4th LOR

[EyeMD116]

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Greetings applicants,

Anyone planning on using a 4th letter of rec in addition the 3 distributed by SF Match?

I am currently doing an away at one of my top choices, and working closely with a well-known Ophthalmologist. If I do well, I plan on asking for a letter at the end of the rotation (would be my 4th). However, I am a little confused at how I should proceed since I already submitted my application. I applied to 40+ programs and it seems crazy to provide 40 stamped envelopes and ask the letter writer or his secretary to do a bunch of extra work sending these letters. I would love to do the work myself, but that would break the confidentiality of the LOR.

For anyone else in this situation, I'm curious to know your plan. Are you just going to bring additional letters to your interviews? Or did you send the letter everywhere as I outlined above? (I know some places like Michigan/Kellogg don't accept any additional materials anyhow).

 

[seanb9]

Any suggestions?

 

[200UL]

You are seeing the limitations of doing a late rotation. A program's decision on interview will not be influenced by a 4th letter - especially if it arrives in october or later. Once you have an interview, your performance at the interview is the most important thing. However, your rotation will likely help at getting an interview/high ranking at your rotation location. Getting the letter to a few extra programs where the letter writer is well known may also help (where did he go to residency or fellowship) - perhaps he would even make a call to such programs.

I believe SF match would previously distribute these types of letters / documents for you. Do they not do this anymore?

I am not sure how the average interviewer would react if you show up with an additional letter in hand. I would think it is fine, but some may believe it is a bit atypical. Obviously your CV is a work in progress, and I have had a couple of applicants present a completed manuscripts at the interview - I thought this was fine.

In summary, I would not send it to all 40 programs if SF match will not do it for you. If SF match will not send it out, I would have the letter writter's secretary send it ONLY TO THE PROGRAMS YOU ARE INVITED FOR INTERVIEW OR PROGRAMS WHERE YOU BELIEVE IT MAY HAVE AN IMPACT. When you talk to the program coordinator to schedule the interview, let them know that another letter will be arriving. Be nice to him/her and you will score points.

Good luck