I can't apply :(

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DD214_DOC

DD214_DOC

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Well, i figured this would happen. The person who agreed to write a LOR for me has been ignoring my emails as of late. I know she's getting them because I have the program set to reply whenever the message is viewed. I was counting on her for my last lor :mad:

The other guy who agreed to write one has yet to turn it in and has also failed to respond to emails I know he received. :mad: :mad:

This is really pissing me off.
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Call them. When one of my LOR writers slacked off, I called her. I was super-apologetic and recognized the fact that I was nagging her, but also made it clear that I needed a letter ASAP (I had given her WEEKS to write the letters). I think that calling moves you up on the priority list, whereas an email can be pretty easily ignored. It's your future, not theirs, you have to be aggressive about getting the letters from them. Good luck!
 
I tried that once and got the voice mail and was ignored. If they're just going to ignore me I would rather they not even write a letter, as it would end up being half-assed or possible even negative.
 
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Don't lose hope. I had one of my best letters from a DO was a guy I shadowed in his office....ONCE.

and it was in August.

I just added his letters to the schools I applied to.

I know LECOM and PCOM actually ask you to put who is writing your letter down on the secondary. Others jsut said it was a requirement and that gave me more time.

Keep it up...

(best adam sandler) YOU CAN DO EETTT!
 
You don't need letters until you get secondaries and it's May for pete's sake - what's the rush? Chill baby chill...

I didn't get my letters until November or so, no problem mon.
 
JKDMed,

I had a similar problem, albeit it was to a chiropractic school and involved one of my chem teachers. I just basically bebopped into his office and said the letter had probably been lost in the mail as the school hadn't gotten it yet. He then stated it had been sent about two weeks ago.

I called the school the next day and it was there.

Try dropping by the office and asking that sort of question (i.e. give them an honorable 'out'). It's not as easy to ignore someone standing in your office.
 
I completely agree with Dave, you need to be persistent in your pursuit of letters. I had shadowed a D.O. that promised a great letter of reference, and I couldnt get ahold of her for the life of me. I called (voice mail) e-mail (no response) and even wrote formal letters with (no reply). So I just drove over to her office in the nearby town and told them who I was. After an hour long wait, I fianlly got to talk with her, and she wrote and sent out the letters that day.

Just be persistent and dont let them give you the run-around. Although you have tons of time to get the letters sent to the schools, if you want to be ahead of schedule, just go talk to them. They cant ignore you when you're standing in their office or waiting room.

Best of luck.
 
Another option...

Why don't you try writing the initial draft of the letter yourself and submit it to the Doc? This usually relieves a lot of the time component that so many physicians lack already. When I was active duty in the Air Force and applying to school, each of my recommendations came from commanding officers (both docs), and I composed the original letter for each of them. They took what I had to say, altered it and got letters in the mail within a very reasonable time frame.

At the very least, you should ask the LOR authors if this a more agreeable option for them. Perhaps the mere idea will highlight the urgency of the situation. And I agree with the above posters, the docs are aware that the letters are not absolutely necessary until later in the application cycle; they may just be prioritizing and putting off your letter to accomplish something more pressing.

I hope this helps some.

Cyndi
 
I don't know what the big deal is. First of all you can always get letters from someone else, like a professor or employer or something. Also, most doctors don't respond to email and are hard to reach by phone. Just go to their office--find out when they will be in and show up. You being their will probably motivate them to get it done. If they still refuse, you probably don't want med schools reading what they have to write anyway.
 
JKDMed said:
These letters are the two required from science faculty. I already have my DO letter. Dunno where the DO thing came from.
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why won't you try michael jackson, he is more up your alley...

it's called bad karma dude...when you hurt another human being...karma comes back and hits you back. Maybe if you were nice to others around you, this wouldn't have happened.
 
WatchaMaCallit said:
why won't you try michael jackson, he is more up your alley...

it's called bad karma dude...when you hurt another human being...karma comes back and hits you back. Maybe if you were nice to others around you, this wouldn't have happened.
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Thanks for posting something completely stupid and irrelevant. :thumbup:
 
JKDMed said:
Thanks for posting something completely stupid and irrelevant. :thumbup:
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that's how I felt when you posted about the michael jackson comment. I was insulted and offended by that remark..

doesn't feel good to put another human being down, now does it?

you can thank karma for being a biatch. If you are nicer to people around you...then maybe good things will happen to you....

