You’ve mustered up the courage, polished your ask to a mirror shine, and approached your chosen person for that golden ticket into PA school: the Letter of Recommendation (LOR). But then, plot twist! They respond with, “Sure, write it up, and I’ll sign it.” Wait, what? Yeah, you heard right. Now, before you spiral into panic mode, let us tell you, it’s more common than you think and, honestly, not the worst thing to happen. Let’s walk through how to handle this curveball with grace and a bit of savvy.

Why Would They Do That?!

First off, don’t take it personally. Your LOR writers aren’t trying to shirk responsibility or suggest you’re unworthy of an authentic letter. They might be swamped, unsure of what to say, or believe you can best highlight your strengths. It’s an odd form of flattery, really. They trust your insight into your own journey and achievements.

Where to Start

**Showcase Your Strengths in Context**: Your letter should reflect your strengths as they relate to the position or context in which the recommender knows you. For example, a professor or academic reference: Did you ace their class, lead a group project, or demonstrate exceptional compassion and teamwork in a clinical setting? For a healthcare or patient care position supervisor reference: Do you have strong clinical skills, great bedside manners, and work efficiently in the fast paced environment of a clinic? These are examples of the gold nuggets you want to highlight in relation to what the person who is writing your LOR has observed in you.

**What PA Schools Need to Know**: PA programs are looking for candidates who are not just academically capable but also possess qualities like leadership, empathy, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to the healthcare field. Your letter should speak to these qualities through concrete examples.

Crafting the Letter: Dos and Don’ts

– **Do** be honest. It’s tempting to inflate your achievements, but remember, authenticity speaks volumes.

– **Don’t** be modest. Now’s not the time to downplay your accomplishments. If you led a team, say so. If your research contributed to a new understanding, highlight it.

– **Do** tailor the letter to the specific strengths and experiences the professor can vouch for. This adds credibility and personal touch.

Example Letter of Recommendation

Let’s break down an example. Say your professor saw you excel in a challenging course and take on extra research responsibilities. Here’s how you might translate that into a LOR:

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**[Professor’s Name]**

**[Professor’s Title/Position]**

**[University/College Name]**

**[Department]**

**[University Address]**

**[City, State, Zip]**

**[Date]**

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Your Name] for admission to PA school. As [Your Name]’s professor in [Course Name] and supervisor for an independent research project, I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional academic prowess, dedication to the healthcare field, and innate leadership abilities.

In [Course Name], [Your Name] consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex topics, often going above and beyond the coursework requirements. Their ability to grasp difficult concepts quickly and apply them in practical settings was truly remarkable. Furthermore, [Your Name]’s commitment to fostering a collaborative classroom environment made them a standout amongst their peers.

Beyond the classroom, [Your Name] took the initiative to assist in a research project focusing on [Research Topic], showing remarkable diligence, analytical skills, and a genuine passion for advancing healthcare knowledge. Their contributions were invaluable, leading to insights that have propelled our project forward.

[Your Name]’s blend of academic excellence, teamwork, and commitment to healthcare makes them an ideal candidate for your PA program. I am confident that they will bring the same level of dedication and excellence to their studies and future career in healthcare as a PA. I recommend [Your Name] without reservation.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.

Sincerely,

**[Professor’s Name]**

**[Contact Information]**

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Crafting Your Own Template

When writing your own letter, use the example as a template but personalize it. Start with an introduction, stating your relationship with the recommender. Follow with a body paragraph highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Conclude with a strong endorsement, expressing confidence in your fit and potential in the PA program.

Remember, it’s about showcasing your journey and fit for the PA path through someone else’s lens. So, take a deep breath, and start writing. You’ve got this!