LOR and Chances

[deciding]

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Is it necessary to have a LOR from a pathologist? I am doing a non-Path elective right now and then boards so I'm not sure I'll time to get a LOR any time soon.

Also, would I be competitive at UCSD, Stanford, Colorado, Utah, Washington or other Cali schools with a mid-220's step I, multiple non-path research projects in medical school and a couple pubs and presentations and top 35% of class.

 

[deleted113029]

Is it necessary to have a LOR from a pathologist? I am doing a non-Path elective right now and then boards so I'm not sure I'll time to get a LOR any time soon.

Also, would I be competitive at UCSD, Stanford, Colorado, Utah, Washington or other Cali schools with a mid-220's step I, multiple non-path research projects in medical school and a couple pubs and presentations and top 35% of class.

probably not that competitive esp. for Stanford and UCSF. all others are definitely a good possibility; more so for colorado and ucsd.

as for the LOR, some programs may specifically ask for a path letter. but regardless, don't you think you wanna make your app. as competitive as possible? i would highly suggest getting one esp. if you're thinking about the two cali schools i mentioned.

good luck.

 

[yaah]

I would say you would probably get interviews at the majority of the places you apply, mostly based on your academic record and not on step I. I would not apply without at least one LOR from a pathologist. Even if it is someone who taught you in med school and not necessarily seen you on a rotation.

 

[deschutes]

Seconded. It would be difficult to prove a genuine interest in pathology and a basic knowledge of what day-to-day pathology is like without having hung out in the path department enough that a pathologist would write you a letter.

 

[Fluble]

I recommend having a conversation with the chair of the pathology department at your school. When I met with the chair, I left with a letter from someone that many of my interviewers knew personally and sound advice about where to apply and avoid.

 

[yaah]

I recommend having a conversation with the chair of the pathology department at your school. When I met with the chair, I left with a letter from someone that many of my interviewers knew personally and sound advice about where to apply and avoid.

That's a good point. You don't necessarily have to have extensive experience with someone to have them give you a LOR. They can give you one based on your CV and meeting and talking with you for a time. Obviously you shouldn't do this for all your letters...