Letters of reference

Started by futureworlddoc
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futureworlddoc

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Quick question. Are there any DO schools which will review your application and only ask for reference letters if they are interested in interviewing you? or do you have to submit all the letters together with the application? (I know some schools in Canada do the former for professional programs)
 
I don't know for sure but I remember having to request letter writers to submit letters through AACOMAS as part of the primary. You can add letters as you go through the cycle, but schools require a minimum in order to be considered "complete" and have your file ready to review. But you can and should submit your primary ASAP for verification, even without all your letters. Plus it only helps you garner an interview if others can vouch for the traits you might be claiming to have in your PS/activities.

Are you worried that you might not have some letters until later in the cycle?
 
Yes! I am a Canadian applicant. Been rejected in Canada a couple times now. I think my only chance is DO. However, I want to ask two new references for letters. If I start asking now, I won't have a chance to submit these for a while as I need to give them time and also don't want to make it rushed and make it seem like I'm making this last minute decision here.

I was hoping I could somehow send my package in and then if I get interview offers send them letters? Is that even possible? Could I even get an interview if they haven't already seen my letter?
 
Is the rest of your app done? Send it in to get verified and you can always add letters later - just put the letters that you already have and want to send in there. I don't think any school will interview without a complete application unfortunately :/

Standard practice is allowing 2-4 weeks for someone to write a letter if you've already given them a heads up (I think... that was my experience anyway). It will take you about that long to get verified anyway and you can just add those letters when they come in! You should be complete by early July and that is still early in the DO game. Pre-write your secondaries too and you will be well on your way!
 
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