Can this type LOR be useful?

[no beans]

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I need letters that are character references for two of my schools. I plan on asking a coach who coached me for many years and can speak to my work ethic and leadership/team player skills as well as my personal characteristics. Likewise, my ex-piano teacher who taught me from age 6-18. I am wondering if these letters should be used as additional letters for other schools that allow it. I have two science professor letters, one non-science professor letter and a PI letter as well as a letter from a volunteer coordinator who knows me well. My school doesn't do committee letters. I understand that extra letters are not necessary nor necessarily good, but especially the coach has been a mentor of mine for many years and will write a very strong letter. What do you think? LizzyM? Thanks.

 

[Ismet]

You can definitely use them. I had 2 science prof letters, a research letter, and 2 character/work ethic letters (orchestra director and the director of a program I was heavily involved in). A couple interviewers commented that they really appreciated the letter from the orchestra director because he knew me well and could comment on my leadership and drive. Some schools have a maximum # of letters you can submit, so just be sure you don't exceed that.

 

[no beans]

Nice to hear those comments, Ismet. Thanks!

 

[LostInPreMed]

Any time that you can get someone to paint an endearing picture of who you are, I think it is going to read well to the adcoms. There are endless numbers of "cookie-cutter" letters out there and as a result I think people are really missing the opportunity to separate themselves from the other 3,500 applicants and make themselves human. The goal of a med school app is to prove who you are, what you are capable of and that you are med school material. Quality LORs that can illustrate you are going to be a HUGE asset, regardless if there is an MD or PhD after the writer's signature!