I think you have the potential for being a good doctor. You need to work on your compassion for others different than you. Maybe if you are nice then, then karma will bless you :thumbup:
 
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Drop your LOR writer and find another if at all possible. Their lack of attention and caring about you and the letter often times reflects similar uncaring in the quality of LOR's. When I was applying people used to tell me, any recommender you have to chase after (many, many times) isn't going to write a good one, move on and don't take any risks that the lazy slug might screw you. Find someone who understands this is the most important academic, social, financial, psychological, personal thing that you've ever attempted.

Don't waste your time or frustrations on that crap, save that energy for when you get here (to medical school), you'll need it....
 
H0mersimps0n said:
Drop your LOR writer and find another if at all possible. Their lack of attention and caring about you and the letter often times reflects similar uncaring in the quality of LOR's. When I was applying people used to tell me, any recommender you have to chase after (many, many times) isn't going to write a good one, move on and don't take any risks that the lazy slug might screw you. Find someone who understands this is the most important academic, social, financial, psychological, personal thing that you've ever attempted.

Don't waste your time or frustrations on that crap, save that energy for when you get here (to medical school), you'll need it....
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That's what makes this situation so crappy. I got a wonderful letter from a non-science professor. Unfortunately, I need two science letters and I have only had a grand total of 5 science professors, and one agreed to write the letter. I think he'll do it with enough reminders; I already met with him but he's a pretty busy guy.

Of the 4 remaining, two are ignoring me and one probably would not write it (I got a C in his class), though I haven't asked. I don't imagine it's a good idea to ask a professor, "Hey, will you write me a LOR?" if you got below a B.

That only leaves one guy and I don't think he's at the university any longer.
 
JKDMed said:
That's what makes this situation so crappy. I got a wonderful letter from a non-science professor. Unfortunately, I need two science letters and I have only had a grand total of 5 science professors, and one agreed to write the letter. I think he'll do it with enough reminders; I already met with him but he's a pretty busy guy.

Of the 4 remaining, two are ignoring me and one probably would not write it (I got a C in his class), though I haven't asked. I don't imagine it's a good idea to ask a professor, "Hey, will you write me a LOR?" if you got below a B.

That only leaves one guy and I don't think he's at the university any longer.
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When professors ignore your emails repeatedly JKMD, and I'm trying to help out. Chances are they will NOT write a good letter of rec, or they are trying to give you a message across.

If the professor replied, and said I'm busy but will get around to it, then that is a good sign. However, if they just completely ignore you, then it's important to go find another professor ASAP. I'm sure there are tons more professors that could help you out.

However, it's one thing to try to get a letter of rec; it's something worse to get a LOR and it turns out to be a scathing critique of your character. Also, the fact that you got a C in the class is NOT a good sign in your favor. Most professors, but not all, when writing a letter of rec, will indicate how well or poorly you did in a class. You don't want them to highlight a negative grade by having them write the LOR.

My best advice, is to email other faculty that you scored A's and ask them kindly if they can write you a "strong" Letter of rec. That adjective is very improtant. If they don't write you a strong letter of rec, then it's not worth it.

My advice is, if you can't find any faculty as of now, then it's best to hold off a year, and get better recs, and then apply. Why waste your money go through the whole process, when you know the people writing for you aren't good writers or might write something bad?

anyway, that is my 2 cents..

best of luck :thumbup:

Watcha

PS Now, I retract my bad karma, and send you good karma instead. You should be hearing some sort of good news in the coming weeks :D Also, try taking another science course as well.
 
JKDMed,

Will you be applying to PCOM? I read on their website that a LOR from a premed advisor or dean/chair is required. If that's true, then I'm screwed.

I was thinking about getting LORs from the TAs and having them co-signed by the profs. Maybe you can do this too. TAs are better at answering stuff than the profs.
 
My last hope is my inchem professor. I got a B+/A in both of his classes so I should be ok if I can actually manage to get into contact with him. I guess my only option is to show up and ask him in person (I haven't been able to find him). Luckily, he's teaching a class in summer II. I imagine he's the type who would say to write it myself and he'd sign it.

That still leaves one. I'm pretty sure the physics prof will write the letter, I just need to keep on him about it. If not, he can't ignore me for long -- he's teaching my class in July.

