Generic Reference Vs. No Reference from OT

[tub54228]

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So I was wondering if a generic reference from an OT is better than NO reference from an OT.

A couple of the schools I am applying to require a reference letter from an OT. I made a major mistake in not obtaining observation hours sooner than the summer before applying. Yes it is my fault, but can't change that now.

So... I asked an OT I observed for if he could write my letter. He said he would write it but would not recommend it because it would not be very detailed since all I did was observe there. He said he would write that I was very motivated to become an OT, etc. He then went on to tell me I should get letters from people who really know me like my managers, volunteer places etc. (I have already done that and they confirmed that they have written me stellar letters).

I have arranged to observe another OT to finish my hours but that has gotten pushed back to Nov. due to her busy schedule. I wouldn't have enough time to ask her for a letter if I want to apply by then.

So the question is-- should I take this generic letter because the schools require an OT letter for admissions, or not take it at all.

I am leaning towards asking him to write it anyway bc it's my only option. 😱

 

[10101010]

I'm in the same boat except with a professor LOR. I know the OT I shadowed very well so I know she's writing me a good one, but the professor I'm asking doesn't know me well, I don't even KNOW if she'll say yes.... but I figure getting a LOR is better than not having one, no matter how detailed it is. Get him to write it.

 

[tub54228]

Thanks. That's what I figured but I've read so much on how generic letters are bad so I wasn't sure.

 

[rcludo]

Maybe you could write something up for him with a list of things you feel would be important to include? Reasons you want to be an OT, what skills you have that would go well with the profession, jobs/extracurricular activities you have done that relate, anything else you think would be good to highlight. One of my references was a professor who knows me really well but she still asked me to do that just to make sure she wasn't missing anything.

Edit: just to be clear, not saying that you should specifically tell him what to write, just maybe give a list of ideas so he doesn't feel like he's lacking in things to say because he doesn't know you very well.

 

[OTtoB]

The LOR for the admissions committee, is a way to get to know the applicant from a professional's point of view. It is very important that the referee knows the applicant well, as they can provide examples of applicant behavior. Providing details on how the applicant behaved lets the admissions committee know the quality of the relationship, how creditable/trustworthy the information is, and whether or not the applicant possesses qualities that are necessary for graduate study and the OT profession.
A professor can attest to academic qualities, and an OT can attest to clinical qualities (e.g., how the applicant interacts with patients, their knowledge and interest of OT, their initiative to learn OT practice, etc).

A LOR that does not provide such information may give the impression that the applicant is unable to solicit letters from persons who's depictions about the applicant are accurate and objective. A LOR from a person that did not know the applicant well may even be grounds for immediate rejection.

 

[naijagirl90]

Well I would say that you should still get the letter of recommendation from him since some schools require a letter of recommendation from an OT. You don't want to be put in the situation where your application is rejected because you didn't meet the criteria of obtaining a recommendation from an OT. Just make sure that your other recommendations from your professors or former supervisors are people that have known you for awhile and can write spectacular recommendations for you.

 

[OTtoB]

Just so you know, in OTCAS the referee has to write how long she/he has known the applicant. Also, the program that you are applying to may have guidelines concerning this. I've seen a minimum of 50 hours of supervision by the OT referee.

What I wrote previously is more of a general guideline concerning the LOR.