Gifts for LoR writers

[The Ace of Spades]

Hi, I was wondering what the proper etiquette is for thanking your LoR writers.

 

I hear mixed opinions that you should just handwrite a note as a gift comes off as unprofessional. I also hear that a small gift is appropriate, such as a box of chocolates or a gift card to a restaurant. I don't want to offend either of my professors as it never hurts to keep them in your network.

 

Thoughts? What did you end up doing, if anything, when you were accepted into medical school?

[MD2015]

Showing appreciation is most important. I tried to thank them all personally at the time of writing, Of course, I shared the good news when it came. I gave one as small box of chocolates (after writing the LoR) I knew she adored and one who was away, I sent a handwritten note of thanks.

[quackster]

I always gave a thank you card, with home-baked cookies or a small box of chocolates. This year, I gave just a card and then made a donation to charity in their name.

[igeorgex]

I know my referees on a really personal level (and they all wrote me multiple letters this year), so I accompanied a handwritten thank you note with a gift. I wouldn't say they were small gifts, but it depends on the comfort level I guess between you and the referee.

[thatonekid]

I think a handwritten note and small gift are appropriate.

[The Ace of Spades]

Thanks for the feedback. A giftcard felt too much like money, which felt too much like "payment for services". I opted to go with a box of chocolates and a handwritten note.

[Rebencer]

I came by my referees lab with a box of donuts, seemed to go well. I know one of my referees would prefer that I come back and work for him for the summer as a gift but that won't be happening, probably a letter to him and his family.

[The Law]

I sent a personal e-mail to most of my referees to let them know and thank them.

[Lactic Folly]

Whatever you do, do *something.* (for the 6 people who said that nothing is required) How would you feel if you had spent hours of your personal time helping someone get into medical school, and they didn't bother to let you know they had been accepted? How likely would you be to want to help them again in the future?

[OIC]

Agreed. I met with all my referees afterwards and gave them thank-you chocolates.

[EoE]

I am a big believer in a card with a hand written, personal thank you note. It feels complete and personal.

 

Funny thing is... I have written LORs for other people for Canadian med schools and pharmacy etc, and I haven't got any thank you notes!

[plasticookies]

I am a big believer in a card with a hand written, personal thank you note. It feels complete and personal.

 

Funny thing is... I have written LORs for other people for Canadian med schools and pharmacy etc, and I haven't got any thank you notes!

 

Did you write them good letters?

[Renin]

I hand-made thank you cards with a nice letter inside

[leviathan]

A small gift is thoughtful and appropriate. Gifts can often have ulterior motives and imply expectation of future favours in return. Obviously since you are already in medical school, a gift can't be misconstrued.