To answer watcha, I don't really have the money to throw in another science class just for a letter. Thanks for the karma :D Don't take anything I say personal dude, I'm just a smartass by nature.
 
JKDmed,

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing a pretty common problem with LOR - prof's are innundated with students asking for letters and you have to stay on top of them if you want results. As you're about to put in your application and I have just finished, let me tell you that EVERYTHING in this process requires micromanaging.

Just to let you know the things that went wrong with my application so you can understand and prepare:

1) My transcripts never went out the first time to AACOMAS from my school, my school had to re-send
3) My letter of rec from my science teacher never made it to the letter sending service at my school. It was found weeks later under a "pile of folders". (I had to eventually escort my teacher to the letter sending office personally to make sure it reached them)
4) AACOMAS received my grades from fall semester, but took weeks to send them out (and contained a "D" I turned into an A, which I needed schools to see)
5) Many schools never got my updated transcripts and asked me to retake a few classes I already had and re-apply (UGH!)

If your grades are shakey, keep taking classes and prove you can do well in the upper division classes. You'll get better letters in smaller classes anyway.

You can put in your primary now without the letters - I didn't put in my app until August and got my letters in September (not recommended) but I still had two interviews and one acceptance so far!!

And, I got a C+ in Gen Chem I, a C+ in O-Chem I, a D in O-Chem II lab (repeated for an A) and B's in all my other science classes. I also had a 4.0 from my first degree which helped, I think. My low science grades came up once in my interviews, I explained I was working full time but I had kept taking classes and proved that if I wasn't working I could do well, which they were fine with.

I've read a lot of your posts and you seem really anxious - it is part of the process. Don't give up! It is an extremely alienating and frustrating experience for everyone, hence this forum. I was lucky to have made good friends from my MCAT class and we kept in touch, compared notes about apps, interviews which helps relieve the stress.

One thing I would like to mention is try not to take your frustrations out on other members of this forum. Its only going to make you enemies here and these people, I must say, are some of the nicest, most helpful people you're going to find in the application process. You will not find people like this on campus who will support you like these members and from reading these posts, I hope you will learn to EXPECT the aggrevation applying brings - the endless administrative mistakes, the mind-numbing waiting.

The key is to find solutions such as maintaining contact with AACOMAS and admissions offices so you know every random piece of paper gets into the hands of the adcoms so when they open your file, and see that C or D, there's a letter of recommendation (I sent 5!) to belay that grade.

Good luck, take a few deep breaths and relax!!
 
Why are you getting letters so early? You can wait until next semester and get letters then.
 
JKDMed said:
My last hope is my inchem professor. I got a B+/A in both of his classes so I should be ok if I can actually manage to get into contact with him. I guess my only option is to show up and ask him in person (I haven't been able to find him). Luckily, he's teaching a class in summer II. I imagine he's the type who would say to write it myself and he'd sign it.

That still leaves one. I'm pretty sure the physics prof will write the letter, I just need to keep on him about it. If not, he can't ignore me for long -- he's teaching my class in July.

To answer watcha, I don't really have the money to throw in another science class just for a letter. Thanks for the karma :D Don't take anything I say personal dude, I'm just a smartass by nature.
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I still think you should reconsider the guy who is "ignoring you"...you don't want a half ass letter anyway...well in any case, I wish you the best of luck!

I think it would be ideal if you could ask another professor, or take another science class (maybe at a community college, which is cheaper)...so at least u have a chance at a better letter of rec
 
JKDMed said:
Because secondaries come in August/Sept. If I don't ask until August I'll never have them in on time.
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The earliest secondaries will come is in Aug/Sep - and those that do, if you wanted to get all your materials in as absolutely early as possible you'd need your letters then. My only point is that in reality there's plenty of time - I know you're trying to do everything as early as possible, but if it's not possible, don't worry about it. Plenty of people don't get all their materials in until late in the year or early in the next year, and get interviews.
 
It may very well have to do with the semester is winding down and they are in exam preparations. Wait till exams are over, or go and see them in person, or wait until June or July and then try and track them down. You are really early and have plenty of time.
 
I had this really really cool and really long reply...but SDN crashed on me eariler for a few hours and I'm too lazy to rewrite it... :(

Generally though, I had a lot of crap things happen to me in the last application process but you have PLENTY of time to fix the LOR issue. It's not even June yet.
 
