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Here's my situation. I have 2 letters from ophthalmologists, one good one from a big wig who I've been doing research for & another mediocre letter from a new attending during one of my ophtho rotations.
I had the 2nd letter sent to my school for possible use in my Dean's letter, & the dean at my school called it a "terrible letter". Nothing bad or malicious was written; it was just short & rather vague, well shy of a ringing endorsement.
I'm not sure why that attending wrote a lukewarm letter on my behalf. I hope it wasn't a reflection on my performance in the rotation. I felt I was well-prepared, well-read & I gave 110% effort. Perhaps she, being just 2 years out of residency, wasn't used to students asking her for letters? I think part of the reason had to do with the way the clinic was structured. Different attendings every day of the week & morning & afternoon shifts. So in a 1 month elective, I only worked with her for 4-6 half days. Who knows what the reason is.
My dilemma is, should I use that letter anyway or use a non-ophtho letter as my 3rd LOR? I feel that having 2 out of 3 letters come from ophthalmologists may be better, but in this case, I'm not sure how beneficial that would be when weighed against the risks of using a mediocre letter. Any thoughts or suggestions?
I had the 2nd letter sent to my school for possible use in my Dean's letter, & the dean at my school called it a "terrible letter". Nothing bad or malicious was written; it was just short & rather vague, well shy of a ringing endorsement.
I'm not sure why that attending wrote a lukewarm letter on my behalf. I hope it wasn't a reflection on my performance in the rotation. I felt I was well-prepared, well-read & I gave 110% effort. Perhaps she, being just 2 years out of residency, wasn't used to students asking her for letters? I think part of the reason had to do with the way the clinic was structured. Different attendings every day of the week & morning & afternoon shifts. So in a 1 month elective, I only worked with her for 4-6 half days. Who knows what the reason is.
My dilemma is, should I use that letter anyway or use a non-ophtho letter as my 3rd LOR? I feel that having 2 out of 3 letters come from ophthalmologists may be better, but in this case, I'm not sure how beneficial that would be when weighed against the risks of using a mediocre letter. Any thoughts or suggestions?
