LOR Frustration Vent

[fldoctorgirl]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Not trying to come off as entitled or anything, but I need a place to vent about this where other neurotic pre-meds will understand. No response is really needed to this, I just need a place to let it all out. Here goes.

I obtained my LORs from my professors, physicians, etc. in April so that I could make sure I had them on time. Check for me doing my part correctly.

I attempted to schedule a committee interview, but was told I could not until I had an MCAT score above 500. My MCAT date was in mid-May. I would not be getting my scores until the end of June. Although a bit frustrated with the loss of time, I understood their policy and was okay with waiting.

Got MCAT score back, over 500. Immediately contacted committee, scheduled interview for the next possible available date. First week of July. Showed up for interview, was told I was impressive, whatever. Went well. Specifically asked about the timeline, and was told letter would take a maximum of 10 business days to get submitted. Okay. Great-- I would be complete by mid-July. Perfect.

Almost a month later. Still haven't heard a thing. No committee letter, nothing. Attempt to email the committee to make sure I didn't do anything wrong. No response for a week. Start calling the office. No response. Finally get a hold of someone. They tell me that my letter has been done and everything is ready to go, but the committee chair is away on vacation and they need his signature in order to submit my letter. He won't be back until the first week of August.

So, my letter won't be submitted until at least the first week of August. Factor in approximately 10-15 business days for schools to pull my LORs off of AMCAS/AACOMAS, and I now won't be complete until mid-late August.

Is it okay that I am upset by this? I know that employees obviously deserve to go on vacations, but I am just bothered by the fact that I was promised a certain timeline would be followed and it wasn't. I wish they would have notified me of the committee chair's plans to go on vacation when I asked how long it would take, so at least I could have been prepared. I am also upset that no one responded to my many emails and phone calls. I know they are busy, but I literally had no idea what the deal was and thought maybe I did something wrong and they decided not to write me a letter.

End of rant. Basically, I know SDN gods claim that as long as you're complete by Labor Day, you're good. But, I'm just frustrated because I'm seeing II's going out at my top choice schools, and I'm just sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for this committee chair to get back from vacation.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Not trying to come off as entitled or anything, but I need a place to vent about this where other neurotic pre-meds will understand. No response is really needed to this, I just need a place to let it all out. Here goes.

I obtained my LORs from my professors, physicians, etc. in April so that I could make sure I had them on time. Check for me doing my part correctly.

I attempted to schedule a committee interview, but was told I could not until I had an MCAT score above 500. My MCAT date was in mid-May. I would not be getting my scores until the end of June. Although a bit frustrated with the loss of time, I understood their policy and was okay with waiting.

Got MCAT score back, over 500. Immediately contacted committee, scheduled interview for the next possible available date. First week of July. Showed up for interview, was told I was impressive, whatever. Went well. Specifically asked about the timeline, and was told letter would take a maximum of 10 business days to get submitted. Okay. Great-- I would be complete by mid-July. Perfect.

Almost a month later. Still haven't heard a thing. No committee letter, nothing. Attempt to email the committee to make sure I didn't do anything wrong. No response for a week. Start calling the office. No response. Finally get a hold of someone. They tell me that my letter has been done and everything is ready to go, but the committee chair is away on vacation and they need his signature in order to submit my letter. He won't be back until the first week of August.

So, my letter won't be submitted until at least the first week of August. Factor in approximately 10-15 business days for schools to pull my LORs off of AMCAS/AACOMAS, and I now won't be complete until mid-late August.

Is it okay that I am upset by this? I know that employees obviously deserve to go on vacations, but I am just bothered by the fact that I was promised a certain timeline would be followed and it wasn't. I wish they would have notified me of the committee chair's plans to go on vacation when I asked how long it would take, so at least I could have been prepared. I am also upset that no one responded to my many emails and phone calls. I know they are busy, but I literally had no idea what the deal was and thought maybe I did something wrong and they decided not to write me a letter.