The actual problem is that I don't want to spend the $400 to apply if I'm not going to be able to get my last two letters. I only have 3 people left to choose from, and two are completely ignoring me. I'm not *positive* if the third has gotten any of my inquiries, but I will find out this summer when I go back to class.

Also, I KNOW these two got the emails because I was sneaky and had a reply sent to my inbox whenever the messages were read. It only takes a couple minutes to send a reply, less time than it took to read the message.
 
Hey, this may come off poorly, but I intend to be constructive...

First off, if you are this frazzled and stressed during the application process, do you really think you'll be able to calm yourself down when you have 3 written exams and 2 practicals in a week during med school? I know that applying can be a stressful time, but med school is like a marathon, and the application process is only stepping up to the blocks. This is why I look at pre-meds (I was probably guilty of the same things in the past too, so don't feel too bad) and say "little do they know..."

Second, realize that you have plenty of time. I was excited to fill out my application and get all my materials sent out too. Unfortunately, I had some issues with AACOMAS and my application didn't get to the schools until DECEMBER!! I got my secondary in January, was interviewed in February, and received my acceptance less than a week later.

Third, one prof of mine always insisted on using the term "letters of evaluation" rather than letters of "recommendation." His point was that just because you ask a person to write you a letter, does not mean that they're going to say great things about you.

This is just food for thought, and like I said, it's meant to be constructive, so don't take it in the wrong way!....Considering that you really do have a lot of time to work with, don't you think that you may be coming off as a bit panicky and perhaps pushy toward your professors? They're probably picking up on your attitude, and don't want to deal with it...thus they are ignoring you. I mean, don't you think there's a REASON they are ignoring you?? Think about it...it's not just one grumpy old prof...it's two professors. Not to mention, look at the title of this thread: I can't apply :(. Come on!! It's MAY!!! That's such a bad attitude to have so early in the process. It's like saying, "ok, I hit a stumbling block, now I gotta quit"...that's not a good attitude to be putting out either.

Perhaps this thread isn't an accurate representation of your personality, but just judging from this, you really are going to have to become less stressed and pushy, and more relaxed and patient. Like I said before, med school is tough, and you haven't even stepped up to the start line.
 
JKD,

I have to second the opinion of DOIN07. Seems like you have abundant time to piss and whine here in these forums, perhaps redirect some of this time for sleep, might be less prone to illness (your prior O-chem issues). I have found that actively working towards the solution of a problem is much, much more constructive that lighting your panties on fire, running in circles and flailing your hands in the air screaching like a banshee as you are doing in these forums. Might decrease your stress hormones and again reduce your potential for illness.
With the extra time, try taking a biochem class. Sounds like you're a bit light on the sciences (5 total classes?) and having some background in BioChem will be of some real value your first year. Butter up w/ the prof. from the get-go and slowly lead into a letter request.
Obvious you are a fatalistic Type-A, and that's OK as many med students can be. Just from my interactions with such types, however, it seems that such people as you portray yourself to be here in SDN are the ones who put on the 75lbs the first year, have multiple crises and appear to be utterly miserable throughout school. Highly recommend some stress-coping skills before getting into school.
 
cdreed said:
Another option...

Why don't you try writing the initial draft of the letter yourself and submit it to the Doc? This usually relieves a lot of the time component that so many physicians lack already. When I was active duty in the Air Force and applying to school, each of my recommendations came from commanding officers (both docs), and I composed the original letter for each of them. They took what I had to say, altered it and got letters in the mail within a very reasonable time frame.

At the very least, you should ask the LOR authors if this a more agreeable option for them. Perhaps the mere idea will highlight the urgency of the situation. And I agree with the above posters, the docs are aware that the letters are not absolutely necessary until later in the application cycle; they may just be prioritizing and putting off your letter to accomplish something more pressing.

I hope this helps some.

Cyndi
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I've been writing LORs for medical students and residents for 5 years now, and it is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE ASS. You are one of many faces that come through our lives on a daily basis. Unless you are truly impressive/outstanding in some special way, you're just another student asking me for a favor.

In the last 2 years, I've adopted what Cyndi recommends. I advise whoever wants this favor from me to write their own letters and submit the letter along with CV, etc for me to review/alter and sign.

The ones who truly stand out, I will write one myself for them. That is probably only 5 % of the LORs that I do.

I would also recommend a stamped-addressed envelope and a photo, so that they remember you better.
 
