LOR Questions

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yea, so I began asking some people for recs and nobody is willing to take the time to actually write a letter for me, too busy/lazy I suppose...they only agree after i tell them it is more of a questionaire. There goes any hope for non-pharmcas schools...damn them!

hope everybody else has better luck
 
my application is all ready to be submitted except i am waiting on one of the LOR. if I submit my application, i know that Pharmcas will be calculating gpa and stuff after i e submit and pay my fees Would they still add the letter if the person submits it after i e-submit.
i mean if would the letter be sent with the application if the letter gets there before the application is sent out.
I don't want keep waiting to submit just because of one letter.
any suggestions?:scared:
 
Hi everyone,
Well, I'm having my TA write my LOR for me which will be co-authored by the professor. Should I have Pharmcas send all the LOR request information to the TA or the Professor? Thanks in advance!
 
Prepharm08 said:
Hi everyone,
Well, I'm having my TA write my LOR for me which will be co-authored by the professor. Should I have Pharmcas send all the LOR request information to the TA or the Professor? Thanks in advance!
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I think it if the TA is writting it then you should have it sent to him/her but i guess you might want to add the professors name in the PharmCAS but give TA's email. cuz they will just have to fillout questionnaire and copy paste the letter if you want them too so im not sure how the professor will sign it. so just put professors name but email it to the TA so he/she can do everything under Professors name.
 
I've noticed most schools require a LOR from a science professor, but a few don't. I don't have a professor that knows me very well, and there is a 3 letter of rec max on pharmcas. Is there anyone who was accepted without a LOR from a professor? Should I still have a LOR from a prof even if I think it won't be very strong, or would it hurt me?
 
From what I heard (so take it with grain of salt)... they prefer 2 professors and 1 from work or pharmacy experience. pharmcas currently allows up to 4 LORs so i'm doing 2 professors and 2 from pharmacist that know me well. Sometimes i think I made the mistake of not doing 3 professors + 1 pharmacist.... bottom line is pharm schools really prefer to get LORs from professors of science classes that is considered difficult and where you got As.
 
Unless PharmCAS changed this year, you are required to submit one LOR from a professor and one LOR from a pharmacist.

My "hard" science courses always had 35-140 students, so I never really got to know any of those professors very well. (Or they didn't get to know me very well.) I had my adviser and professor of my major write a LOR for me, because she knew me the best. (Health science.) I also submitted three LORs from pharmacists.





Cliff's notes: 1 letter from a non-science prof/adviser and 3 letters from pharmacists got me into pharm school.
 
Klemmentine said:
Unless PharmCAS changed this year, you are required to submit one LOR from a professor and one LOR from a pharmacist.
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That is school specific. I used PharmCAS last year and didn't need any pharmacist LORs.

IMO it's better to use people who know you well than a random prof. Though you do want professional people writing your LORs. However, if you have some time to develop a relationship with a prof before you submit you should.
 
If you're not comfortable asking your professor for a letter, it will probably hurt your chances for pharmacy school.

I had a total of 4 writers; 3 professors and 1 pharmacist. However, I submitted no more than 3 LORs per school.
 
You should be certain what the school requires. I had the same issue with my LOR from professors so I called one of the schools that required two from professors. I asked them if they could all be from pharmacists and their response was that if I could not follow directions then I would recieve a 0 score for that part of the admission score. They then proceeded to tell me that all they are looking for are your characteristics as a student such as class rank. So I wouldn't be worried if your professors know you on a personal level.
 
Can I get a recommendation from a pharmacist who knows me well and for years even though I did not work under them and they live out of state?
thanx
 
I did the exact same thing. My microbiology TA wrote the LOR, while the professor was the co-author. All of the paperwork for pharmcas was then filled out by the TA. Hope this helps.
 
hey, though I am a pre-dent, but I had the same situation. TA writing one of the letter and the professor was co-signing it. But, all the paperwork should be done on either both of their names, but if you need to have one do it, you should have the professor do it. Schools like to have letters written by profs. more than TAs. In my case, The TA wrote teh letter and gave to the professor. Then professor looked and made changes and added stuff as to waht he had to say about me in addition to the TA. Both cosigned the letter cuz it had content contributed from both. But, if it were me, I would give the professor's name as the writer, not the TA. hope this clears things a bit!
 