End of rant. Basically, I know SDN gods claim that as long as you're complete by Labor Day, you're good. But, I'm just frustrated because I'm seeing II's going out at my top choice schools, and I'm just sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for this committee chair to get back from vacation.

I feel your pain. At my UG, the committee process also cannot take place until your MCAT score is in. After you get it in, as per the website, it takes 2-16 weeks to get your committee letter uploaded. The process is absurdly long and entirely screws any student that's applying. You're not complaining or whining; you're releasing your frustration about an idiotic system perpetuated by stupid numbers and an absurd timeline that ultimately harms the student.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

Sorry you have to go through this OP. If it makes you feel any better I'm in the same exact position; best case scenario I get complete mid to late August as well.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

I feel your pain. At my UG, the committee process also cannot take place until your MCAT score is in. After you get it in, as per the website, it takes 2-16 weeks to get your committee letter uploaded. The process is absurdly long and entirely screws any student that's applying. You're not complaining or whining; you're releasing your frustration about an idiotic system perpetuated by stupid numbers and an absurd timeline that ultimately harms the student.

I am not so much frustrated with the fact that they made me wait until I had my MCAT score. I understand that they don't want to waste their time on applicants who will be uncompetitive anyways with a sub-500 score.

I am frustrated that I did everything right on my end, and was "early" with everything. I'm frustrated that I was promised a maximum of 10 business days, and that has turned into over a month. I'm frustrated with the lack of communication.

I know things will turn out okay in the end, but it is just so frustrating to be sitting here waiting. Good luck to you! Hopefully we'll both still be early for our top places.

 

[Dr. Stalker]

I am not so much frustrated with the fact that they made me wait until I had my MCAT score. I understand that they don't want to waste their time on applicants who will be uncompetitive anyways with a sub-500 score.

I am frustrated that I did everything right on my end, and was "early" with everything. I'm frustrated that I was promised a maximum of 10 business days, and that has turned into over a month. I'm frustrated with the lack of communication.

I know things will turn out okay in the end, but it is just so frustrating to be sitting here. Good luck to you! Hopefully we'll both still be early for our top places.

I feel you. They're not following their own rule of "10 business days." The pre-med application system needs to really be updated at some institutions. There's always a handful of students at my UG with incredible stats and ECs that end up applying so late (October) they end up in the Caribbean or at DO schools. There's no reason a 515+ 3.8+ with volunteer work, research, shadowing, TA, and leadership should end up there. But hey, "the committee on pre-medical applications reserves the right to oblige by their own timeline, so please be patient" <-- copied and pasted from my schools website

 

[LizzyM]

Wait until you get in and then lambaste the office on your way out the door. By that I mean, put your grievances in writing to the Dean of your college and the person on the organization chart who is responsible for the Pre-med office. Specifically ask for more transparency with regard to the process. For example, you should have known a year in advance that you could not get an interview with the committee until you had an MCAT score.

 

[7331poas]

This is what you do. When you get your letter, you write the Dean and let him know how they guy is not doing his job. Because thats what it is, they aren't doing their job by going on vacation in peak season.

 

[7331poas]

Schools get your letter 1 business day after it is loaded to AMCAS. no lag time

? Thats not the issue here

 

[Skiiiiiing]

Not trying to come off as entitled or anything, but I need a place to vent about this where other neurotic pre-meds will understand. No response is really needed to this, I just need a place to let it all out. Here goes.

I obtained my LORs from my professors, physicians, etc. in April so that I could make sure I had them on time. Check for me doing my part correctly.

I attempted to schedule a committee interview, but was told I could not until I had an MCAT score above 500. My MCAT date was in mid-May. I would not be getting my scores until the end of June. Although a bit frustrated with the loss of time, I understood their policy and was okay with waiting.

