Another LOR Question...

[bclover]

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Beside asking the veterinarians, professors, etc. that you are asking LORs from to write the LOR, while providing them with the VMCAS form, eLOR info, etc., did you provide them with additional specifics or other thoughts for them to consider as they write? I've been asked for this in other situations and wanted to poll my fellow forum members to see what you think in this case specifically...

Thanks!

 

[thelarson]

While I have not applied yet, I find it is always helpful to provide the LOR writer with a resume... many will ask for it if you do not provide it.

 

[pressmom]

I sent mine a resume, as thelarson suggested. Make sure it is up to date and has all your animal experience (volunteer too) included. Also, if your transcript is impressive (good GPA in hard classes) send an informal copy of that too or just put your GPA on your resume. Some schools have lists of points they would like included. Some school I applied to did, but I don't remember which one and I didn't use it. Also, interestingly enough, when I went to the pre-vet seminar at NCSU, they suggested not getting more than the required number of LORs since you increase the chance of talking them OUT OF taking you as well. Anyone else care to weigh in on this? So I just got a prof, my boss, and even though I only needed one vet, I couldn't ask two vets in a three vet practice and not ask the other, so I ended up with four.

 

[ri23]

Yes, I've heard from several schools that they do not like it if you send "extra" references, some stating they will only look at three. Sometimes it is hard to help, for example OSU requires two vets and a third source so I got 2 vet references and I really wanted to include a reference from my boss for years at the zoo. Penn, on the other hand requires one vet, one prof, and one other so I ended up having to get a prof recommendation and ended up with four. I highly doubt they would look down on that, I think they just want to avoid excessive recommendations. When I went to visit UPenn when I applied for undergrad the admissions person giving the talk at the beginning joked around about how one student the previous year had sent in around 22 references, a little overzealous in my opinion 😉.

 

[alonepear]

I defintely agree with providing your LOR writers a copy of your resume and trascript, I also gave them some of my supplemental application essay answers from my previous year of applying so they could get a better feel for my goals.

The first time I applied and was denied, I spoke with an admissions counselor at NCSU who said the most important thing is for the recommendees to recount particular characteristics of you that would help you in both vet school and in the future as a vet, and then provide specific instances in which you demonstrated those characteristics. I mentioned this to each person I asked for a letter from, and I think that my LORs were much better the second time around (I got in that time!)

Also, while NCSU told me they would only read 3 LORs tops, I ended up submitting a fourth letter at the last minute from an AMAZING, well-known vet who I had only known for a short period of time, and I truly believe that her letter made a very positive impact on my application at the other schools I applied to that did indeed look at more than just 3.

 

[cubs11]

The first time I applied and was denied, I spoke with an admissions counselor at NCSU who said the most important thing is for the recommendees to recount particular characteristics of you that would help you in both vet school and in the future as a vet, and then provide specific instances in which you demonstrated those characteristics. I mentioned this to each person I asked for a letter from, and I think that my LORs were much better the second time around (I got in that time!)

i think this is really good advice! i'll have to remember that when it comes time to ask for LORs. 🙂

 

[4theanimals]

I provided my references with unofficial transcripts and full resume. In addition I provided them with my personal statement. It gives a different sort of insight and might trigger other thoughts in their mind.