Hello there.

An employer LoR is required at the school I want to attend. So, I've been working at a hotel doing maintenance and other random nasty stuff that comes up for the past couple years. Would a LoR from my manager still fit the bill or do I need to have something that is remotely pharmacy/health/help people related? Would a LoR from a pharmacist volunteer opportunity work also?

I'm fortunate enough to not have to work. I am thinking about throwing in the towel if there are other ways, otherwise should I continue to stick it out just to show length of employment and such?

Thanks!
 
velocicaur said:
Hello there.

An employer LoR is required at the school I want to attend. So, I've been working at a hotel doing maintenance and other random nasty stuff that comes up for the past couple years. Would a LoR from my manager still fit the bill or do I need to have something that is remotely pharmacy/health/help people related? Would a LoR from a pharmacist volunteer opportunity work also?

I'm fortunate enough to not have to work. I am thinking about throwing in the towel if there are other ways, otherwise should I continue to stick it out just to show length of employment and such?

Thanks!
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Getting an LOR from your manager for the hotel is perfectly fine. That is from an employer, and it doesn't have to be health related at all.
 
Well, you aren't actually "employed" when you do a true volunteer opportunity even it's a regular and time-intensive experience. You should be fine with the hotel manager as long as the school doesn't require a letter specifically from a pharmacist employer.
 
I got a B in my last quarter of G.Chem. Because of some electronic h/w mistakes. Nevertheless, the B is there and it's going to stay.

My Professor (who gave me a B) is an ex-chair of the Chem Dept. and heads his own research with focus in the Pharmaceutical industry. I joined his research. He told me that he would write me a very, very strong letter of recommendation, if I would like him to. However, this girl in my class was telling me that it might not be a good idea to get a LOR from a professor who gave me a B.

But she is getting LOR from a Professor (Gen Bio class, that is a "cake walk"), seems like everyone is getting an LOR from that Professor. Since here class is an easy A (I took her, I got all A's).

So, is it better to get a LOR from a Professor that gave you and everyone else an "A" and that is spitting out LOR's to a point where she hangs a sign on here door "Don't ask me for anymore LOR, you won't get one"?

Or from a tough ex-chair of the Chem. Dept, that heads his own research in the Pharmaceutical industry, but gave you a "B"?

What do you think?
 
If the professor said that he would write a "very, very strong letter" for you, then go for it. Yes, typically it does not make a lot of sense to get a LoR from a B-class, but you also perform research with him. I would imagine that this gives him a good perspective to write about your character and work ethic which are important characteristics to any admission committee.

The fact of the matter is that the guy already told you that he would write a strong letter of recommendation for you. Unless you think he's lying, there's no reason not to go for it.

--Garfield3d
 
I strongly second the above statement. I think it would be unwise to not take him up on it unless you have received similar comments from other professors.
 
I would find out what the schools you are applying to are looking for in a professor recommendation. For instance, I inquired in one of the schools I was applying to and they told me all they are looking for from a professor is your class rank and how well you could handle the courseload in pharmacy school. If this is the case it might not be beneficial for you to get a recomendation from this professor.
 
If he said he would give you a very strong letter, I don't see what the problem is. A 'B' isn't an awful grade. If they tried really hard, they could maybe track down what you got in his class but that info isnt on a transcript so they'd have to go to lengths of actually contacting him. He could comment on your work ethic and dedication, which is valued more than someone who coasted through to an A.
 
they letter isn't about the grades. If he seen you enough around the lab and research and seen how dedicated you're its 1000x better than any professor that you happen to get an A in. Remember they already know what you got in your classes through your transcript so the point of LoR is for something other than that.
 
I got an A in physics but I really didn't get to know my physics professor in turn he wouldn't remember me. Instead I asked my botany professor to recommend me because he knew that I worked really hard in his class. I also made the effort to be recognized. I went to every lecture, I asked questions, and kept in touch.
 
