. Our firm has come to rely upon her (insert intellectual skill/attribute) and (insert intellectual skill/attribute) in our (insert responsibility that requires use of intellectual skill/attribute) and (insert responsibility that requires use of intellectual skill/attribute)"

Hope it helps

[sweet02215]

that definitely helps!

[b.gump81]

any adcomm that knew you saw your LOR beforehand, let alone had a part in writing it, most likely would not give you an acceptance

be careful