2008-2009 Letter of Recommendation Thread

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Either:

a) Ditch the waiver form for this letter. The waiver form is for each letter, usually, so this doesn't have to affect all of your letters

b) Tell your pre med advisor NEVERMIND about the DO letter. You'll handle it yourself. Then put it on Interfolio and release at your discretion or snail mail it to each school, yourself.

Unless the DO letter is required by your pre med committee, I'd go with the second option. 👍
 
And BTW most schools will not find it useless and will, in fact, assume you haven't seen it, regardless of any confidentiality waiver (or lack thereof).

Geez the hoops are so annoying, aren't they? 🙄 😎
 
Thanks for the reply cbear,

Does it look bad, if my adviser sends it without the waiver?
 
Chocolate Bear said:
And BTW most schools will not find it useless and will, in fact, assume you haven't seen it, regardless of any confidentiality waiver (or lack thereof).

Geez the hoops are so annoying, aren't they? 🙄 😎
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damn straight, I should be able to dunk by the end of the med school process.
 
I had the doctors send it out by snail mail or fax when I applied. The premed advisor doesn't need it (only the professor letters).

Pre-Med advisors ... 🙄
 
Doctor4Life1769 said:
I had the doctors send it out by snail mail or fax when I applied. The premed advisor doesn't need it (only the professor letters).

Pre-Med advisors ... 🙄
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Agreed with the 🙄. The only problem with having the docs send it is that it gives them more stuff to do and you could have to wait anxiously for this.

4Life, obviously things worked out, I'm just reiterating to the OP that having control of your letters is better. 👍
 
Why does your pre-med committee need your DO letter? Don't they just get the college professors letters?

All my outside of college people showed me their letters. I didn't ask to see it but should I have looked away and secretly sealed it? I don't think it changed what they would have said one tiny bit.
 
Yea well I figured it would be easier on me and adcoms to send all the letters in one packet. I def don't want to ask the doc to mail it out, cuz like cbear said having control over it is huge, especially since the guy was pretty busy. I guess i'll just have her add it to my packet with the rest of my letters.

i agree anon, its kinda dumb, all this secrecy. At least its not as bad as secondaries.

Thanks for all the replies guys.
 
When I applied last year (MD, not DO, but it shouldn't make a difference) I was told that the form you sign means that you have no right to see the letter, but if the letter writer lets you see then it doesn't matter....(i.e. you can never go in and demand to see it)
 
I only have one strong LoR available from a science professor; for the schools that require two, will I not be able to interview with them until after I've sent in the second science letter? (which, in this case, would be much later into or after the upcoming fall semester)
 
It's funny because now that I am in medical school, they have been telling us to make sure that we read our letters of rec for residency before they send them out. They even will make us look at the deans letter, select what we want it to say from the list of comments that they have come up with during our time there and then send it out.

LOL!
 
ok, so ive been making sure all of my schools accept an MD letter lately since this is all I have field experience with. So my question is when schools say they PREFER a DO letter, how much of a preference do they mean? The thing that bothers me is that I had a really great unique experience in the field with a PHYSICIAN, so why should it matter so much whether he has his MD or DO? If they are looking to see whether an applicant has familiarity with osteopathic medicine there should be other ways of examining that in my opinion..

thoughts?
 
DoktorB said:
ok, so ive been making sure all of my schools accept an MD letter lately since this is all I have field experience with. So my question is when schools say they PREFER a DO letter, how much of a preference do they mean? The thing that bothers me is that I had a really great unique experience in the field with a PHYSICIAN, so why should it matter so much whether he has his MD or DO? If they are looking to see whether an applicant has familiarity with osteopathic medicine there should be other ways of examining that in my opinion..

thoughts?
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I think it's very easy for them to say "Hey this guy knows at least how one DO practices in real life" with a LOR. Without it, they can determine this, but it will take questions during an interview or on the secondary. If you have a unique experience with an MD, I'd submit that letter to all schools. As far as submitting it in lieu of a DO letter, you shouldn't feel bad if you need to do this because you can't obtain a DO letter (for whatever reason).

