4 LORs

Started by littlemisspiggy
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periopocket said:
I am sending 7, Is this appropriate?
3 science: 1 undergrad and 2 grad, 1 dean of dentistry, 1 professor of dentistry, 1 general dentist, and my boss. How many letters is too many letters?
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I think you can only send in 4- and if you don't mind, can you please create your own thread with your questions? thank you!
 
periopocket said:
I am sending 7, Is this appropriate?
3 science: 1 undergrad and 2 grad, 1 dean of dentistry, 1 professor of dentistry, 1 general dentist, and my boss. How many letters is too many letters?
Click to expand...

u can only submit max. of 4.

u have a dean of dentistry writing a letter ? cool, how did that come about
 
I would stay at the 4 limit. if U really want to send that special letter than u could snail mail it to your top choice dental school. There's a reason they have a limit.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
 
when i applied i had

2 sci. Profs
1 non-science prof.
1 dentist


this agreed with all schools i applied to (15 of em)
 
I just figured out op's question..here are the letters I sent in;

2 science professors , 1 psychology, 1 dentist.
For my top school, I snail mailed my pre health advisors letter

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
 
This kinda depends on what schools you apply to...

I was able to get away with:

  • 2 science (An O-chem and Bio prof)
  • dentist letter
  • personal reference letter from my boss (who I VERY much trust and have known for many years).

Worked for me 😀
 
I am thinking of 4 letters as 2 science (one research and one class), 1 non-science, and my work boss.

Do you think I need a letter from a dentist?
 
I would suggest sending: 1 science professor, 1 research, 1 dentist, and 1 community service. This make you look very well rounded as an applicant because it shows that you are capable academically (sci/research), you would be a decent clinician (in the opinion of your favorite dentist at least), and that you are compassionate (community service). I got the feeling in my interviews that the last was the most important, since almost every applicant invited for interviews has good science teachers and dentist letters.

Also, I think 7 letters is a bit much. I would stick to 3 or 4 really good letters. I would assume they look for quality over quantity. I would also research the schools you are interested in and tailor your letters towards what each school likes. Your application to private schools (especially if you apply to schools with religious affiliations) would really benefit from this.
Good luck!
 
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Sorry to hijack... but do you think is that looking bad to have 2 from dentists? One is general dentist and another is oral surgeon.. beside that I have...
2 science/research.. should I just stick with only 1 dentist?

And if you submit 4 and school only requires 3.. do they randomly pick 3 out of 4? or do I have an option to pick different letters to send individual schools?

Many thanks in advance!
 
LeoK said:
Sorry to hijack... but do you think is that looking bad to have 2 from dentists? One is general dentist and another is oral surgeon.. beside that I have...
2 science/research.. should I just stick with only 1 dentist?

And if you submit 4 and school only requires 3.. do they randomly pick 3 out of 4? or do I have an option to pick different letters to send individual schools?

Many thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I assume schools will review all 4 but I personally believe that a professors LOR would carry more weight than a dentists. Professors tend to be more objective in terms of grading you and treating you as a student. Your dentist one the other hand will probably never write a bad LOR. I would go with the accepted norm of 1 dentist and 3 professors. One prof should be a Bio, the second should be some sort of Science prof and the third can either be another science prof or a non-science prof. My letters were from a Bio prof, Chem Prof, Physics Prof and Dentist. They all served me well.
 
Is it critical to have a bio prof? I know Tufts states it but is it really a deal breaker if we have two chems, finance and dentist?
 
little Buddy said:
Is it critical to have a bio prof? I know Tufts states it but is it really a deal breaker if we have two chems, finance and dentist?
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I wouldnt say its critical unless the school asks for it. Some schools recommend a Bio prof, as long as Tufts doesn't specify then you're in the clear.
 
little Buddy said:
Is it critical to have a bio prof? I know Tufts states it but is it really a deal breaker if we have two chems, finance and dentist?
Click to expand...

As a general rule, LORs from dentists typically carry the least weight. Those letters function as proof of you shadowing your dentist and attesting to your interest in dentistry. However, make sure your LORs from professors are air-tight as they reflect your academic abilities and personality, typically in interacting with other students.

For specific professors by subject, unless the dental school requires it, you are free to submit any science professor you want to.
 
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