I asked one of my physics professors for a lor and he said "absolutely!" Unfortunately, it took him a summer and nearly two semesters to finish it. I was messed up mentally about the whole situation. UNTIL!!! I went to the science advising center and told Evelyn (the lady that every pre-med student at my university loves because she saves our buts and gets on the professors' a$$es) that I was getting a letter from him and was quite concerned...

She said "WHooaAA!!! My boy, you are about to get an lor from a professor that writes the best lors at this institution... so be patient!"

Needless to say, she wasn't kidding. At one of my interviews, a comment was actually made about my lor from him. I don't know what it said, but damn, I'd sure like to read it.

But man, listen to the two preceeding posts. You should definitely relax, don't haggle your profs, and if you ARE truly concerned and want to give them a subtle hint... just drop by a pre-paid overnight envelope off at their offices. Doing this will, without an annoying email or message, let them know just how much this means to you.

Good luck, and I'm sure you'll get interviews everywhere... :thumbup:

gr8n
LECOM-Bradenton
c/o 2008
 
Fatalistic Type A? :laugh: :laugh:

Dude you have no idea what my personality is, so please stop trying to judge it based upon ONE post on SDN. I also can't take another science because I don't have the financial aid to do so. My "frequent" illness is really due to having chronic sinusitis and allergies. Whenever I run out of Allegra (which is what happened the weekend before the final) I get a really bad infection with fever. The UTI was just one of those rare occurences when I have something other than a sinus problem. Back on allegra, I'm fine, which I usually am for qutie a few months. Looks like you're pretty much wrong about everything you inferred. :thumbdown:

I'm not stressed out, I'm irritated. I realize this is only May but what a lot of you fail to realize is that in two weeks I'm laying down $400 to transmit my AACOMAS application. If I am unable to secure the last two letters that $400 will be wasted, as only a small fraction of my schools will accept less than two science letters and I have absolutely nobody left to ask. I would prefer to know ahead of time if I will get them so that $400 won't be wasted.

I'm also shocked that grown men and women do not have the balls to say they're not interested, if that is the case.

What's a good way to approach these people and indicate I'd write the letter for them, without them getting offended or pissed off and completely changing their mind?
 
When did you ask these professors? Was it less than a month ago? When you asked them to write a letter....did you tell them what day you needed it by? Did you give them any information (such as resume) that would enable them to write something about you.

Seriously, it is too early to be stressed out. It seems you think because they are ignoring you now.....you will never get a LOR from them. The best time to generally ask is the beginning of summer.

Also, it is best to make a "packet" that includes a resume (CV), perhaps your personal statement, and a cover letter that states your appreciation (as well as a date you would like the letter by), photocopy of your transcripts, and a stamped envelope.

Seriously, this is probably a really busy time to ask for letters. If they said they would be willing to write you a letter....then take their word about it.

If you are really freaking out, go ask the pre-med office and ask what you should do. She/He could tell you if there have ever been problems before with those two professors.....which I doubt.
 
A smooth way to give them this "packet" would be to say that you finally made a packet to give to the "other" people you will be asking for LORs from....and that you would like to give one to them for when they write their LOR for you.

In your cover letter....you could mention you have heard of this practice, and if they so desired you would write a LOR for them. When you hand it to these two science professors....you could mention it to them, and if they want you would be willing. I would probably try to throw it in at the end of the conversation...like as you are walking out the door. That way...if they say NO...then you are on the way out avoiding an akward moment. If they say YES...then you can say you'll have it to them in a day or two.

By the way.......my letters/commitee letter was not done until August. I had an interview in September.
 
I asked way back during the semester. I'm pretty sure the physics guy will write one, as he said he would. He's just busy I'm sure.

I'll see what's happening when I get back from my trip to Washington. Maybe the guy is just having trouble figuring out what to write (though I gave him a CV and all sorts of junk, including the contact info for the guy who wrote me an awesome LOR and knew me well).
 
I find this interesting...

"I realize this is only May but what a lot of you fail to realize is that in two weeks I'm laying down $400 to transmit my AACOMAS application. If I am unable to secure the last two letters that $400 will be wasted..."

