Letters of Recommendation Help

[headandheart]

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Hello all!

I am currently considering who to request letters of recommendation from and think about 4-5 letters would be a great amount (unless you think otherwise, please let me know if so!). I am looking to get about 2 letters from science professors, 1-2 from non-science professors, and possibly one from an outside reference, which brings me to the main reason of making this thread...

As of now, I have a great relationship with a current doctor that has an MD degree from a medical club I am in, and she is also a faculty member at the medical school I most desperately hope to attend (she is not on admissions, but is a professor and associate of residents). Considering this, my main questions today are the following:

1. Do you think it would be beneficial to ask this doctor for a letter of rec because of the fact that I know her well and have been actively involved with her through this club?

2. Do you think her being a member of faculty has any impact (either positive or negative) on my chances of getting into the medical school that she works at?

3.Lastly, how impactful do you guys think recommendation letters really are in the application process?

I have a cumulative GPA of about 3.7, a science GPA of about 3.6, and an unknown MCAT score as of now (hoping for about a 509 or better)?

Thanks!

 

[Microbug]

1. Yes if she will write a strong letter
2. Minimal positive affect if good letter
3. Medium importance, with some exceptions

 

[stickgirl390]

Side note: if you have any interest in applying DO you might want a DO LOR. It isn’t required by all schools, but not having one will limit your options on which DO programs you can apply to.

 

[gyngyn]

Having 4 to 5 strong letters is great, just be sure to send the correct number and type to each school. Requirements differ.
A "doctor's letter" is neither required nor preferable at most MD schools (clinical letters are requested by a very few). The exceptions are PI's or long term employers who happen to be physicians.
An otherwise strong candidate with ties to a particular school is a higher yield candidate.
Most LoE's have little effect on an outcome. They tend not to address the factors that interest us, sadly.

 

[PhilzCoffeeAddict]

1. Yes, having a variety of letters is good as it allows you to apply broadly without limits. Not just a physician letter, but also PI, volunteer coordinator, advisor, etc. The more letters the more broadly you can apply. Be sure to adhere to their letter requirements though. Some schools only want 3 letters, other say limit it to 6. Do your research for each and every school.

2. It can only help. I don't think it would hurt unless the physician doesn't like you.

3. Not sure if it can HELP you, but it sure can HURT you. Just make sure its good/great and let the rest of your application do the talking.

Best of luck applying, the SDN community is very supportive and don't be afraid to ask for any other advice! =]