LORs - when do they even matter?

[jr doctor in sd]

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So I am a bit clueless...so i apologize for asking such a simple question. But are LORs used to determine IF an applicant should get an interview or whether an applicant who already has interviewed should get an acceptance? Does this vary from school to school? Can great LORs override a mediocre interview? etc.

I worked very hard to earn 5 great LORs from professors/employers I have known for a very long time - so I hope they play a big factor in a decision to accept me (if that decision is made haha 🙄)

Thanks! 👍

 

[jr doctor in sd]

Bump! - Any input at all?

 

[JFry]

BUMP? I would love to know when schools generally look at these

 

[ArthurIhde]

i want to know the exact time

 

[EpicBearMan]

It varies by school I would say. Ohio State offers interviews before letters are received and then uses letters / interviews to narrow the pool from there. Most of the schools I applied to didn't even review app until letters were there, so I assume they use them in interview selection process, but I can't say for sure.

 

[lollybo]

It varies by school I would say. Ohio State offers interviews before letters are received and then uses letters / interviews to narrow the pool from there. Most of the schools I applied to didn't even review app until letters were there, so I assume they use them in interview selection process, but I can't say for sure.

This seems to be correct. At one of my interviews, the interviewer mentioned something said in a letter. At another interview, we were told the interviewers had access to our letters.

But at some schools, they don't even ask for letters until after the interview is over.

 

[Catalystik]

It's my impression that most schools "score" the LORs before interviews are offered. A single bad one raising a red flag can destroy your chances. Mediocre ones can be overridden by a great interview. Terrific ones are unlikely to overcome a horrible interview. Opinions obtained from different viewpoints may vary.

 

[JFry]

^Thank you!!!

 

[JazzOne]

When I interviewed at Baylor several years ago, I was told that all applicants start from scratch at the interview stage. In other words. BCM used the grades and letters to determine who should get an interview, but then the acceptances were based entirely on the interview. Obviously, I don't have any inside knowledge of the admissions process, but that's what I was told by faculty members.