I think it is fair for me to speak for the majority of med students (as opposed to pre-meds) out there. We DO realize how much money you have to dish out. Hello?? We've been in your shoes!! If you're not ready to lay down $400 for an application which isn't typically submitted until a few months from now (why MUST you submit it 2 weeks from now??), then you won't be ready to dish out the couple hundred bucks for a deposit, $500 for books for your first trimester, and forget about the $30,000+ for tuition.

Instead of whining about this stuff, be proactive and change your approach to the problem. Instead of jumping into things and getting all frazzled, think about things before you do them. Case in point, prior to even ASKING for the letter of evaluation, you should have typed up a resume, etc, like all the other posters have suggested. There is no reason to be upset about your letters yet, but if you keep nagging your professors, they're going to do a half-a$$ job, or even resent you for not trusting them. If you really must continue to badger your profs, maybe it would be better to have one meaningful face to face conversation instead of multiple return-receipt emails.

Finally, when people are replying to your thread, they are replying with an outside perspective. You may feel like we're being mean or whatever, but from what I've seen from your posts, you ARE being a little over-the-top...though you may disagree or be in denial. Also, realize that many of us have BEEN where you are. We (current med students) know about the ins and outs better than anyone. If you're just going to take our advice as a personal attack, then why don't you just figure the stuff out on your own?
 
Maybe if you guys stopped assuming things this would be more productive? So far most of what I have seen from you and HeavyD is nothing more than irrelevant comments based upon incorrect assumptions For your information, I DID type up a resume/CV and distributed this along with the personal essay, transcript, etc. to those who agreed to write the letter.

If you two are going to reply to my posts with insults disguised as contructive criticism, then at least have your **** straight.
 
Hey, it is constructive and not meant as an insult.
 
If you're this overly sensitive now about constructive (yes, that's what it is) criticism, then how are you going to handle being pimped in class or in rounds? I was trying to give you some insight as to how you're coming across...you may not think you're being a certain way, and you may not INTEND on being a certain way...but you are COMING ACROSS in a really negative way. My original posts weren't meant as an argument, but since you're (THIS is an insult) so immature as to turn them into an argument, I want nothing to do with helping you out. There are inconsistencies in how you want to be/act or how you think you are/act compared to how you come across.
 
I would agree with DOin2007. JKDmed, you are reacting a bit extreme. Besides, I'm not sure what type of responses you really were looking for considering the title and your first post.

I spent much more on applications than $400, and I didn't even ask for my recommendations until June. I, as well, did not know if I would meet all required letters for school....and everything worked out well for me.

It doesn't seem like anyone on this thread is trying to be mean or insult you, don't take it personally....i'm sure it wasn't meant that way (by my reading of the posts).
 
JKDMed said:
I'm also shocked that grown men and women do not have the balls to say they're not interested, if that is the case.

What's a good way to approach these people and indicate I'd write the letter for them, without them getting offended or pissed off and completely changing their mind?
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Most likely it is not the lack of balls. From experience, I can say it is most likely lack of interest. Remember, this may be the most important thing for you, but for us, the writers of LORs, it is most often an annoyance in a very full and busy life compared to a student's.

Just write the LOR like I said, and tell them it is a reminder from you to them of your interactions together, and how you think this is how they perceived you. Ask them to review and edit it, sign it, and mail it in. Put it in a word document so that they can edit it easily and include the stamped-addressed envelope.
 
JKD,

I guess you'll just have to take my word for it but I know where you are coming from. I've been there as all who matriculate into school have. I stand by my statements in this post and not based on this thread alone. I could have come out with more "hugs and warm feelings" for you and could have said, "Chin up, big kid you're OK in my book." but I'm not the person to do that. I was and am offering an objective view of what I see from your numerous posts (1,000+?).
If you find the offering of such input from those of us that have been where you are now as nonsense and without merit, perhaps start looking at you as an applicant like an admissions committee member would. Do you think that 'not having the financial aid' will be an acceptable response to the questions that will come regarding you light load of science ug classes coupled with a realtively weak science GPA? Have you considered the costs of traveling to interviews? How about the costs related to reapplying?
I am very aware of financial constraints when it comes to being an ug; I paid my own way by working/loans/etc. Bottom line is that you have got to do whatever is necessary in order to demonstrate determination, desire, and dedication in order to stand out from the thousands of fellow applicants.
I'll take the advise you post 'reject what is useless' and bid you farewell. It is obvious that attempts to provide you with knowledge I learned by being where you are now is 'useless' on my part so further attempts will be 'rejected'. Best of luck, JKD, sure seems like you'll need it.
 