Got MCAT score back, over 500. Immediately contacted committee, scheduled interview for the next possible available date. First week of July. Showed up for interview, was told I was impressive, whatever. Went well. Specifically asked about the timeline, and was told letter would take a maximum of 10 business days to get submitted. Okay. Great-- I would be complete by mid-July. Perfect.

Almost a month later. Still haven't heard a thing. No committee letter, nothing. Attempt to email the committee to make sure I didn't do anything wrong. No response for a week. Start calling the office. No response. Finally get a hold of someone. They tell me that my letter has been done and everything is ready to go, but the committee chair is away on vacation and they need his signature in order to submit my letter. He won't be back until the first week of August.

So, my letter won't be submitted until at least the first week of August. Factor in approximately 10-15 business days for schools to pull my LORs off of AMCAS/AACOMAS, and I now won't be complete until mid-late August.

Is it okay that I am upset by this? I know that employees obviously deserve to go on vacations, but I am just bothered by the fact that I was promised a certain timeline would be followed and it wasn't. I wish they would have notified me of the committee chair's plans to go on vacation when I asked how long it would take, so at least I could have been prepared. I am also upset that no one responded to my many emails and phone calls. I know they are busy, but I literally had no idea what the deal was and thought maybe I did something wrong and they decided not to write me a letter.

End of rant. Basically, I know SDN gods claim that as long as you're complete by Labor Day, you're good. But, I'm just frustrated because I'm seeing II's going out at my top choice schools, and I'm just sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for this committee chair to get back from vacation.

The fact is your app languished on someone's desk for months.

This is going to substantially reduce - and probably preclude - your shot at MD.

It's far from fair - but then again there are large numbers of candidates rejected every year because they ran into 1 or 2 aggressive deflators, or because their MCAT had passages in areas tailored to their weaknesses, or because they don't fit an adcom's preference for community background.

You don't control any of that, you do control how you respond.

Best of luck to you in any case.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

? Thats not the issue here

That was part of what the OP asked.

It certainly does help calm me to know that it will only take a day. Thank you @gonnif !

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Wait until you get in and then lambaste the office on your way out the door. By that I mean, put your grievances in writing to the Dean of your college and the person on the organization chart who is responsible for the Pre-med office. Specifically ask for more transparency with regard to the process. For example, you should have known a year in advance that you could not get an interview with the committee until you had an MCAT score.

I think I will definitely do this. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting or not, which is part of the reason I posted this thread. I think the whole way they handled this situation was unprofessional, so I will definitely say something when it's all over.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

The fact is your app languished on someone's desk for months.

This is going to substantially reduce - and probably preclude - your shot at MD.

It's far from fair - but then again there are large numbers of candidates rejected every year because they ran into 1 or 2 aggressive deflators, or because their MCAT had passages in areas tailored to their weaknesses, or because they don't fit an adcom's preference for community background.

You don't control any of that, you do control how you respond.

Best of luck to you in any case.

Woah, preclude my chances? It's later than I would have liked, but I don't think being complete early, mid, or even late-August will destroy my chances. Any thoughts @Goro @LizzyM @gonnif ?

 

[bengirlxD]

My pre med committee is the same way. They require that you have a completely verified application and MCAT score before they even consider you. I heard of other students getting screwed over by this so decided to take my MCAT in January even though I knew that waiting til may I might have gotten a slightly higher score. I had everything in to the committee by June 9th. They STILL took more than 4 weeks to write my committee letter because people were on vacation. Honestly I could have been in your position if I waited a bit longer so I feel for you. Best of luck and hopefully this doesn't become a hindrance down the line. August is still very early however.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

My pre med committee is the same way. They require that you have a completely verified application and MCAT score before they even consider you. I heard of other students getting screwed over by this so decided to take my MCAT in January even though I knew that waiting til may I might have gotten a slightly higher score. I had everything in to the committee by June 9th. They STILL took more than 4 weeks to write my committee letter because people were on vacation. Honestly I could have been in your position if I waited a bit longer so I feel for you. Best of luck and hopefully this doesn't become a hindrance down the line. August is still very early however.

