Hey guys-

Quick questions about LORs...since we have to apply to both the SF match and to ERAS (for prelim year) can we send the same LORs to both even though the LORs may mention ophtho in them?

Also, will it hurt to just have 1/3 letters from an ophtho? It will be too late to get any more than 1 for me.

Thanks!!!!

I used 1 letter for both the SF Match and ERAS (my thesis advisor). The other letters were different and directed for either the prelim year or ophthalmology.

Good luck! :luck:

You can definitely send the same LOR to both the SFMatch for ophtho and ERAS for prelim, even if the letters mention your desire to be an ophthalmologist. The prelim programs are well aware that you plan on only staying for only 1 year, to be followed by a residency in a separate department/institution. You should keep in mind, however, that you will need to request 2 copies of the letter from the letter writer, since the SFMAtch requires you to send the LOR directly to them, while all LOR's for ERAS go through your Dean's office.

As far as who writes the letter, I think it helps to have 2 out of 3 letters from an ophthalmologist, but the content of the letter is more important than who wrote it...

I was able to be very competitive with only 1 LOR from ophtho so don't be too concerned with this. It probably helps to have 2/3 but if you can't get them worry more about the content as another poster already mentioned.

Thank you Andrew, JZ2020, and Ruptured Globe!
You guys are the best!