big wig letter

[Merlin0082]

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Is a big wig letter helpful even if it is rather generic??

 

[ophthope]

Only if the wig is not only big but also colorful. Like a clown wig for instance. Generic or brand name doesn't matter as long as it is good quality.

 

[OphthoMatch2013]

bahaha. But to address the question seriously...I don't think a big wig generic letter is as good esp if you can get a GREAT letter from a non-bigwig. Programs know what the generic letter means.

 

[ophthope]

bahaha. But to address the question seriously...I don't think a big wig generic letter is as good esp if you can get a GREAT letter from a non-bigwig. Programs know what the generic letter means.

My bad, I meant to answer too but got distracted finding the perfect clown wig picture.

If you're choosing letters I'd say try to get a strong one regardless of "big wig" status, but it may be very advantageous to have a letter from someone who is known to other program directors. Attending ophthalmologists are human after all, and if they see that student X has a letter from the guy/gal they know that heads the department at program Y then they are probably going to at least have an inclination to take a closer look at that applicant. This may make a bigger difference regionally where program directors / chairmen / attendings know each other, but most people seem to apply and match regionally anyway.

Luckily you don't have to choose - shoot for a big wig letter and a letter that is personal and strong. That might be all in one letter, but it might be one generic hot-shot letter writer and a personal but no-name letter writer.