- Joined
- May 24, 2018
- Messages
- 14
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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!
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!