However, not having the DO letter will keep you out of a couple of schools and would only be an asset at the ones who don't require it.
 
Okay, so I've been shadowing this DO since early July, and I asked him if he'd be able to write a good LOR for me. He said he's written a few before but would like me to give him some points to cover or stuff I'd like to be in there for him to write about. I wanted a good letter from him without me having to give him suggestions, but if it still turns out good anyways I won't complain. What exactly should I give him to go off of here?
 
Billicus said:
Okay, so I've been shadowing this DO since early July, and I asked him if he'd be able to write a good LOR for me. He said he's written a few before but would like me to give him some points to cover or stuff I'd like to be in there for him to write about. I wanted a good letter from him without me having to give him suggestions, but if it still turns out good anyways I won't complain. What exactly should I give him to go off of here?
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My premed committee gave me guidelines to give to each letter writer that included the following:
[FONT=Arial,Bold]
1) Describe your relationship to the applicant
​
​
.[FONT=Arial,Bold]2) Personal characteristics: .How would you describe the applicant as a person? ​

[FONT=Arial,Bold]
3) Interpersonal skills
​
​
.[FONT=Arial,Bold]4) Potential in field of medicine.
[FONT=Arial,Bold].[FONT=Arial,Bold]5) Communication skills: .Assess the applicant’s ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.​

[FONT=Arial,Bold]6) Work/lab/volunteer/extracurricular activities.​
 
Is anyone having trouble with their premed committee taking a long time to send out their committee letters? I submitted most of my secondaries at the end of July and requested my committee letter at the same time and it still hasn't gone out. Most schools won't even consider you for an interview until you're complete so I'm just stuck waiting for my premed committee. Any suggestions on what to do? I guess I should just be patient, but that is difficult after seeing lots of people on SDN getting interviews.
 
terrordome47 said:
Is anyone having trouble with their premed committee taking a long time to send out their committee letters? I submitted most of my secondaries at the end of July and requested my committee letter at the same time and it still hasn't gone out. Most schools won't even consider you for an interview until you're complete so I'm just stuck waiting for my premed committee. Any suggestions on what to do? I guess I should just be patient, but that is difficult after seeing lots of people on SDN getting interviews.
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I'm having this same issue with my premed advisor (there is no committee at my school). I asked for LOR's back in early June, and have received several since - of course, not one from her. While I have not yet been verified, I should be within a week. I've been in constant contact with my advisor, even suggesting the timeline I would like to achieve with secondaries (completed & mailed within two weeks of their reception) to try to hint that I would need it soon. I would love to hear people's advice on these problems.
 
Unfortunately, I do not know any DOs personally, and I know that this MD letter rocks. Should I use it?

Thanks.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Yes, use it. A few schools actually require a DO letter, though. Check the link in my signature.
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Alas I did not know this when I initially applied to the LECOMs. Is there anyway around this? Would they accept a MD letter instead?

If not I basically wasted $60 and just lost two schools just like that...I think requiring a DO letter is pretty lame.
 
TheGoodGoodTime said:
Alas I did not know this when I initially applied to the LECOMs. Is there anyway around this? Would they accept a MD letter instead?

If not I basically wasted $60 and just lost two schools just like that...I think requiring a DO letter is pretty lame.
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I tend to agree that it's lame, but I can see the rationale behind it.

Check the AOA DO mentor link. Also start calling/emailing all the ones you can find here.

Shadowing one would be ideal. At least sitting down with one for a little while and getting a somewhat generic letter would be acceptable.

You will be asked why you chose to apply DO and what experience/knowledge you have of the profession. Getting some face time with a DO will help your cause tremendously.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
I tend to agree that it's lame, but I can see the rationale behind it.

Check the AOA DO mentor link. Also start calling/emailing all the ones you can find here.

Shadowing one would be ideal. At least sitting down with one for a little while and getting a somewhat generic letter would be acceptable.

