last ditch effort...

[bla_3x]

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Here's the deal:
I have 2 letters in ERAS right now designated to my programs that Im applying to... One community EM doc letter (VERY strong) and one IM letter (VERY strong).

I have another letter ready to designate from FM (but also very strong).

My EM SLORs were gonna come from a program but I CAN'T get a hold of the writers! and they DO NOT return my calls/emails!

Should I designate that FM letter now so that I will have 3 really letters w/o SLORs????
I have a few interviews already, so I hope that at least at these programs there isn't a problem

 

[EctopicFetus]

Here's the deal:
I have 2 letters in ERAS right now designated to my programs that Im applying to... One community EM doc letter (VERY strong) and one IM letter (VERY strong).

I have another letter ready to designate from FM (but also very strong).

My EM SLORs were gonna come from a program but I CAN'T get a hold of the writers! and they DO NOT return my calls/emails!

Should I designate that FM letter now so that I will have 3 really letters w/o SLORs????
I have a few interviews already, so I hope that at least at these programs there isn't a problem

General rule on LORs is that they should be in by Mid Nov. Ideally in at the same time as the deans letter. u Can do 4 of them. Now most PDs (BKN?????) require SLORs I would think it you would need to start worrying.

 

[streetdoc]

Here's the deal:
I have 2 letters in ERAS right now designated to my programs that Im applying to... One community EM doc letter (VERY strong) and one IM letter (VERY strong).

I have another letter ready to designate from FM (but also very strong).

My EM SLORs were gonna come from a program but I CAN'T get a hold of the writers! and they DO NOT return my calls/emails!

Should I designate that FM letter now so that I will have 3 really letters w/o SLORs????
I have a few interviews already, so I hope that at least at these programs there isn't a problem

Beware! Some programs want COMPLETE applications by Nov. 1. Wake and Maine come to mind. I'm in the boat with you-and HATE not having control of this. Should have asked for a SLOR from everyone I worked with. Who knew it would be this hard! Check the website of some of your top programs (as some give you until 12/1.
Good luck,
streetdoc

 

[BKN]

General rule on LORs is that they should be in by Mid Nov. Ideally in at the same time as the deans letter. u Can do 4 of them. Now most PDs (BKN?????) require SLORs I would think it you would need to start worrying.

I don't think many places require SLORS, but they certainly are helpful.

 

[bla_3x]

So then, would it be wise to send that 3rd letter in (since a lot of the programs I want require "3 letters" (not specifying SLOR or not) and IF I get one of them to get my letter then send that as #4???

 

[BKN]

So then, would it be wise to send that 3rd letter in (since a lot of the programs I want require "3 letters" (not specifying SLOR or not) and IF I get one of them to get my letter then send that as #4???

yes.

 

[streetdoc]

BKN,
Quick question about letters. I have designated 4 and fully expect 3 to be in (with much luck) by 11/1. The one that I have had no response from the writer for 6 weeks now is still listed. I'm not holding my breath so should I go through and remove it as a letter for all my programs until (if) it arrives at the ERAS post office? Would programs see one letter out and consider me "incomplete." Geez, I hope I can even remove it...
very stressed,
streetdoc

 

[WilcoWorld]

If memory serves, you can actually update your LOR's later by removing one & replacing it with another. So if you get your ap "complete" with 3 LOR's, and then 2 SLOR's come in later, you can exchange for those. Programs might not read them at that point, but you could email PD's to let them know that some SLOR's came in late & you've updated your file to include them.

That's just one way to skin that cat, there are plenty of others.

In any case, I think it's best to complete your ap in a timely fashion. If you can't get letter writers to submit on time, it's not necessarily going to look like it's your fault, if you don't complete your ap on time, it will look like your fault.

 

[bjackrian]

Stupid question from a lowly M2: What's an SLOR? O🙂

 

[hornste]

SLOR = Standard Letter of Recommendation from CORD
http://www.cordem.org/download/2006slor.pdf

It's only to be filled by EM Faculty, and is only used in EM. It's supposed to help programs directly compare students.

 

[BKN]

BKN,
Quick question about letters. I have designated 4 and fully expect 3 to be in (with much luck) by 11/1. The one that I have had no response from the writer for 6 weeks now is still listed. I'm not holding my breath so should I go through and remove it as a letter for all my programs until (if) it arrives at the ERAS post office? Would programs see one letter out and consider me "incomplete." Geez, I hope I can even remove it...
very stressed,
streetdoc

Well up to this week, I thought you guys were doing better than last year's basket cases, . . .but . . .

Please don't hold your breath until you turn blue and then black and then dessicate. Since every one of us has been guilty of sending letters out late at least once, I doubt that anybody will hold up an invite over one letter.

 

[bjackrian]

SLOR = Standard Letter of Recommendation from CORD
http://www.cordem.org/download/2006slor.pdf

It's only to be filled by EM Faculty, and is only used in EM. It's supposed to help programs directly compare students.

Thank you!