3 letters ready with 1 rads one late, how to submit?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Ugen

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2010
Messages
97
Reaction score
18
I have a somewhat specific question not adequately answered by the search function.

I have 3 letters of recommendation ready to go and I will be doing an away radiology rotation that ends October that I am hoping I will get a rads letter from by the end of October.

I am unsure how to submit my application.

1 - Submit on 9/15 with 3 letters and add the 4th rads one at the end of october? (Risk have programs not read the 4th letter which may be the most helpful one)
2 - Submit on 9/15 with the 2 better letters and add the radiology letter later (Risk having programs list me as an "incomplete application")

What to do?
 
Last edited:
I didn't have 1 radiology letter when I applied last year, and I got interviews at great places (large academic programs on both coasts) and matched at my #1.

I honestly don't think radiology letters are that important (or that useful). I would definitely apply early with the 3.
 
I honestly don't think radiology letters are that important (or that useful). I would definitely apply early with the 3.

Definitely. I had surgery, medicine, and research letters. If you're going to have a radiology letter, then make it your fourth. Student general radiology rotations don't lend themselves to developing a relationship with a single attending. Absent another relationship (i.e. mentor, research), program directors know this and weigh them accordingly. The exception might be if you did a subspecialty rotation, like in neuro or IR, during which you spent a lot of time with a single attending.
 
Top