Is there a "polite" window of time to ask for eLORs?

[AniSci]

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This year, VMCAS opens mid-May and closes (if I remember correctly) mid-September. I'm not sure why they shifted it all back, but if it makes the application process end sooner...I guess I'm all for it lol!

Anyway, I'm going to ask two vets I've worked for/with (one has even offered to help me through the application process), and an elementary teacher I've kept in touch with through the years.

Is there a good normal frame of time within which I can ask them to write an eLOR for me? Obviously, I won't ask them any later than a month before everything's due. But is there such a thing as "too early"? Does the VMCAS have to be open before they can write it, or can they send it to me and I can input it myself somehow??

Sorry I'm such a newb. 🙁

 

[Gwenevre]

So when you open VMCAS, there will be a section for you to enter your evaluator's information, including their e-mail. VMCAS will e-mail them directly and say "so and so has requested you write an evaluation for them. This is due by yada yada." So no, they can't preemptively write you a letter and you manually submit it. The letter has to come directly from the evaluator.
So the best time to ask would be when the VMCAS portal opens, in my opinion. That gives them almost 4 months to write the letter, and I feel it's good to ask them for a letter, then they get the follow up of the VMCAS e-mail soon after.
Make sense?

 

[thecatastrophist]

I'd ask ASAP. I don't think it's ever rude to ask early. Do it as soon as VMCAS opens as you need to enter the information I wouldn't say to have them write it presumptively. They'll get sort of a questionnaire asking them to rate you in various areas and the "letter" should comment on the items within.

There's nothing wrong if asking them about it ahead of time, though, so they're aware and ready.

That said, looking at your choices I'd say to be VERY careful. From a standpoint, an elementary school teacher might not be able to comment on your recent achievements as well as an academic advisor or professor to whom you're close, even if you keep in touch. Furthermore, some schools require an evaluator who can comment on your performance in prerequisite courses. Check the requirements of each school. If you know this teacher well it might help your application, but I'd consider adding a fourth evaluator like a research advisor, academic advisor, or college professor too. Having a vet or two is required for most places, so you're good on that.

 

[DVMDream]

Ok, this posting of a new thread every time that you have a question HAS to stop. There is a reason the terms of service state this (#3 below):

I understand that you are trying to get all your ducks in a row for applying, but every single thread you have posted so far has been answered previously. You NEED to follow the TOS and use the search function, if you have more questions about a topic, then post your question in that thread that has already been started on that topic. This ensures that future applicants who come to SDN can search a topic and see all responses in one thread instead of having to go through 10-15 threads.

If you can't follow the TOS and start using the search function, I am going to start reporting your threads. This has been a constant issue with you for a long time including up to the point where you have back-talked to a forum moderator about it, which is completely unacceptable. Use the search, you will get your answers and you won't be reported for not following terms of service.

 

[jmo1012]

Ok, this posting of a new thread every time that you have a question HAS to stop. There is a reason the terms of service state this (#3 below):

View attachment 189361

I understand that you are trying to get all your ducks in a row for applying, but every single thread you have posted so far has been answered previously. You NEED to follow the TOS and use the search function, if you have more questions about a topic, then post your question in that thread that has already been started on that topic. This ensures that future applicants who come to SDN can search a topic and see all responses in one thread instead of having to go through 10-15 threads.

If you can't follow the TOS and start using the search function, I am going to start reporting your threads. This has been a constant issue with you for a long time including up to the point where you have back-talked to a forum moderator about it, which is completely unacceptable. Use the search, you will get your answers and you won't be reported for not following terms of service.

pretty sure at the very least that 2 threads about eLORs could have been made into one...🙄

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Ok, this posting of a new thread every time that you have a question HAS to stop. There is a reason the terms of service state this (#3 below):

View attachment 189361

I understand that you are trying to get all your ducks in a row for applying, but every single thread you have posted so far has been answered previously. You NEED to follow the TOS and use the search function, if you have more questions about a topic, then post your question in that thread that has already been started on that topic. This ensures that future applicants who come to SDN can search a topic and see all responses in one thread instead of having to go through 10-15 threads.

If you can't follow the TOS and start using the search function, I am going to start reporting your threads. This has been a constant issue with you for a long time including up to the point where you have back-talked to a forum moderator about it, which is completely unacceptable. Use the search, you will get your answers and you won't be reported for not following terms of service.

 

[LetItSnow]

pretty sure at the very least that 2 threads about eLORs could have been made into one...🙄

That's what makes it so epic. The OP didn't just fail the 'search' function test. She actually went ahead and created two threads all on her own about the same topic. Love it. Amazeballs.

 

[AniSci]

So when you open VMCAS, there will be a section for you to enter your evaluator's information, including their e-mail. VMCAS will e-mail them directly and say "so and so has requested you write an evaluation for them. This is due by yada yada." So no, they can't preemptively write you a letter and you manually submit it. The letter has to come directly from the evaluator.
So the best time to ask would be when the VMCAS portal opens, in my opinion. That gives them almost 4 months to write the letter, and I feel it's good to ask them for a letter, then they get the follow up of the VMCAS e-mail soon after.
Make sense?

Okay, that makes perfect sense! I imagined they had some sort of "system" for acquiring the letters, but I hadn't really looked any deeper for information. Now that I know, I can explain it better to the people who haven't had to deal with it before (I'm asking an elementary school teacher I've kept in touch with over the years). Thank you! 🙂