You will be asked why you chose to apply DO and what experience/knowledge you have of the profession. Getting some face time with a DO will help your cause tremendously.
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I've worked at a hospital for 2 years now. I have had plenty of interaction with DOs over the course of the year. However, many were not hospitalists and I did not personally get to know any.

I have a great idea of what they do and what they are like, but not on a personal basis. I had a preceptorship with an MD for a week, and from it came my letter. It's pretty late in the game to have to scramble to pull something together that I probably have more experience in than most already. Hence why I think its really lame to NEED a DO letter...as long as you have experience. thats what should count.

Thanks for your help though.
 
Instead of making a new thread let me ask you this as well.

I got my 2ndaries back from LECOMs today...yet no release dates on my AACOMAS is posted. Does this make sense? In 2 days it will be 6 weeks since my application was complete. But I am thoroughly confused right now.
 
TheGoodGoodTime said:
Instead of making a new thread let me ask you this as well.

I got my 2ndaries back from LECOMs today...yet no release dates on my AACOMAS is posted. Does this make sense? In 2 days it will be 6 weeks since my application was complete. But I am thoroughly confused right now.
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Yeah LECOM seems to have a more automated system in place to release secondaries. They have often been the first ones for students to receive, often way before seeing any other proof of AACOMAS verification.
 
TheGoodGoodTime said:
I've worked at a hospital for 2 years now. I have had plenty of interaction with DOs over the course of the year. However, many were not hospitalists and I did not personally get to know any.

I have a great idea of what they do and what they are like, but not on a personal basis. I had a preceptorship with an MD for a week, and from it came my letter. It's pretty late in the game to have to scramble to pull something together that I probably have more experience in than most already. Hence why I think its really lame to NEED a DO letter...as long as you have experience. thats what should count.

Thanks for your help though.
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I understand. I still think it would be wise to "scramble" for a DO letter, as both LECOMs will interview but not accept a student without one. They are two unique, seemingly strong schools. It would be a shame to throw away your chance at both, so early in the game.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
I understand. I still think it would be wise to "scramble" for a DO letter, as both LECOMs will interview but not accept a student without one. They are two unique, seemingly strong schools. It would be a shame to throw away your chance at both, so early in the game.
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So are you saying I could fill out its secondary and submit the letters later? If so how much later?

And they grant interviews without having letters?
 
TheGoodGoodTime said:
So are you saying I could fill out its secondary and submit the letters later? If so how much later?

And they grant interviews without having letters?
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I only know their policy on, specifically, a DO letter. They'll interview and withhold their decision until you get it to them. I'd submit all other letters right now. I don't know if they have a deadline to submit the DO letter after interviewing, but your chances obviously decrease as the season continues.
 
I only have a letter from an MD and didn't apply to schools that said DO letter required. Many say physician (DO or MD) letter is strongly recommended or required. I currently have 2 DO interviews so it seems to have worked out ok for me thus far.
 
Just sneakin' in here. Thanks Chocolate Bear - your signature links answered my Q's.
 
Non-trad applicant.
scGPA 3.5, cGPA 3.35 (with last 11 classes all 4.0)
Tons of lab research with several publications
Tons of volunteering hospital and in schools.
Last 1.5 years as a nurse's aide in a cancer hospital.
50+ hrs physician shadowing
MCAT - VR 11, BS 12, PS 11, R

Problem is I haven't had the opportunity to meet many DO's and the ones I do have flaked on shadowing. And with a new baby on the way, I really need to start working overtime to save money. I don't think that I'll be able to get a DO to write me a recommendation (and the DO schools I've applied to already have my complete application) quick enough. The schools I've applied to don't require a DO recommendation, but they all "strongly encourage" it. Does it kill my chances if I can't swing a DO recommendation?
 
nontradfogie said:
Non-trad applicant.
scGPA 3.5, cGPA 3.35 (with last 11 classes all 4.0)
Tons of lab research with several publications
Tons of volunteering hospital and in schools.
Last 1.5 years as a nurse's aide in a cancer hospital.
50+ hrs physician shadowing
MCAT - VR 11, BS 12, PS 11, R

