Didn't waive my right for LOE

[Hawkeye2011]

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I accidentally checked the "I do not waive my right" box and didn't realize it. My professor wrote the letter anyways and submitted it. After he had submitted it he emailed me telling me I hadn't waived my right, just so that I was aware of this. Is there anyway I can get it waived now? I don't want the Ad com to think it's bogus or fluffed up as I assume it is one of my stronger letters (not for sure as I haven't read it). Can I call the AADSAS and have them manually go in and waive my right?

 

[yappy]

Why would anyone waive their right to view the LOE? If somone says they'll right a strong letter I think it is appropriate that you can view it. If it's negative it would be dishonest to agree to right a "positive" LOE when asked.

 

[Hawkeye2011]

From what I have read its best to waive it so the Ad com doesnt think you just compiled a ton of letters and chose the best. Also, not waiving it could persuade the writer to fluff it up and make it sound better, not being completely honest, since they know you have the opportunity to read it, which to the ad com could be seen as less credible of a letter.

 

[LongTooth]

Why would anyone waive their right to view the LOE? If somone says they'll right a strong letter I think it is appropriate that you can view it. If it's negative it would be dishonest to agree to right a "positive" LOE when asked.

The standard advice is to waive your right so that your evaluators will write something honest without being pressured by the fact that you'll be able to read their letter. This is true for every application process I've been involved in.

 

[Hawkeye2011]

So anyone know if I can call in and get it waived or something? This professor isn't one who would sugar coat in fear of me reading it, plus since it's online I cant possibly read it unless I call a school to whom it has been sent to, and it hasn't be sent anywhere yet either. This professor is internationally known in the science community so I don't want this letter, among all of my letters, to be one that is less credible.

 

[Sauce]

So anyone know if I can call in and get it waived or something? This professor isn't one who would sugar coat in fear of me reading it, plus since it's online I cant possibly read it unless I call a school to whom it has been sent to, and it hasn't be sent anywhere yet either. This professor is internationally known in the science community so I don't want this letter, among all of my letters, to be one that is less credible.

Not to sound trite, but why don't you call and find out? Really your asking the wrong people.

If worse comes to worse you could probably have them discard that letter and have your professor resubmit the same letter after you have waived your right to see it.

 

[Maygyver]

Why would anyone waive their right to view the LOE? If somone says they'll right a strong letter I think it is appropriate that you can view it. If it's negative it would be dishonest to agree to right a "positive" LOE when asked.

I would have to disagree. I feel like in every situation I have been given this option, the best thing to do is waive your right to view the LOE. This shows the employer/school that you have faith that the people you asked to write LOEs will actually write a solid one for you...other wise, why would you have asked them?

 

[yappy]

Guess I just dont trust anyone lol.

 

[Erhatstil]

i don't think it really matters. how many LOR's do adcoms read that say bad things about the applicant? probably none. whether or not you see the letter before submission is irrelevant. hell, my dentist wrote a LOR for me and asked me to look at it before he sent it to AADSAS..so i didn't have a choice and couldn't waive my right.

 

[Hawkeye2011]

Erhatstil, you have a good point there. Most people aren't going to go to someone unless they know they will get a good letter. I called this morning and they told me there was nothing I could do. The only way they can open it is if the writer wants to correct something. I asked if they could just wipe it and I'd have him resubmit but they said that can't happen either and the best thing would be to call the schools I apply to and let them know that I don't want to be able to read it, that I meant to wave my rights but didn't, and make sure that I don't read it. Do you all think it is worth it to call all the school? I mean they could put a note on it explaining but I'm not sure if it's necessary.

 

[321931]

To be honest, I think you are overreacting like crazy. Think about it. They read over 3000 Apps at some schools. After a while, I think reading the same old LOR/Personal statements gets a bit tiresome. Ya it might look funky that you did not waive right or whatever, but if you have 3 other good LOR then I don't think it matters.

Calling the schools now and explaining would just be tedious and I don't think it would matter. I mean what are they going to do? Say "yeah ok", but then they can't really believe you as you may of already read the letter (which I know you didn't). Either way, its fine. If its a good LOR coupled with your 3 other LOR's you'll be fine.

I would be most worried about late submission to be honest- but that is also out of your hands. Just get those secondaries in etc, its almost NOVEMBER.

 

[AmpedUp]

i don't think it really matters. how many LOR's do adcoms read that say bad things about the applicant? probably none. whether or not you see the letter before submission is irrelevant. hell, my dentist wrote a LOR for me and asked me to look at it before he sent it to AADSAS..so i didn't have a choice and couldn't waive my right.

That's a myth. LOR's are extremely important, especially from your science instructors; the dentist's letter is not as important.

 

[ajusf16]

I spoke with one of the people who wrote a letter for me and he said that he very often writes poor letters for students. He said many students he has never met ask for letters and he tells them that he does not know enough about them to write the letter. Then when they said you are the only science prof i know he will write it but from a stand point that he does not know the student well.

Signing off not to view is very important in my opinion...It shows you have the faith in your self that they will write a positive letter about you and that you feel you have earned the right to ask for the letter from that person.