If the letter is used to fulfill a requirement for a LOR from a professor, then they can easily find out your grade. The letter of rec forms usually ask if you've taken a class with them and, if so, which one. If you're hesitant to have him mention the B, you can use the letter as one from your research PI and ask him to omit the part about the class since I'm sure he'll still have a lot to say about your work in his lab anyways.
 
Many students (like your friend) make the mistake of getting LOR's just cause they got an A in the professors class but thats never a good idea. The professor is just going to write you a generic letter that he writes for everyone else. You work in this prof's lab so he has gotten to see more than just your name and your grade, and thats a huge plus cause he'll actually have something to write about in your letter. Good luck.

p.s since when is a B bad?
 
Thanks for the responses. I got a LOR from a science professor, I don't know why I was so shy to do it. She was happy to do it, and even remembered me just by name in an email (all those days walking by her and greeting her paid off). I just hated to have a LOR from someone that only knew me for 1 class as opposed to pharmacists I've worked with for 3 years. After talking to one of the pharmacists who is writing me a LOR I understood how a LOR from a professor is important, you're not their employee you don't get paid, they know you academically. I see pharmcas allows 4 letters now, if I don't get in this year I will be sure to get another science professor LOR.
 
do you guys think a calculus teacher counts as a science professor? I'm getting a ochem teacher to write one too but I don't really know any other professors that well.
 
Farcus said:
do you guys think a calculus teacher counts as a science professor? I'm getting a ochem teacher to write one too but I don't really know any other professors that well.
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Hmmm, I'm leaning towards no because math and science are considered separate disciplines, but the math department is in the College of Science at my school. Maybe call the schools you are applying to.
 
One thing you can do to improve the quality of a recommendation is give the prof a packet that includes your personal statement, transcripts, resume, and any other info that you think s/he should know about you. Then they can write an informed rec. It's generally a good idea for every rec you seek, but it's esp. important for letters from profs that don't know you that well.
 
Does anyone know whether UOP would accept a LOR that is co-authored by a TA and a professor as a professor's LOR (as required by UOP)? Thanks in advance!
🙂
 
um, i thought that UOP requires two professor rec and one pharmacy rec?
 
I don't know which thread this goes in so I thought I'd just post under this general thread. I need some advice on how to approach this situation of mine. I worked at a pharmacy 2 years ago and asked a pharmacist there to write me a letter of rec. She's been so kind as to write me a letter of rec that year for a graduate program and last year for the pharm school at which I'm currently waitlisted. I asked her a month ago if she would fill out the PharmCAS rec form again (as last year) and told her my situation of being waitlisted. She agreed, however, she STILL has not filled it out! Another issue with her is that she NEVER responds via email to anything I email her. I have to either call her or see her to get any kind of reply. And, yes, she does receive my emails because she tells me she reads them but doesn't have "time" to write back. Anyways, I'm not planning on submitting my PharmCAS till the very beg. of Aug (basically, till I know that I'm def. not getting pulled), but I want her to fill it out soon so when the time comes, I have everything ready to go. Plus, I dont' want her to forget. She has filled this out in a timely manner in the past, and I know things are busy, but I can't imagine she didn't even have 20 mins sometime in the last month to fill this out for me. And, just last week, I emailed her letting her know when I planned to submit my app... SUGGESTIONS PLZ!
 
For that matter, when you are taking your classes - be sure to make yourself known. If you are shy, be sure to stop by the office before class to ask questions. Anything you can do to get noticed so it is easier for them to write about you.

Also, I emailed my old teacher and setup a brief meeting where I gave her my transcript and resume and she asked me questions. Nice prep for interviews. 👍
 
what if you dont have a job at a pharmacy and no recommendation from a pharmacist

Will i be able to get into good pharmacy schools??
 
daysinnnc said:
what if you dont have a job at a pharmacy and no recommendation from a pharmacist

Will i be able to get into good pharmacy schools??
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Depends on the school, but from what others have said it seems that alot of schools require it. Just make it a priority to get to know one of your science professors next quarter
 
Although none of the schools I am applying to require an LOR from a pharmacist, it would probably benefit my application if a pharmacist could submit a letter for me. The problem is that I have only been a pharmacy volunteer at an inpatient hospital for about a three weeks and I really do not think any of the pharmacists can write a decent LOR mainly because there always busy and they really do not oversee what I am doing. I am given orders by an office coordinator and a pharmacy buyer so that is why it will be hard to just approach a pharmacist and ask for their help. My main tasks are to check expiration dates, label bottles, and stock medication. Is this how most hospital pharmacies operate with volunteers?

