Letters of Rec. advice . . . continued

[neuronerd1]

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Hi everyone,
I already posted this but did not get any replies so maybe a new thread will help:

Last year I applied and did not get in. At the end of the process I was too devastated to sufficiently thank my rec. writers (I sent a very thankful email and told them what happened). I want them to stay with me another round so . . .

What should I do now?
Bring them a gift and ask if they would be willing to do this for me again? Or maybe ask then give a gift a week later saying "thanks for sticking with me"? Or just forget about the gift until the end of this next cycle?

Also: Who?
I have worked with so many people since I graduated 2.5 years ago. All are MDs or PhDs except my current boss who is a MSW. Does this degree make a huge difference? I'm currently in a non-research clinical position and I'm applying to research-oriented or equal-emphasis programs.

How many?
Is asking 5 different people overkill?

Thanks.

 

[psychwanabe]

Seems odd that you aren't getting any responses. Generally we're all overflowing with advice! lol

First, since you didn't do the "gift" thing in a timely manner for last cycle, I wouldn't do it at all at this point. I would just have a face-to-face (if possible) conversation with each letter-writer and ask them if they would be willing to write for you again this year. If they say no, they're too busy or whatever, I would then send a formal "thank-you" note and small gift for their help last year. If they say yes, wait until all their letters are submitted and then send the note & gift.

My personal advice on "who" is the more letters behind their name, the better. Having said that, if your MSW boss is the one who knows you best and can give you the best rec., then I would def. use that as one. Just remember that Ph.D. researchers are going to be reading these letters, so if the letters come from a peer they will hold more weight. Sad, but true and please remember this is just my opinion.

Finally, I would formally ask four people (keep in mind the 5th in case someone says no). Most schools require 3 letters, but if one doesn't follow through you will still be covered. I have a friend who had a letter-writer completely drop the ball and she lost out on at least one program because her file was not complete. Most schools will take extra letters, and it's just safe to CYA.

Hope this helps. Good luck!!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Great advice.

I've heard most programs want letters from PhDs/PsyDs because they can speak to your ability to handle the workload, though one letter from a supervisor who may not be doc. level can speak to your other abilities, but if you can get 3 letters from doc level....I'd suggest that.

ALWAYS have a backup letter. I got lucky with mine, but heard some horror stories about LOR people going on vacation/forgetting/too busy, etc.

-t

 

[neuronerd1]

thank you both for your advice. it's good to get some feedback. i'll set up meetings with my LORs from last year and wait to ask my current (MSW) boss (although I think she wants to write one for me).

 

[JockNerd]

I have worked with so many people since I graduated 2.5 years ago. All are MDs or PhDs except my current boss who is a MSW. Does this degree make a huge difference? I'm currently in a non-research clinical position and I'm applying to research-oriented or equal-emphasis programs.

Everyone else already gave great responses to the other parts, so I'll take this one!

My thesis advisor was an MSW. The degree made no difference for my applications, and I applied to heavily research-oriented schools.

 

[RayneeDeigh]

One of my letter-writers was just a PhD student (thought I do NOT recommend doing this because I'm sure it hurt a few of my applications). You just have to decide if the non-PhD/PsyD person would be able to speak more accurately to your abilities. I would guess that a very indepth statement about you from that person would be a lot more valuable than a vague letter from a prof with a PhD.

And definitely have a backup. One of my letter writers had to fly home for an emergency at the last minute (her mom had been diagnosed with cancer) and although she graciously said she would write the letters on the plane (and she did come through) I felt like a jerk not being able to say "no it's okay, I can find someone else".

 

[Lunabin]

One letter from an MSW that RAVES about you and your skill is likely to be better than one from a PhD that is mediocre. I would just consider who is going to write what.

I'm assuming that letters are still confidential? That being the case, you want the BEST letters you can get, preferably from someone with a good professional network (sadly this does matter at least a little bit).

Good luck and keep us informed!