Lor

[Highlsnds3]

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Not sure what to do... I work at a boarding/training/grooming facility and a great client has written me a very nice letter of recommendation. I have already submitted 5 great LOR's through VMCAS, so this can't be included there. This man and his wife have been taking their dog to UTK (where I've applied), so he addressed the letter to the Dean. He gave me 2 copies of the letter and a self addressed stamped envelope to send it in. Do I send it?😕

 

[Perfbird]

Honestly, I don't think they'll look at it. I'm sure plenty of people would like to sneak in a LOR late, but there is a reason all letters are due at the deadline for VMCAS. For some reason I feel like if you sent a letter of rec this late and out of the blue the adcom would be like who does s/he think s/he is? Maybe that's just my take. And to add on - I don't think letters from clients would be very influential. That person only knows you as the person who takes care of their dog, and as long as their dog is alive at the end of they day of course they think you're fantastic. They're not a vet, not one of your professors, and probably don't fully understand the qualities that need to be addresses in a LOR. To me having a client write you a letter is like having your mom or uncle or sister write a letter - of course they're going to say good things.

Maybe someone else will have a different take, or I'm misinterpreting the situation. If you want to send it fine, but if I were you I'd let things be and say thanks to the client but tell them that the application deadline already passed.

 

[dgm]

On the other hand, it sounds like it's addressed directly to the dean and the guy already addressed the envelope and everything. If the OP just dropped it in the mail, how's the dean to know the guy didn't mail it in directly? I don't think it would harm your application - but it also may not do anything to help. If you already have 5 great LORs, what else is there to be said about you that someone else didn't already cover? 🙂 But if you really want to send it, go for it.

 

[sumstorm]

Hmmm.... if the guy knows the dean...and it isn't sent in, that might get raised as an issue later on. If the guy just looked the dean up, no big deal.

As was pointed out, if the guy did all the stuff, then there is no way for anyone to know whether he sent it or you sent it. Heck, it may never even be connected with your application. I think, based on those grounds, I would send it.

I assume you meant 'school addressed' not self addressed.

 

[HopefulAg]

Heh, just send it in and thank them for writing it. I don't think it'll affect your decision one way or another (may just get put in the 2' high filing cabinet under his desk) but the guy was nice enough to write it so may as well send it. If he asks about it later, just tell him that you signed confidentiality wavers not allowing you to know the status of your LORs or something.

 

[Shanomong]

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[Ben and Me]

I agree, you might as well send it, it can't do any harm and it could potentially help (even if it is a slim chance, you can't win the lotto if you don't play, right?) 😀

...Especially if the client is a big donor to the vet school.