Right now, I have three solid LORs from my science professors who I have known for about two years. My question is should I ask one of the pharmacists at my hospital for an LOR? The schools might see it as being a weak, last ditch effort for an LOR from a pharmacist and that is what is preventing me from asking. However, I do want the schools to know that I have stepped foot in a pharmacy. Should I ask my volunteer manager for a LOR instead? She does not know me very well either though only for about a month. I would really value any of your opinions on this matter. Thanks.
 
i'm in the same situation but my pharmacist just told me to write my own and she'll look over it and add stuff.
 
OK guys, I’m preparing applications and I have a few questions regarding letters of recommendation.

1) What sort of criteria, if any, do I need to inform my recommenders about?
2) If there is a LOR criteria, where do I find it?
3) How long should the letter be?
4) Because I am applying to several schools (TTU, UH, UT, SWOSU), is there a way that my recommenders can write just one letter and send it to all the universities, instead of writing individual letters?
5) What role, if any, does the PharmCAS play in submitting letters of recommendation?

I apologize for all the questions, but I am extremely confused and don’t have many resources regarding this topic. Please help me out!

Thanks,
RAM
 
Read absolutely every piece of instruction on the pharmcas website. That will answer all of your questions. Sorry for not spelling it out for you but it really is much easier if you see the information first hand.
 
The schools that he listed are in Texas, except one. Texas schools and SWOSU don't utilize pharmcas so reading instructions on that site will do him no good.....unless he's applying to other schools too (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!)

Each of the listed schools has their own form. When you apply online (except for SWOSU - do they even have online application yet?) for each of the TX schools, you'll get to a page somewhere in the online application for LORs. Each one is different. You'll need the adobe reader. Just read through the instructions for each one.

Read SWOSU's COP website or just call them. The last time I looked at their website, it wasn't very helpful and I just ended up calling them asking for the info I needed.

You left A&M/Irma Lerma Rangel out of your list.......

I suggest you apply everywhere and not just the schools in Tx/OK. Trust me!!!!!!
 
I'm having such a hard time getting my LOR's in and it's so frustrating. I have everything else done but can't submit because of it.

I volunteered for a pharmacist for 1 year she told me she'd write me a wonderful LOR...now I can't get in contact for her..suddenly she's dropped off the planet. Nobody at the hospital seems to know where she went she quit and disappeared

Then I asked a professor who accepted but said she'd have to meet me first I wrote back asking when...haven't gotten a response in a couple weeks after numerous attempts at e-mail. Should I call her line and leave a message or am I gettting overbearing? Everyone tells me to just wait it out saying she's probably on vacation..it's summer... but i don't know about that..

I just need one more and am so stressed out about the situation as I have nobody else to ask for one..anybody else have/ had the same problem?
 
Keep trying to get in contact with the people who will write you an LOR. Especially if it is a requirement or highly recommended for pharmacy school. I would e-submit your application now because you can always add or remove your recommenders.
 
I was just afraid to submit and then pharmcas sends my application over and the LOR's aren't complete. Wouldn't they just disregard/ put aside my app anyway for not being complete?

GT500 said:
Keep trying to get in contact with the people who will write you an LOR. Especially if it is a requirement or highly recommended for pharmacy school. I would e-submit your application now because you can always add or remove your recommenders.
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Hey, you're not alone. I totally feel you. I had a pharmacist as my mentor and I had planned on asking him, but he seems to have disappeared. I went to his work and they said he no longer works there.


I asked one of my professors who I TA'ed for and took one of his classes and he said he'll write me one back in May, but I haven't been able to reach him lately.
 
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