MCW Undergrad LOR

[Adcadet]

so I got a secondary from Medical College of Wisconsin (it took long enough!), and it stated that it wanted one science and one non-science LOR from undergrad profs for us grad students. Thinking that it would be stupid for me to use an undergrad science prof when I could use a graduate school prof, I called up MCW and was told that I am too recently out of undergrad for them to waive that requirement, and that while I could petition, that would take a long time and work against me.

So, basically I can go back to my undergrad institution where I haven't taken any science classes in 2+ years and ask for one, or just skip over MCW. I know I really should suck it up and ask for the UG LOR, but this just pisses me off. I already have all of my LORs (4), and every other school so far (18) has been happy with my LOR choices, even if it deviates from their recommendation.

Has anyone else faced this situation with MCW? Any thoughts?

Oh, and today I got an email from them with a letter in PDF format telling everybody to get stuff in ASAP 'cause they start interviewing in November. Do they think November is early? Do they know that they'd get more apps in early if they gave out secondaries more quickly?

Does MCW screen app? I didn't think they did.



Adcadet

 

[Violinrose]

I am somewhat in the same situation as you. I graduated last year and am currently enrolled in a post-bacc/grad program. However, I have an undergrad science rec. (hope it is good enough!)

You have 2 options: if it is at all possible, you should go back and get an undergrad LOR. This is dependent on whether or not you went to large university or a small one, and if your professors or instructors have enough info to write you a good letter.

If you truly do not believe that this would benefit you and you would get a less than stellar letter then you should just petition. Sure it would be a bit of a challenge but your grad program just might make up for it.

You have come this far so you shouldn't give up especially since MCW could be a great school for you.

Much luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Dr. J?]

I had the same thing happen to me in August. I graduated 4 yrs ago and they still wanted UG letters. I called and they told me that their cut off is 5 yrs. Well, rather than fight it, I just went back and asked for LOR's. I used an advisor and a post-bacc UG prof. Really, two yrs isn't that far out and even if you went to a big school you should be able to find at least one prof who you had for two classes which can give you a good rec. What about your major advisor?

MCW is a fine school and most everybody on SDN has good things to say about their visits to the school, I think you'd be limiting yourself if you w/drew your app just b/c of a few missing LOR's.

 

[Adcadet]

I've had some LOR "issues" in the past (I applied two years ago). The director of admissions at my state school recommended all new LORs, hence my desire to avoid getting an additional UG LOR for MCW.

 

[perrum365]

so this same thing happened to me. I went to grad school because my undergrad career blew. I have no letters from Undergrad profs, nor anyone I can ask. and now MCW wants TWO letters from undergrad. bastards.

I ended up trying, and asked one guy, who blew me off. it was too bad, since I had taken several classes from him and got A's.

so I decided to blow off MCW. Screw them. I wish I had saved the thirty bucks from my AMCAS and not applied there.

sorry to be so bitter have a nice day

 

[Adcadet]

Originally posted by perrum365
so this same thing happened to me. I went to grad school because my undergrad career blew. I have no letters from Undergrad profs, nor anyone I can ask. and now MCW wants TWO letters from undergrad. bastards.

I ended up trying, and asked one guy, who blew me off. it was too bad, since I had taken several classes from him and got A's.

so I decided to blow off MCW. Screw them. I wish I had saved the thirty bucks from my AMCAS and not applied there.

sorry to be so bitter have a nice day

Kindof makes you wonder how MCW views post-grad education. I've heard some schools seem to appreciate people from grad programs....I'd guess MCW doesn't. Why they'd only want 22 year olds fresh out of college is beyond me.