Deciding on References... Help Please!

[lnh507]

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Hi all! I'm having some trouble deciding on which individual to use as my last of the four allowed references for PTCAS, so I was hoping people on here might be able to provide some insight into the best choice given my situation. Originally, I had planned on using the following references: a PT who was my supervisor for a 150-hour internship and who I got to know well; a professor who I had for an easy, non-core science class (2000-level, basically an athletic training class) but who is also a practicing PT and graduated from my top choice school; one of two professors in core classes (Physics and upper-level anatomy) I did well in, both of whom I felt I had good relationships with; and a coach who offered to write me a letter without me even asking and who I know would write me a strong one. However, I found out that a couple of the schools I'm applying to require 2 PT references and stipulate that you must have shadowed at least 40 hours with a therapist in order to use them as a reference. Other than my internship, I've observed in several other settings, but did not have a large amount of hours at any one of them- the most was a place I shadowed last summer, at which I accrued just under 40 hours (I think 38 or 39). I've contacted that PT and she said she'd be fine with calling it 40 and writing me a reference (I unfortunately can't get in to shadow with her any more), but that takes up one of my 4 people and therefore forces me not to use one of the others.

I'm definitely using the first two of the individuals listed above, but I'm struggling to decide between the other two. I'm hesitant to not have any reference coming from a core-requirement professor, but at the same time I know my coach better and am confident he'd write me a strong letter. I just finished working a summer camp under him, and he recently wrote a good friend of mine a letter for med school. He's also very intelligent with an exercise physiology background and some knowledge of the PT field- not just a clueless coach. I'm frustrated that I have to cut one of these individuals out, especially since the PT I'm having to use instead I don't feel like I know especially well, but a choice must be made, and I need to decide soon so I can contact my last reference to get the ball rolling before it gets late.

Sorry this was so long/complicated for a seemingly simple question haha, but anyone have any opinions/advice?

 

[lnh507]

Basically, I guess the TL;DR of this is how important is it that at least one professor reference comes from a core science class?

 

[Macklelaur]

I don't know if I'm reading your question correctly. (I'm having a hard time deciphering the two individuals you are skeptical about getting a reference letter from), but if I were you, I would probably select the coach as your last reference, assuming the other 3 references are two PTs and a professor. The title of the person writing you the letter (unless PTCAS asks for a specific title) doesn't matter if the person won't write you a strong letter of recommendation. It is more important to make sure that you meet the title requirements of PTCAS, AS WELL AS ensure they can write you a recommendation letter that helps, not hurts your application. It sounds like your coach would write you a letter that you can count on enhancing your profile at any school.

 

[southernswimmer]

Choose whichever professor will write you a stronger letter. It doesn't matter what classes they teach--my biochem professor wrote mine. You need the 2 PTs so that's not optional. And it sounds like your coach will write you an awesome personal reference. I say go with the 2 PTs, the coach, and 1 of the professors.

 

[starrsgirl]

Go with the coach and the 2 PTs. You need the best letters possible (which means they know you, they bring you to life for the admissions committee).

An idea for the PT that you didn't have a lot of hours.....send him/her as much info as possible. Give him/her a short biography, remind the PT of anything different/creative/unique you did while observing. Talk about a particular area of PT in which you are passionate that you did with that PT. Or give the PT some other ideas that they can decide to talk about in the reference letter. You can even do a general outline with some ideas. I provided this to all 3 of my references (1 knew me really well, 2 not as much). They were thankful for all the information, they all worked in a lot of great stuff and all 3 came out really strong. Be an advocate for yourself!!! Don't expect anything more than a basic form recommendation otherwise.