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[deleted871395]

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[wholeheartedly]

I've been offered an LoR by the parents of children i've worked extensively with for 4+ years. They're very enthusiastic to write me a letter. I believe it would be very strong, as well as unique to have both parents speak to my abilities and character. Would this be appropriate (having two people coauthor a letter) for my application to med school?

Were they employers? Or was this a volunteer activity?

 

[gyngyn]

The appearance of impropriety is likely.
Patients (and their family members) are a vulnerable population.
A letter from them can give the appearance of coercion.

 

[gyngyn]

they were employers. Would having them submit separate letters and then submitting those be 'too much'?

A single letter is more than enough and could still be viewed askance depending on the nature of the employment.

 

[gyngyn]

I was a nanny.

If the schools to which you are applying accept non-academic letters, a single letter from the parents would suffice.

 

[Goro]

I'd like to add that SDNers should avoid the temptation to view mere testimonials as being useful. I'd rather see people extolling your work ethic, empathy and intellect, and less how wonderful you are as an employee. Also, more LORs does not always mean "better".

 

[wholeheartedly]

So it's an employer letter, good. You'll still want the required academic letters, but some schools accept or even want to see employer letters.

I do think it really says a lot when parents consider you to be someone they can trust their children with over the course of several years.

I'd say include it, after letting them know what med schools look for in an applicant, but again you still need your other strong academic letters and make sure you follow each schools requirements for letter types and numbers.

 

[wholeheartedly]

I'd like to add that SDNers should avoid the temptation to view mere testimonials as being useful. I'd rather see people extolling your work ethic, empathy and intellect, and less how wonderful you are as an employee. Also, more LORs does not always mean "better".

You say that like these things aren't related.

My wonderful colleagues were people who had compassion for patients, a solid go above and beyond work ethic, were good team players, and intelligent folks with good problem solving skills. That would make them both wonderful employees and good med students, so the idea that employer letters aren't as valuable has always confused me. (now i do get that employers aren't always great at writing about the things adcoms are interested in hearing about)

 

[Goro]

You say that like these things aren't related.

My wonderful colleagues were people who had compassion for patients, a solid go above and beyond work ethic, were good team players, and intelligent folks with good problem solving skills. That would make them both wonderful employees and good med students, so the idea that employer letters aren't as valuable has always confused me. (now i do get that employers aren't always great at writing about the things adcoms are interested in hearing about)

If you'll forgive the pun, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Sadly, I see too many LORs that are mere testimonials (ie "wholeheartedly is a great guy and will make a great doctor"). AAMC has guidelines for LOR writers, and even more sadly, too many people ignore these.

 

[Apollo1]

They insinuated that they would be more inclined to discuss my character, rather than saying what a great or dependendable employee I was to them. Appreciate all the feedback, thank you!

You want a letter from someone who would insinuate?

 

[wholeheartedly]

You want a letter from someone who would insinuate?

He probably mean they implied.

 

[wholeheartedly]

by include; you mean allow them to co-author the letter together? Has anyone out there submitted or seen a co-authored letter that was positively received?

I'm not an adcom, but I'm sure in that case it would be fine. Or it would be fine to have just one write both of their thoughts and sign it. Two isn't going to be more powerful than one, but since they were both jointly your employers co- author shouldn't hurt.

 

[DBC03]

I'd like to add that SDNers should avoid the temptation to view mere testimonials as being useful. I'd rather see people extolling your work ethic, empathy and intellect, and less how wonderful you are as an employee. Also, more LORs does not always mean "better".

I'm kind of confused on what kind of work letters you must be getting as I thought they were supposed to talk about the applicant's work ethic and intellect, if not also their empathy. Do you get a lot of work LORs that don't include details like that?

 

[Goro]

I'm kind of confused on what kind of work letters you must be getting as I thought they were supposed to talk about the applicant's work ethic and intellect, if not also their empathy. Do you get a lot of work LORs that don't include details like that?

They're mostly "DBC03 was a great employee and will make a fine doctor".

Seriously.

 

[DBC03]

They're mostly "DBC03 was a great employee and will make a fine doctor".

Seriously.

Wait - that isn’t convincing enough? 😉

I think I can see how professors might do a better job only because they have written more of these and know to include specifics about behavior and intellect.