LOR questions :)

[Alyssa Johnson]

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Hi,

I actually have two separate questions I was hoping someone could help me with.

1. I keep hearing contradictory things about what combination of ophthalmology and non-ophthalmology letters to have as a part of your application. So of the below combinations, which is considered "best", assuming that all the letters are equally strong:

a. Three letters from ophthalmologists
b. Two letters from ophthalmologists and 1 Internal medicine letter
c. Two letters from ophthalmologists and 1 letter from a PhD who has done 6 years of ophthalmology/microbiology research with me.

2. Also, I happen to be working with a fairly well known ophthalmologist at the end of August and beginning of September. Obviously, with these dates, if I get to know him well enough for an LOR, it'd be too late for the "target date" of September 4th. I think it'd be in my best interest to send it as a supplementary letter (if I can even get one from him), but I'm not quite sure how that is done. Is it through SF Match or would I have to mail it to each program individually? If I mail it to individual programs myself, how do they know I haven't read it?

Thanks!!

 

[deyer]

I went with option B, except the second ophthalmologist was a PhD and the 3rd was from a surgeon. I thought this showed clinical skills, research skills, and skills in a field where I wasn't just kissing ass.

If you are comfortable, you should consider asking for the letter early. Or maybe just let him know early on that you are hoping for a letter and that if possible he could evaluate you with that in mind. Then let him know the timeline but that its flexible.
I know that can be hard, but big names go a long way. If he's nice, he'll probably be more understanding than you think. If not, I'd hold the app, but not very long (a week or so?) or sent it later on your own, but many places don't except extra materials and then you would also need many sealed copies.

 

[CastroViejo]

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