I have two questions

[Homo sapien]

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1.) Do you have to purchase an Interfolio account for your recommendation letter writers (I looked and it said free for letter writers, but I don't know how it would work)

2)How long should you shadow a doctor before you ask for a recommendation letter?

thank you,

Oh, I have another one.

I intend on taking my MCAT next week. I also intend on shadowing a podiatrist the week after that (got to wait for car rental to open). So do you think I should apply now and wait for MCAT score and rec letter to come in or wait until I get it all. My sGPA is 2.9 and I got one more semester left before I am done with the biology; should I just wait until that semester is done before I apply?

 

[JDMcNugent]

I can help you with question number 1 but not 2 since I am still working on that as well.

I have an interfolio account and I believe it was around $15-20 to open a dossier account. It's pretty straightforward from there. You just get your letter writers contact information, i.e., email address, phone number, and put your request in. You can either have the request sent via email or snail mail to your letter writer.

 

[Homo sapien]

Thanks.

So does my letter writer have to have an Interfolio account as well?

Also, how do you enter retakes on the application

(I am filling out parts of it now so I don't have to do it later)

 

[JDMcNugent]

No they do not need an account. They just follow the instructions from the email or mailed request that you send them. They then upload their letter to your account via the link from the email or mail in their letter for your account.

 

[Happpyfeet]

Hey! I shadowed my podiatrist for about 5 months (approximately 3 hrs per week) before I got my letter. I was advised to gain exposure over a long period of time because that shows your dedication.

Also, in terms of applying, you should complete and submit the application asap because it takes a few weeks to process it and get all documents (transcripts, letters, etc.) submitted. once your mcat score comes out, u can forward it and they would have it within 24 hrs and your application would be completed for review!

 

[Homo sapien]

Well I could not find one until recently who would allow me to shadow so unfortunately I do not have 5 months

 

[HopefulSpartan]

Well I could not find one until recently who would allow me to shadow so unfortunately I do not have 5 months

Do what you gotta do. Ask when you feel that you have developed a good enough relationship with him and he understands that you are committed to podiatry. There isn't a set amount of time to shadow in order to get a letter. The pod I shadowed said after I shadowed him for 3 hours to let him know if I needed one. Not all podiatrists will be so forward. But if you have shadowed him a few times and you keep engaged with him when you can while not getting in the way during patient interaction you should be good to ask for a letter.

 

[Homo sapien]

What I intend to do is try to get up there about 4 times this semester (I live about 1.5 hrs away from the place) and I was going to ask him at the end of that, maybe in November.

Oh, i wouldn't have bothered him during his patient interaction. I know better than that 🙂