As I said before, your "help" would be more useful if it wasn't based upon erroneous assumptions that you persist to make.

"Weak" science GPA? It will be a 3.4+ after this summer. That's pretty decent for DO schools.

Light load? I'm not a science major, why would I take **** I don't need, other than to impress ADCOMS. That wouldn't make any sense.

I regard your comments as nonsense and without merit for the same reason I opened up this response: the majority of your comments are based on incorrect asumptions.
 
militarymd said:
I've been writing LORs for medical students and residents for 5 years now, and it is a ROYAL PAIN IN THE ASS.
Click to expand...

I concur. I've written a few LOR's for pre-meds now (oh, the irony, as I'm applying, too), and it is kind of a pain, even when you know the person really well and really like them. So, when I agree to do this, I make the person e-mail me once a week to remind me to do it until it gets done. I know this sounds lame, but I have 3 gazillion other things going on at any second of my life, and LOR's are the LAST thing on my mind most of the time. I'm noticing that I usually write them at 1am, and then usually sending them out about a week later.

They are hard to write, so keep that in mind, too. Even when you know a lot about a person via other information they give you, they are a bitch. You don't want it to sound insincere, but you also have to figure out what to include and what not to include.

Keeping all that in mind, I've had a few visits with the people who are writing my LOR's, while at the same time trying not to make a federal case out of it. It'll get done, but it is a chore.

Nanon
 
I decided to make up a better packet to distribute to these people. I'm going to include more detailed information along with the stuff I have given them before.

I'll revisit those who agreed and "update" them with this new packet after I get back to class the first week of June. :thumbup:
 
I have to agree with Nanon...LOR's are difficult to write! I've never had to write a pre-med LOR, but I've had students ask for letters for a myriad of other reasons. Even when I know them well, it's difficult to do.

Now, with that said.......JKDMed--I'm glad to see you are working on a new packet. I just read through this entire thread (again) and I don't remember seeing where you initially said that you'd done all of the things that others were suggesting. You've made several comments about people making assumptions, but they made suggestions and you had given no indication that you'd already followed those suggestions. Remember, we can't know what you've done unless you tell us!

Now...a few comments/suggestions... You're not a science major and don't have a lot of choices--fair enough. I went to an *extremely* small school and only had about 5 science profs total! You're not the only one who's been in that situation. Yes, we've all got to struggle with the issue of money. Yes, the application process is stressful. Enough excuses--what can you do to make it better?

First of all, go *see* your professors in person. At the very least, call them on the phone. Ask if they have time and if they can write you a strong letter. Tell them you are happy to give them any information they want/need in order to have a better idea of your goals. That might include copies of your personal statement, your resume, or even a list of the classes you've taken with them.

It's not a matter of not having the balls to tell you they don't want to write a letter. You are one of hundreds of students that have come through their doors. You have to make yourself stand out. These profs may be looking for a little more initiative from you--something that singles you out as a good candidate.

I honestly taught for an entire semester not knowing the names of some of the students in my anatomy labs. There were 100 of them when the semester started and most did nothing to distinguish themselves. On the other hand, I have been out of school for 7 years and when I called my profs from grad school for LOR's, I had to remind her that I was the "redhead with the southern accent" and she knew exactly who I was! Never underestimate the power of face time.

Now--money. Do you really need to spend $400 to apply? Maybe what you need to do is sit down and make some decisions about what schools you *really* want to apply to. What is the point in applying to a school that you would never want to go to or could not afford to go to? Don't get sucked into the "maximize your chances" mantra or the "what if it's the only place that accepts me" worry. Look at their stats and make some decisions. You'll eventually have to decide anyway--if they all accepted you, you'd have to decide on one. I'm not saying only apply to one. I'm saying it might be to your benefit to pick and choose now. If you know you can't afford to send in 20 secondaries and go to 20 interviews, then why spend the money to AACOMAS? Where are your best chances of getting in and what schools are you really interested in going to?

Third--take it easy. There is absolutely no good reason to stress yourself out to the point of thinking you can't apply at all just because your profs are dragging their feet in May. I can tell you that getting through final exams is no easier for profs than it is for students. If you wait until the semester is over...maybe a week after...you might find a very different response. Getting your application in 2 weeks from now is not going to increase your chances of acceptance. The first ones to be considered (for most schools) will be the early decision candidates and that won't be until August. Most don't start looking at the whole pool until September, maybe even October. You *do* have time. And if you take the time to eliminate schools *before* you apply to AACOMAS, you can get rid of that stress of not having "enough" LOR's.