I might have taken an earlier test date if I had known about the requirement, but at this point that doesn't even matter. I would have been perfectly fine with them following the original timeline and submitting my letter within 10 days of my interview, like they said they would. It would have been submitted in the middle of July, and I would've been perfectly happy, no complaints.

I just find it extremely unprofessional for the committee chair, who knows letters cannot be submitted without his signature, to go on vacation during peak season, like others have said. I find it even more unprofessional that when I asked about how long things would take, no one bothered to tell me this, and when I tried to email and call, nobody responded. If he knew he was going on vacation, could he not have pre-signed some letters? Or, can he not virtually sign them through DocuSign or a similar app? I just feel like this whole situation could have been handled so much better.

Sorry for the long reply/vent, but thank you for your well wishes! Maybe we will cross each other at an interview somewhere, since we are applying to so many of the same places 🙂

 

[Toutie]

Although what they did is pure crap...do consider than many committees don't sent out their letters until Sept and in some cases mid-Sept! Yours will be in long before that. Try to relax and be patient, you'll be fine in the end. BUT...give 'em hell anyway!

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Although what they did is pure crap...do consider than many committees don't sent out their letters until Sept and in some cases mid-Sept! Yours will be in long before that. Try to relax and be patient, you'll be fine in the end. BUT...give 'em hell anyway!

I know things will work out the way they're supposed to, but it's easier said than done when you're stuck waiting. Thank you for the kind words though 🙂

I will definitely be writing a hell-worthy letter to whoever is in charge 😉

 

[Lannister]

I totally understand your frustration, but try not to dwell on it too much. Worrying about things you can't control just isn't worth it. This won't matter a year from now.

 

[Goro]

I might have taken an earlier test date if I had known about the requirement, but at this point that doesn't even matter. I would have been perfectly fine with them following the original timeline and submitting my letter within 10 days of my interview, like they said they would. It would have been submitted in the middle of July, and I would've been perfectly happy, no complaints.

I just find it extremely unprofessional for the committee chair, who knows letters cannot be submitted without his signature, to go on vacation during peak season, like others have said. I find it even more unprofessional that when I asked about how long things would take, no one bothered to tell me this, and when I tried to email and call, nobody responded. If he knew he was going on vacation, could he not have pre-signed some letters? Or, can he not virtually sign them through DocuSign or a similar app? I just feel like this whole situation could have been handled so much better.

Sorry for the long reply/vent, but thank you for your well wishes! Maybe we will cross each other at an interview somewhere, since we are applying to so many of the same places 🙂

My understanding of this game is that Adcoms are fully aware that LOR writers are lazy sods, and so don't necessarily wait for them to arrive. The wise @gonnif can add better input than I can.

 

[wysdoc]

Woah, preclude my chances? It's later than I would have liked, but I don't think being complete early, mid, or even late-August will destroy my chances. Any thoughts @Goro @LizzyM @gonnif ?

No this is not accurate, ignore the comment.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Satisfying, but what does it achieve?

Sclerotic bureaucrats are sclerotic because they're immune from most forms of discipline, and hell has no fury like a bureaucrat scorned.

I agree, and I'm sure it won't have much of an impact, but I think they should be informed that their behavior is unprofessional. I understand that to them I am just one of many silly students, but I think a school should value its students and support them, and try to help them have the best odds of getting into professional school. Maybe my expectations of higher education are....high , but whatever.

 

[7331poas]

I totally understand your frustration, but try not to dwell on it too much. Worrying about things you can't control just isn't worth it. This won't matter a year from now.

Satisfying, but what does it achieve?

Sclerotic bureaucrats are sclerotic because they're immune from most forms of discipline, and hell has no fury like a bureaucrat scorned.

