New LORs, new prehealth advisor letter, new everything?

[Kneige]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi there,
I will be applying again this 2009 cycle and would really like some advice on the application materials. Should I set up another interview with the prehealth advisor for a new letter? What about the LORs that I have received from various professors? When you were reapplying or are planning to reapply, did you or are you going to use the same LORs that you have sent to various schools before? Or do you plan to ask the same Professors to write you new letters?

The feedback that I had gotten back from schools states that my LORs weren't my problem. It was my low verbal score. So should I even think about getting new letters?

I would really appreciate any advice on this matter.

Thanks, guys!

 

[dragonfly99]

Most profs would be willing to just redate the letter for you.
Yes I think you should meet with the health professions advisor once or twice more at least. They should be able to give you potentially helpful tips.

It sounds like perhaps you need to retake the MCAT or apply to more schools.

 

[Kneige]

Thanks, Dragonfly99. Yes, I will be retaking MCATs this April. And with a new PS, hopefully, I get in this time around =)

 

[nontrdgsbuiucmd]

suggestion would be to look at all of the areas pointed out by every school that will provide feedback and work on all concensus areas. If you need to take add'l classes (say, advanced bio or whatever), you may want to consider requesting an additional LOR from the new teacher. If you pursue additional clinical experience/volunteer experience, you may want to request an add'l LOR from that venue.

When I reapplied, I added to the existing LORs on file with the letter service -- and sent schools last year's letters + the additional LORs (I think just one was added). Like you, I was told that LORs were not the reason for the denials 1st time around. But be prepared for the question of what you have done to strengthen your app this next time around -- my take on that question is that it's intended to give schools that may interview or accept you "cover" for why you're considered an acceptable candidate this year but not last..the more reasons the better.

 

[ihaveissues]

So this might be a stupid question, but do we ask our professors/advisors/doctors to physically mail the letters again, or do we ask the school to use the ones from last cycle that they have in their possession already?