Good luck to you.

Willow
 
JKDmed,

It is now clear from your lack of thankfulness to the people who have made innumerable posts to help you that you must have a personality disorder ... I'm having trouble deciding between passive-aggressive or narcisstic (sp?) but then again, I'm no psychiatrist, hmm?

I made a post to you a few pages ago. Didn't get a thank-you from you and didn't see one made to anyone else who obviously spent valuable time giving you advice we would have killed to have. What's up with that? You think people are going to keep helping you along when you show no consideration of our time or efforts to help a stranger? I told you not to irritate these people and look what you did, post after post. I think someone else made a fine point when they said that it could be YOU why your teachers aren't helping you out. With your lack of compassion and understanding, you are the last person I want to see walk into the room to give me a pelvic or even remove a splinter.

Before you start crying and throwing slurs at me, remember, WE'VE been accepted - maybe based on our grades, or based on our MCAT scores but most certainly based on our maturity.

And, you're not the only person who has had money problems. Shut it already or go to law school, where with your personality, you might be a "better fit".
 
:laugh:

You're crying over some anonymous person not thanking you on a message board, and you claim I'm the one with the personality problem?

Sorry, I don't take the time to respond to every individual who responds to my threads.

By the way, it's easy to say, "find money". Right. Could you teach me how to pull it out of my ass? Obviously I wasn't around when you guys were to learn it. My financial aid for the year is MAXED OUT already with the money I have for my summer tuition. I had to get my summer hours dropped down to 3 minimum just to be able to attend at all. I applied for loans but was denied. Haven't heard anything back from job applications. My FAFSA incomes were too high to warrant any other aid such as work study.

So, what do you recommend I do now? Rob a bank? Spend a few nights mugging people in the posh neighborhoods? :rolleyes:

Just so you know, here are the DSM-IV guildlines for passive-aggressive personality disorder:

passively resists fulfilling routine social and occupational tasks; NO

complains of being misunderstood and unappreciated by others; NO

is sullen and argumentative; Argumentive, sometimes.

unreasonably criticizes and scorns authority; NO

expresses envy and resentment toward those apparently more fortunate; NO

voices exaggerated and persistent complaints of personal misfortune; I rarely post misfortune threads.

So I may meet one or two of the criteria for PA-PD. The DSM requires four of the criteria.

As for Narcissistic, you're way off. But you did admit you're not psychiatrist.


alternates between hostile defiance and contrition

This thread is the result of the immediate frustration experienced when I saw these professors had read my emails but failed to once again respond. Nothing more.

Also, the point wasn't that they were ignoring my REQUESTS FOR LETTERS, the point was that they had already agreed to write them and are no longer responding. One is probably just busy (as I have said) the other I have no clue. I'm nowhere near campus so I can't really check.
 
Right, you don't take the time to respond to every one of your posts ...

And, your teachers don't take the time to respond to every one of their students requests for letters ... hmm, as they ask Winona Ryder in the aptly named movie Reality Bites - "Define irony".

I would tell you what I did over the summers, but now that I understand you, Mr. Machiavellian, it wouldn't do me any good.
 
JKDMed said:
So, what do you recommend I do now? Rob a bank? Spend a few nights mugging people in the posh neighborhoods? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

If you've got 'em, you could just do what I'm doing - racking up the debt on the credit cards. It sucks, but I have found no other way around it.

Just so you know, here are the DSM-IV guildlines for passive-aggressive personality disorder:

passively resists fulfilling routine social and occupational tasks; NO

complains of being misunderstood and unappreciated by others; NO

is sullen and argumentative; Argumentive, sometimes.

unreasonably criticizes and scorns authority; NO

expresses envy and resentment toward those apparently more fortunate; NO

voices exaggerated and persistent complaints of personal misfortune; I rarely post misfortune threads.

alternates between hostile defiance and contrition
Click to expand...

I hate the DSM. That may not sound like you, but it sounds like most people I know at some point in their lives - usually between the ages of 15 and 22. Stupid DSM - they've just described a teenager! :laugh:

Nanon
 
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