Five Tips for Writing an Effective Letter of Evaluation

ADEA GODENTAL WORKSHOP AND RECRUITMENT FAIR ADVISORS AND ADMISSIONS OFFICERS “EFFECTIVE LETTERS OF EVALUATION”

March 7, 2015 Cassandra Flambouras, The University of Chicago Careers in Health Professions & NAAHP-ADEA Liaison Linda Reed, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine

5 Tips for Writing Effective Letters of Evaluation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Relationship with applicant Quality, not quantity Focus on behaviors observed Comparisons Timing

AAMC: “Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant”

What are they looking for? DESIRED COMPETENCIES • Thinking & Reasoning • Science • Interpersonal • Intrapersonal AAMC: “Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant”

AAMC LOE Guidelines

Faculty letters of evaluation Advising students on how to request LOEs – Make sure the faculty member is able to write a detailed, positive letter for you – Share resume, AADSAS personal statement – Explain the purpose of the letter – Provide the deadlines and AADSAS submission instructions

Admissions The importance of the LOEs  A helpful evaluation portrays the applicant as a multifaceted human being, more than the sum of the facts itemized in their application.  Brief descriptions of interactions and small moments in an LOE can bring vivid color to an applicant’s profile, and make the individual memorable.

Admissions appreciates the HP advisor’s “committee letter”  Recognizes the importance of many facets of the applicant beyond classroom achievement  Demonstration of attitudes and attributes through description of applicant’s actions

 Assembles the puzzle pieces, reveals the picture  Integrates disparate self-reported elements found across the AADSAS application into a cohesive introductory narrative  Realistic assessment explains setbacks and challenges, offers examples of resiliency, overcoming roadblocks, grit

 Summarizes and analyzes multiple assessments  Included instructors’ evaluation letters provide full context

Growth Mindset Addresses innate abilities and also the applicant’s commitment, motivation and drive “Growth Mindset” (Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Stanford) “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work— brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” http://www.mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/index.html

Helpful to know

Level of recommendation  Definitions of the recommendation levels

 Percentage of evaluated students who receive each level of recommendation

Admissions: LOE pet peeves  A perfect mystery A block of text, without the structure of a letter, and no letterhead identifying the role or workplace of the writer, no writer’s name provided, and no signature. So poorly faked, it must be authentic.

 Generic student Template in which the evaluator’s attempt to “copy/paste” or “replace all” failed to overwrite all the instances of the previous applicant’s name. There may also be a mismatch of name to pronoun.

 Enthusiastic support of the student’s application to medical school.

Admissions asks about standard practice for LOEs Committee letter request and production • Requirements • Deadlines • Information sources • Materials • Meeting/interview • Timing of submission to AADSAS Eligibility for Committee letter • If ineligible: LOEs uploaded individually • Reasons a student may be ineligible