This is the kind of mentality that allows premed advisors to keep getting away with being ****ty.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Now that we have had this near temper tantrum by the assembled posters, lets get to the facts:

The AMCAS process assumes that LORs, particularly committee letters will not be available until after the start of the fall term. Most medical schools will adjust their reviews that leave LORs to the last steps of this process and may start evaluation and initial reviews for II prior to letters being received.

The reason this timing is in place is that traditionally, input and grades from applicant's Junior year (spring term) professors was expected for the committee letter. Since the grades would not be available until after the Spring term, and most schools nearly close for the summer with faculty away, committees would not meet nor produce letters until after the beginning of the next term, ie after Labor Day. So again, the paranoia of timing is way past the reality of the situation.

So CTFO

I don't know what CTFO stands for, but I can make a pretty good guess

Thanks again, @gonnif . I honestly did not expect this thread to get so much feedback, I just needed a place to vent! I will do my best to remain calm...and CTFO, in your words.

 

[LizzyM]

I might have taken an earlier test date if I had known about the requirement, but at this point that doesn't even matter. I would have been perfectly fine with them following the original timeline and submitting my letter within 10 days of my interview, like they said they would. It would have been submitted in the middle of July, and I would've been perfectly happy, no complaints.

I just find it extremely unprofessional for the committee chair, who knows letters cannot be submitted without his signature, to go on vacation during peak season, like others have said. I find it even more unprofessional that when I asked about how long things would take, no one bothered to tell me this, and when I tried to email and call, nobody responded.

Everyone deserves time off. The committee chair may have teaching responsibilities that preclude vacations during the academic year.

If he knew he was going on vacation, could he not have pre-signed some letters?

If a signature on a letter means anything, one does not "pre-sign" letters.

Or, can he not virtually sign them through DocuSign or a similar app?

What does "vacation" mean to you? To some people it means unplugging and letting go of work. I've been on vacations without wifi and without cell service. Heaven.

I've said before that having everything in by Labor Day is soon enough. There may be early birds getting the early IIs but there will be plenty left when your LOR arrives which may well be in early August.

Chill...

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Everyone deserves time off. The committee chair may have teaching responsibilities that preclude vacations during the academic year.
If a signature on a letter means anything, one does not "pre-sign" letters.


What does "vacation" mean to you? To some people it means unplugging and letting go of work. I've been on vacations without wifi and without cell service. Heaven.

I've said before that having everything in by Labor Day is soon enough. There may be early birds getting the early IIs but there will be plenty left when your LOR arrives which may well be in early August.

Chill...

Walk it out.

Assuming stellar stat, odds of admission at this point are 50/50 at best for MD. If she has a DO letter good shot there, but otherwise around 50/50 at best again. So, there's at least a 1/4 chance - probably 1/2 - she's here again next year.

"Dear board,

You should be fired, wait will you plz write me a letter

Sincerely
Fldoc"

And they're just going to ignore the letter, or probably even find narcissistic satisfaction in that they ruined your year and you can't do anything about it.

Again, I think this thread got out of hand! I am frustrated with the lack of communication, but I understand there is nothing to do at this point but wait.

I needed a place to vent, and I value being able to post on SDN in these cases. I am not planning on doing anything anytime soon, though! I am just sitting tight and "chilling", as you all say. I know this post came off a bit neurotic and stressful, but unfortunately as an applicant things get that way sometimes.

I appreciate everyone's responses!

 

[Lannister]

This is the kind of mentality that allows premed advisors to keep getting away with being ****ty.

Not dwelling on it doesn't necessarily mean not doing anything. You just shouldn't stew in anger over things that, in the long run, are insignificant. OP should certainly send a letter if they feel it's necessary. But unfortunately pre-med advisors are always going to be ****ty, because the only people who know what it takes to get into medical school are those who got into medical school. And those people are doctors, not pre-med advisors.

 

[7331poas]

Walk it out.

Assuming stellar stat, odds of admission at this point are 50/50 at best for MD. If she has a DO letter good shot there, but otherwise around 50/50 at best again. So, there's at least a 1/4 chance - probably 1/2 - she's here again next year.