Problem is I haven't had the opportunity to meet many DO's and the ones I do have flaked on shadowing. And with a new baby on the way, I really need to start working overtime to save money. I don't think that I'll be able to get a DO to write me a recommendation (and the DO schools I've applied to already have my complete application) quick enough. The schools I've applied to don't require a DO recommendation, but they all "strongly encourage" it. Does it kill my chances if I can't swing a DO recommendation?
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I think you won't have to worry. Solid app. Take care of the baby, and tell your interviewers you tried but it just didn't work out. They'll probably ask if you have spent any time with a DO.
 
i'm a non-trad with a MD LOR, and no DO rec or shadowing experience, so far I have 3 DO interview invites, so from my experience I would say no it will not kill you
 
I have a question. My DO doctor is sending me a copy of the LOR that he is mailing out to schools. Will it raise red flags? I mean, he's not asking me for suggestions or anything. He just wants me to have a copy of it. I don't think he is mentioning that to the schools.:scared:
 
andexterouss said:
I have a question. My DO doctor is sending me a copy of the LOR that he is mailing out to schools. Will it raise red flags? I mean, he's not asking me for suggestions or anything. He just wants me to have a copy of it. I don't think he is mentioning that to the schools.:scared:
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He won't mention it to the schools. This is relatively common. Did you sign a waiver form to not see this letter? Is your school sending the letter for you? If the answer to both of these is "yes," then you should be careful, in this situation.
 
Chocolate Bear said:
He won't mention it to the schools. This is relatively common. Did you sign a waiver form to not see this letter? Is your school sending the letter for you? If the answer to both of these is "yes," then you should be careful, in this situation.
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Only one school that I applied to had the waiver option:ATSU/SOMA. I did agree to the waiver. However, the letter is sent directly to the schools by the doctor and not by my undergrad institution. I'm sure my copy is already being sent in the mail. Should I do "return to sender" with the mailman or just sit it out and hope for the best? I'm really not curious to read the letter because it's probably good since he's mailing me a copy of it.
 
andexterouss said:
Only one school that I applied to had the waiver option:ATSU/SOMA. I did agree to the waiver. However, the letter is sent directly to the schools by the doctor and not by my undergrad institution. I'm sure my copy is already being sent in the mail. Should I do "return to sender" with the mailman or just sit it out and hope for the best? I'm really not curious to read the letter because it's probably good since he's mailing me a copy of it.
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Since it's not from your undergrad institution, you have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't return to sender. It's good to have a copy of letters, if possible. I wouldn't feel bad about reading it, either.
 
Hey Folks,

I have some questions regarding the LOR process......i asked my advisor and he has done nothing but confuse the crap out of me even more..... ....hopefully u guys could help.....

I submitted the primary apps this morning....I'm thinking about sending in 6 LORs to each school.....3 from academic professors and 3 from doctors that i worked with and that kno me very well.....All these people are very busy, so i don't want to keep on bothering them.....So, is it okay if i give them the labels/stamps/envelops and tell them to send it out ASAP, before i get my secondary, so this way it’s out of their way and the schools will have it on file? or should I just ask them to send a LOR when i get the secondary? i was also considering asking them to send the LORs to interfolio so this way i could send it to schools when i get the secondary w.o bothering the writers, but my adviser doesn't kno much about interfolio and therefore doesn't recommend it......what should i do... ......

also...do u guys recommend get letters from 3 science professors that kno me or 1 committee letter from a chairperson who doesn't kno me as well? What do most DO schools prefer?

Thanks in advance guys!!
 
SOCDOC3 said:
Hey Folks,

I have some questions regarding the LOR process......i asked my advisor and he has done nothing but confuse the crap out of me even more..... ....hopefully u guys could help.....

