# of LORs

[Espressso]

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It seems as if most medical programs require 3-6 LORs for your application. I was wondering what is typical amount to submit? If applicant A submits 3 and applicant B submits 6, is there that much of a difference?

Also, how much weight is given to LORs in the first place?

Thanks!

 

[Riccardo]

What I've always recommended is to get 2 from those who've taught you in science courses, 1 from a non-science course, 1 from your research mentor (if you have one), and 1 from a non-professor who can speak about non-academics/research to discuss something more unique to you. With this, you'll have great representation of your background and personal qualities. But make sure that they will all be high-quality; don't force yourself to get a mediocre letter just to fulfill the quota. Also, check with each school's individual recommendations/requirements for letters. The above should satisfy almost all schools' needs.

How much weight? Depends on the school, but a special one will always stand out and a bad one will stand out even more (in a bad way). Provide your letter writers with this so they know what medical schools are looking for (i.e. they shouldn't just talk about grades).

 

[MaxPlancker]

It depends on the quality of the letters. Someone with 3 great letters will "beat out" someone with 5 great + 1 meh letter. It's hard to bring yourself up but easy to fall down. One bad or mediocre letter is all it takes.

You need to ideally submit one from each aspect of your application that is (very) significant. If you played a D1 sport, then having a letter from the coach can be valuable. Don't underestimate the information that can be gleaned from non-academic areas.

I think it depends on the school but I'd guess the higher you go in rankings, the more important LORs become.

 

[pathhermit]

The Dean of Admissions at my state medical school has stressed to always have the maximum amount of letters.

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

The Dean of Admissions at my state medical school has stressed to always have the maximum amount of letters.

That's odd. I have always heard quality over quantity...care to name drop the school? 😛

 

[pathhermit]

That's odd. I have always heard quality over quantity...care to name drop the school? 😛

Sure, University of Kansas. It may have been her way of saying "if you can't get 5 quality letters, then don't bother" though :|

 

[Espressso]

That's odd. I have always heard quality over quantity...care to name drop the school? 😛

This is what I have heard to. Sort of like when people submit letters from a physician you shadow, but that letter is of absolutely no worthy quality.

Sure, University of Kansas. It may have been her way of saying "if you can't get 5 quality letters, then don't bother" though :|

Interesting. I think it's still "you should have the maximum amount of letters (that are of great quality)". If that's 4, then so be it. If that's 6, then so be that.

 

[MaxPlancker]

I think it's really more along the lines of if you can get 6 letters from different aspects of your life and they are all great then that's better than less because it paints a more complete picture of you.