"Dear board,

You should be fired, wait will you plz write me a letter

Sincerely
Fldoc"

And they're just going to ignore a letter of jihad, or probably even find narcissistic satisfaction in that they ruined your year and you can't do anything about it.

Thats why you do it after you are accepted

 

[MCATISEZ]

Woah, preclude my chances? It's later than I would have liked, but I don't think being complete early, mid, or even late-August will destroy my chances. Any thoughts @Goro @LizzyM @gonnif ?

Relax. That post was quite dramatic. Gonnif and LizzyM have stated multiple times that being complete by labor day is just fine. You have done everything in your power and have your entire application ready minus the committee letter that will come out in early August. A lot of schools have time frames like this.

 

[Troll-like receptor 4]

This is why I'm thankful everyday that my school did away with the committee process before my app season. It's stressful enough just getting letter writers to turn in LORs on time, but I can't imagine having to also worry out jumping through the b**ls**t committee hoops.

OP, hopefully your issue is resolved soon.

 

[pseud0]

letters are a dumb hoop that I literally detest and am already stressing about before 1st year even begins.

 

[Superfluous94]

I was under the impression that being complete before September 1st is still early. Am I wrong?

 

[fldoctorgirl]

Update: after Wednesday came and went with no communication from the committee, I finally got a hold of them today and was told letters would be submitted on Friday.

I have an interview on Monday that requires my letters, so here's hoping they actually stick to their date this time.

I spoke to the very kind secretary who informed me that many students have been calling and complaining.

Although I am still filled with anxiety because of the fact that it is now August, I am doing my best to "CTFO" and remain calm!

Vent complete 🙂

 

[cossackdoc]

Not trying to come off as entitled or anything, but I need a place to vent about this where other neurotic pre-meds will understand. No response is really needed to this, I just need a place to let it all out. Here goes.

I obtained my LORs from my professors, physicians, etc. in April so that I could make sure I had them on time. Check for me doing my part correctly.

I attempted to schedule a committee interview, but was told I could not until I had an MCAT score above 500. My MCAT date was in mid-May. I would not be getting my scores until the end of June. Although a bit frustrated with the loss of time, I understood their policy and was okay with waiting.

Got MCAT score back, over 500. Immediately contacted committee, scheduled interview for the next possible available date. First week of July. Showed up for interview, was told I was impressive, whatever. Went well. Specifically asked about the timeline, and was told letter would take a maximum of 10 business days to get submitted. Okay. Great-- I would be complete by mid-July. Perfect.

Almost a month later. Still haven't heard a thing. No committee letter, nothing. Attempt to email the committee to make sure I didn't do anything wrong. No response for a week. Start calling the office. No response. Finally get a hold of someone. They tell me that my letter has been done and everything is ready to go, but the committee chair is away on vacation and they need his signature in order to submit my letter. He won't be back until the first week of August.

So, my letter won't be submitted until at least the first week of August. Factor in approximately 10-15 business days for schools to pull my LORs off of AMCAS/AACOMAS, and I now won't be complete until mid-late August.

Is it okay that I am upset by this? I know that employees obviously deserve to go on vacations, but I am just bothered by the fact that I was promised a certain timeline would be followed and it wasn't. I wish they would have notified me of the committee chair's plans to go on vacation when I asked how long it would take, so at least I could have been prepared. I am also upset that no one responded to my many emails and phone calls. I know they are busy, but I literally had no idea what the deal was and thought maybe I did something wrong and they decided not to write me a letter.

End of rant. Basically, I know SDN gods claim that as long as you're complete by Labor Day, you're good. But, I'm just frustrated because I'm seeing II's going out at my top choice schools, and I'm just sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for this committee chair to get back from vacation.

Wow; that is a terrible situation to be in. While hard to believe this level of inconsiderateness is even possible, I can't see any interventional action you could take at this point to rectify situation other than hope your app makes it through to a successful outcome for you.