How do letters of recommendation work?

[karixel]

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Hi everyone, I know a similar question might have been asked before, but I am starting to look at applying to OT schools. Most require 2 or 3 letters, but I feel like they all have different ways of filling out a letter. Some do electronic submissions under different systems, others have different forms to fill out, etc. Since I want to make sure I get into a program, I want to apply to a lot of programs...but asking a professor or an OT to write a letter...and then write it in 10 different ways and send it or mail to 10 different systems seems like a lot to ask. So how does this work?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RedHeadOT]

I am also applying to multiple schools so I have run into the same problem. Here is what I have been doing:

First I researched my various schools to see what the school requirements are. I put together a word document listing each school and how the letters of recommendation needed to be handled. Many of the schools I'm looking at actually ended up being similar in how they wanted letters of recommendation to be handled. So for me, I was able to condense my list and actually only ended up having four different ways letters needed to be submitted. Seeing the list of what letters I need and how to apply makes it seem more reasonable.

When I approached my letter writers, I presented all the information they needed in a packet. The first thing in the packet is the list saying what needs to be done for each school (explained above). I try to write this as clearly as possible. This is then followed by a "brag sheet." Then I have the form for each school. A pre-addressed envelope and any additional forms that need to be included with the letter are paper clipped to each form, and a post-it note tells the writer what school the specific form is for.

Since this can still be a little overwhelming, I have tried to simplify the letter writing process even further for my writers. Instead of having my letter writers send in the letters, I just asked them to write the letters, put them into envelopes with their signature across the back flap and I am going to collect them to send them out. This removes the confusion of when the letters need to be sent, and helps me a little too, because I will know that my letters have been sent.

I hope that helps.

 

[karixel]

Thank you so much for the advice! I have a better idea of how to approach the letters now =)

 

[c2902]

To add, if you apply to any OTCAS schools, they have their own format, which is done electronically. I notified my references that they should expect an email from the specific OTCAS email address containing the appropriate link (and reminded them to check spam folders, just in case) and told them when I planned to have my application submitted, with a deadline for them BEFORE that date. You can do it via paper for OTCAS, but considering how slow they were in processing anything, I would highly recommend having your references submitted electronically. I believe the format consists of several questions where your reference rates different skills and attributes, and then there is a section for additional comments - applicants can't actually see the form beforehand, and I suppose it's only visible if you don't waive your right to view the submitted references, which you would only see after the fact.