Importance of Reference Letters

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JJTheChicken

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Hello All,

I know that reference letters are very important in the application process, as I have heard from DPT programs, and among posters on this forum. I understand that PTCAS allows you to have up to 4 references on file. I currently have 2 PT references, and 1 employer. These references pretty much touch base on me as an individual (leadership, communication, teamwork, etc). However, I am on the fence for my fourth reference, which I was hoping to receive from my anatomy professor. I was out of school for about a year after graduation, and I came back this past summer to take anatomy as I had never taken it during my undergrad. I spoke to the anatomy professor regarding a reference letter, and he told me that he will only be able to speak on my performance in the course (I received an A+) and that it is a difficult course (especially as it was done during the summer term in one month). He said he will not be able to speak about much more as he doesn't know me personally, which makes sense.

How do others feel about this? I thought it would be beneficial to at least have 1 reference letter from a professor which touches upon my educational abilities, and with that reference letter coming from an anatomy professor, it would be even better (I'm not really close with any other professors). On the other hand, should I just avoid asking for that reference letter? Would it weaken my application to have a letter which simply states I performed exceptionally well in a difficult course? Also, can the schools that I apply to see every reference/letter once I submit my application, or do I get to pick and choose as to which reference letters I would like to provide them with? This is my first time applying, so I am hoping several posters on here can provide some feed back. Thanks!
 
Hello All,

I know that reference letters are very important in the application process, as I have heard from DPT programs, and among posters on this forum. I understand that PTCAS allows you to have up to 4 references on file. I currently have 2 PT references, and 1 employer. These references pretty much touch base on me as an individual (leadership, communication, teamwork, etc). However, I am on the fence for my fourth reference, which I was hoping to receive from my anatomy professor. I was out of school for about a year after graduation, and I came back this past summer to take anatomy as I had never taken it during my undergrad. I spoke to the anatomy professor regarding a reference letter, and he told me that he will only be able to speak on my performance in the course (I received an A+) and that it is a difficult course (especially as it was done during the summer term in one month). He said he will not be able to speak about much more as he doesn't know me personally, which makes sense.

How do others feel about this? I thought it would be beneficial to at least have 1 reference letter from a professor which touches upon my educational abilities, and with that reference letter coming from an anatomy professor, it would be even better (I'm not really close with any other professors). On the other hand, should I just avoid asking for that reference letter? Would it weaken my application to have a letter which simply states I performed exceptionally well in a difficult course? Also, can the schools that I apply to see every reference/letter once I submit my application, or do I get to pick and choose as to which reference letters I would like to provide them with? This is my first time applying, so I am hoping several posters on here can provide some feed back. Thanks!

If your 2 PT references and employer can attest to your qualities as an individual, then I definitely think you should have your anatomy professor be your last reference. Sure, PT schools want to see that you'll be a great fit for physical therapy, but they also want confirmation that you can perform well academically in difficult courses such as anatomy (since you know, PT school is very rigorous). You were able to receive an A+ in a very important science prereq, and having an academic professor who can further verify your performance in this course will only reflect well on you.
 
If your 2 PT references and employer can attest to your qualities as an individual, then I definitely think you should have your anatomy professor be your last reference. Sure, PT schools want to see that you'll be a great fit for physical therapy, but they also want confirmation that you can perform well academically in difficult courses such as anatomy (since you know, PT school is very rigorous). You were able to receive an A+ in a very important science prereq, and having an academic professor who can further verify your performance in this course will only reflect well on you.

Thank you for your reply. Yeah I have been told that it is better to not use a reference letter if it is just so that a professor can only speak on my educational abilities, and not on me as a complete individual, but I really don't see why that is an issue. If you have applied, do you know whether PTCAS allows you to select which reference letters to use for specific schools, or is there no control over that?

Any others out there with feedback? I would very much appreciate it!
 
Thank you for your reply. Yeah I have been told that it is better to not use a reference letter if it is just so that a professor can only speak on my educational abilities, and not on me as a complete individual, but I really don't see why that is an issue. If you have applied, do you know whether PTCAS allows you to select which reference letters to use for specific schools, or is there no control over that?

Any others out there with feedback? I would very much appreciate it!

I believe that the schools will only look at the reference letters that they require - so for example, some schools require reference letters from 2 PTs and 1 professor, and they will only look at these 3 (since PT schools have to file through hundreds of applicants). You have the option of sending 4 reference letters through PTCAS in order to satisfy each of the different school's different requirements. Most schools require at least an academic/major professor anyways.
 
Programs mostly use reference letters to get a sense of who you are as a person. Your grade on your transcript will already speak for your performance in the course. I don't think adding your professor's letter of rec would really add any significance to your application if he's just restating that you did well in the course.

Also, consider what information is asked of your reference as mentioned on the PTCAS website. They rate you on a scale of 1-5 for certain characteristics and choose if they don't recommend, recommend, or strongly recommend you among other things. If your professor doesn't know you too well, it will be hard for him to answer these questions.
 
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