Nontrad LOR's

[dradams]

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I am a nontraditional applicant applying for 2005 and am wondering about LOR's. Most schools want academic letters and I have some but they are from 7 years ago when I applied to grad school. I can probably get an updated one from a prof. in grad school and I can get one from my job (I've been a teacher for the past 5 years) and from a couple of docs that I have shadowed. Can I send the old academic letters or are those no good? Can the other current letters replace the academic letter for someone in my position?

Thanks.


http://www.mdapplicants.com/viewprofile.php?id=1944

 

[1viking]

I would recommend that you contact the schools. Most admissions employees are very kind and will help you on your way. You are in a tough situation, but I would definately use some of your recommendations from Columbia--that will look nice. Since you have been teaching AP bio, you will want supervisor letters. Those, I think, will carry the most weight in your application since they are nearest to the current day and, heck, I think that your employment record will be a better indicator of how dedicated a physician you will be instead of what you did in Florida 10 years ago.

 

[dradams]

That's what I thought as well, but I will check with the schools also. Thanks.

 

[dradams]

Anyone else have an opinion about my situation?

 

[Anka]

It depends on when you are applying, but if you aren't applying this cycle, you might consider taking an upper level bio (or other science course) for a rec, as well as an indication of your continuing ability to do coursework. I wasn't in the same situation (I've been taking courses in the evening for a while because it was an employee benefit), but my impression was that most interviewers were very understanding of non-trads.

Best,
Anka

 

[dradams]

I am applying this cycle. Already submitted AMCAS 3 weeks ago.

 

[nina512]

The schools I contacted said they still needed LORs from sci faculty who taught you and they could come from grad professors. They said they would accept an LOR from my supervisor in the place of a letter from a non-sci faculty.

Some schools are flexible, some are not. The only way to know is to contact the school. I emailed the admissions offices and recieved prompt replies to my questions.

Good luck!
Nina

 

[skypilot]

Try to get a premed committee letter from your grad or undergrad school. That will make things easier. It will summarize your other letters and add information as well.

 

[dradams]

Thanks everyone.