I submitted the primary apps this morning....I'm thinking about sending in 6 LORs to each school.....3 from academic professors and 3 from doctors that i worked with and that kno me very well.....All these people are very busy, so i don't want to keep on bothering them.....So, is it okay if i give them the labels/stamps/envelops and tell them to send it out ASAP, before i get my secondary, so this way it’s out of their way and the schools will have it on file? or should I just ask them to send a LOR when i get the secondary? i was also considering asking them to send the LORs to interfolio so this way i could send it to schools when i get the secondary w.o bothering the writers, but my adviser doesn't kno much about interfolio and therefore doesn't recommend it......what should i do... ......

also...do u guys recommend get letters from 3 science professors that kno me or 1 committee letter from a chairperson who doesn't kno me as well? What do most DO schools prefer?

Thanks in advance guys!!
Click to expand...

Use Interfolio. Go check out the site. It's easy to use and gives you control, while not annoying the LOR writers.

You'll release the letters to each school once you get their secondary.

Go with the people who know you. However, PCOMs will want a committee letter. There are exceptions, but this is the easiest way, if you have access to a committee. If they don't know you, there's no point in using this letter for anything other than PCOMs (and any other school that say they REQUIRE this, which isn't any that I'm aware of).
 
Chocolate Bear said:
Since it's not from your undergrad institution, you have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't return to sender. It's good to have a copy of letters, if possible. I wouldn't feel bad about reading it, either.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reassurance.
 
Forgive me if this is repeated/obvious information---I used interfolio's service this year and didn't realize, until I'd wasted $, that you can send multiple letters/documents to the same place for the same price as sending just one. Sending one at a time was a costly error for me and I hope am saving someone from making it.
 
Got Lecom - B interview in 2.5 weeks and still no DO letter. I'm about to go stalking the attending's forum and beg for some shadowing lol. 😀
 
Hey all
I posted this question in the OUCOM specific forum but wanted your take

I have two science letters plus one really strong psych faculty letter (i was her undergrad research director), one MD (shadowed extensively) and one DO whom I did not shadow..(my father is a DO and I have shadowed him and this is a colleague...given the whole no family rule)

Here is the question...
One of the science letters I just realized is not a full faculty member, and in fact is not a PhD..she runs the intro to chem labs (including the lab lecture). She wrote me a wonderful LOR but should I attempt to solicite another letter from a full phd faculty or will that letter, with the others be ok? I did post-bacc sciences so it was quick pace and hard to meet and greet the way I did in undergrad.

Thoughts?
IamAriDO
 
MD letters are unacceptable. Afterall, they only treat the disease. Why should DO schools trust that person? *note sarcasm*


People put a lot of weight in the "knowing" the person. In reality, it probably isn't that big of a deal. Approach one of the DOs who is known to be super friendly and welcoming. Tell him or her the situation. If they agree then set up a short time with your resume, personal statement, etc. You should then be golden for the few that absolutely require it.
 
Letter of Recommendations how long do they last? And if I use them for DO schools one year and lets say I get denied this year could I use those LOR's next year cycle? I haven't got denied I am just curious if i need to get more LOR's next year if this year doesn't work out. Thanks GUYS!
 
MossPoh said:
MD letters are unacceptable. Afterall, they only treat the disease. Why should DO schools trust that person? *note sarcasm*


People put a lot of weight in the "knowing" the person. In reality, it probably isn't that big of a deal. Approach one of the DOs who is known to be super friendly and welcoming. Tell him or her the situation. If they agree then set up a short time with your resume, personal statement, etc. You should then be golden for the few that absolutely require it.
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I just got an update this weekend:

I approached a DO that my mother has worked for over four years now and asked him to write one. As a matter of fact, he had to basically ask a complete stranger for his DO letter years ago, and because of that had absolutely no problem in writing me one. Three days later, he finished it, and it might be the best letter I have thus far...I am feeling pretty good about this now.
 
you can still use the LORs for the next cycle

its always beneficial to get at least 1 or 2 more LORs that are most recent to the time you apply because they will probably better reflect growth in your character from the previous year. So if you're taking an upper level course this semester thats more involved then previous courses and you do well, by all means, get another LOR

your pre-med advisor's job is to pick out the strongest letters so the more the better
 
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