LOR - directions? Forum

[MAPP]

I'm planning on getting LOR from one of my econ profs and my pre-law prof. Should I give them "directions" on what I'd like them to address or cover? Or should I just say, "hey man I need an LOR by this date, thanks."

[bmathers]

I'm planning on getting LOR from one of my econ profs and my pre-law prof. Should I give them "directions" on what I'd like them to address or cover? Or should I just say, "hey man I need an LOR by this date, thanks."

They would greatly appreciate some advice or pointers on what you are looking for and maybe some refreshers on your time with that prof. An LOR from a prof (or an LOR for LS in general), should focus on your ability to handle academic pressures/stress and succeed - not your personality or attendance track record, etc.

From what I have gathered and been told by those smarter and more informed than I, what LS's are looking for out of academic LORs is proof that you can handle the academic workload of law school and succeed.

Good luck!

[Deardevil]

Unless you are super close with the professor(s), you should help make the process easier for each;
a resume or samples of writing could do the trick.
Or pick out a date to meet with an instructor to discuss what the LOR should entail.

[MAPP]

I'm planning on getting LOR from one of my econ profs and my pre-law prof. Should I give them "directions" on what I'd like them to address or cover? Or should I just say, "hey man I need an LOR by this date, thanks."

They would greatly appreciate some advice or pointers on what you are looking for and maybe some refreshers on your time with that prof. An LOR from a prof (or an LOR for LS in general), should focus on your ability to handle academic pressures/stress and succeed - not your personality or attendance track record, etc.

From what I have gathered and been told by those smarter and more informed than I, what LS's are looking for out of academic LORs is proof that you can handle the academic workload of law school and succeed.

Good luck!

What about getting a LOR from a non-academic? I did policy research for a city councilor for a semester and he was very impressed, and is using it to craft a city ordinance on paid sick and safe leave. What should I ask him to address, since there really wasn't academic pressure?

Thanks for the help btw!

[Mikey]

What about getting a LOR from a non-academic? I did policy research for a city councilor for a semester and he was very impressed, and is using it to craft a city ordinance on paid sick and safe leave. What should I ask him to address, since there really wasn't academic pressure?

Thanks for the help btw!

The consensus is that academic LORs are preferred if you're still in undergrad or haven't been out long. I think you should get the LOR from the city councilor as a third LOR IF you're applying to a scholarship that requires a third one. If you're not, then I say go with the 2 academics.