*~*~*~*Official Letters of Recommendation Questions Thread 2011-2012*~*~*~*

[common man]

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Bump; please help me out here people

this is easy. of course you should ask her. however, you should risk a flight / train ride to go see her and ask in person (with the possbility that she'll refuse). if she says yes, THEN give her your academic record, personal statement, etc. AND talk about yourself while you are there.

if you just need this rec and it's not anything special - then fine, just modestly ask through e-mail. the subject line should not blaring ask...ask in the body of the email and phrase it so she can say no.

 

[crazychadtu]

The worst that she can say is no. I think the best thing you can do is really prepare how you want to ask your former teacher. I did this with a prof from my freshman year and here is the format I used:

1. Motivation for pursuing medical school
2. Characteristics that make me a good fit
3. Activities that contribute to my readiness for medical school
4. Why am I approaching you for a letter of reference?
-This section is the bread and butter. You need to give your professor a story, memory, or something that they can essentially rewrite in a LOR to make the letter personal. In mine, I also specifically asked for the professor to mention traits such as: critical thinking, work ethic, curiosity for the subject, etc...
5. I followed up with the most important points
-due date
-if you waived your rights
-contact info

Good luck...and remember, the worst that they can say is no!

 

[mauberley]

A couple questions:
will my letter entries be marked as received as soon as my school uploads them? Or will it take a little while like it does with transcripts?

Also, when I change designations and resubmit my application, is it verified (processed) instantly?

thanks 🙂

If your school is electronically uploading them, then it should only take a day or two at most before AMCAS notifies you that it has received them.

Resubmitting does not incur any verification penalties. If you were in line for verification, you are still in the same position in line. If you have been processed, there is no additional processing required.

 

[pkwraith]

Just one? You're pretty lucky. I had to pull all my letters except one from professors I haven't talked to for 3+ years Since she already remember you, you can pretty much cut with most of the introduction.

Just send her an email, and make it straight forward. Mention that you will try to get in contact with her over the phone. Mention your motives for medication (keep it short and to the point). Mention that you can send her your transcript, scores, personal statement (so she has material to work with).

If she doesn't reply to email, follow up with a phone call if you can find it.

Keep it simple and to the point. If she says yes, you can send her much more information. Don't overwhelm her with a ton of information before she even agrees.

Visit might be a little nice, if it's convenient for you. I never visited any of my LOR writers. It's just a crapshoot in forms of both logistics, time, and location. If you have to fly somewhere, it's just not worth it at all.

 

[SteveJMarist]

I had to do this with teachers in the 3-4 years removed range. It's simple, really. Just be honest about it- tell them you know it's been a while, but their class was an integral part of your education, and you would be grateful if they could reflect this and the type of student you were during that time. I feel like teachers-the ones that connect with their students often- come across this situation from time to time. Bottom line: just suck it up and drop the question in a polite and professional way.

 

[paelie]

Hi,
I have a recommendation letter from a physician that is signed but with no official letterhead. It has the physician's phone number, address, and the name of the Hospital. The rest of the LORs from the Health Committee and professors have both the letterhead and the signature. My question is are there any US MD schools that require or even look at a physician letter of recommendation?

For Osteopathic schools, will the fact that the physician LOR does not have a letterhead be a problem? I appreciate all replies greatly! Thanks!

Some schools require that letters must be on a letter, while others don't, so that depends. I'd recommend checking with each one.
As far as I know, there are no schools that require a physician's LOR (I assume you shadowed said physician). Based on what I've read on this board and my thinking, a physician's LOR for shadowing doesn't carry too much weight, unless it's super-stellar (or super-bad), since all one basically does is follow them around. I suppose it's good for showing interest, but not much else.

Don't know about DO schools. Someone else chime in?

 

[hanzz]

Question. I'm leaving for Malaysia on a mission trip next weekend. Since it's a "future event" I can't put it down on my AMCAS as much as I want to, but I'd really like to submit before I leave. But, if my school isn't submitting my committee letter until September, should I wait until after I get back on July 18 to submit my AMCAS so I can put it down? In other words, what is the advantage of submitting early without that mission trip experience on there versus submitting later with it since regardless my AMCAS won't be "complete" until late September?

 

[mauberley]

Question. I'm leaving for Malaysia on a mission trip next weekend. Since it's a "future event" I can't put it down on my AMCAS as much as I want to, but I'd really like to submit before I leave. But, if my school isn't submitting my committee letter until September, should I wait until after I get back on July 18 to submit my AMCAS so I can put it down? In other words, what is the advantage of submitting early without that mission trip experience on there versus submitting later with it since regardless my AMCAS won't be "complete" until late September?

Depends on how many schools you're applying to, I think. If you submit later, then you have less time to complete those secondaries if you're not pre-writing them (assuming you want to go complete in September). May not be a big deal if you're not applying to a lot of schools, or it might be.

I can't comment on what effect having or omitting the trip on your work/activities list would have on your application, unfortunately.

 

[NFkappaB]

Hi - I recently asked a professor if he can write me a strong LOR. His reply was "That should be OK"

I felt that was too "lukewarm" and went to see him in person. So I gave him the 10 minute spiel on how I performed in his class and assignments...etc etc and then after I asked "do you think you can write me a STRONG LOR?" His reply was "I think so,............ this should be fine I think."

So, am I being paranoid in thinking that he is LUKEWARM to me - or did he basically agree to write me a strong LOR?

 

[gettheleadout]

Hi - I recently asked a professor if he can write me a strong LOR. His reply was "That should be OK"

I felt that was too "lukewarm" and went to see him in person. So I gave him the 10 minute spiel on how I performed in his class and assignments...etc etc and then after I asked "do you think you can write me a STRONG LOR?" His reply was "I think so,............ this should be fine I think."

So, am I being paranoid in thinking that he is LUKEWARM to me - or did he basically agree to write me a strong LOR?

I would be more comfortable with a stronger response, such as "Yes, definitely." I'm a bit wary of "I think so...I think."

Better safe than sorry. You might want to find another teacher.

 

[Dr Love]

Hi - I recently asked a professor if he can write me a strong LOR. His reply was "That should be OK"

I felt that was too "lukewarm" and went to see him in person. So I gave him the 10 minute spiel on how I performed in his class and assignments...etc etc and then after I asked "do you think you can write me a STRONG LOR?" His reply was "I think so,............ this should be fine I think."

So, am I being paranoid in thinking that he is LUKEWARM to me - or did he basically agree to write me a strong LOR?

No, you clearly have mental issues.

 

[getright]

No, you clearly have mental issues.

lol 👍

 

[Tapepsi]

Are you the same OP who asked a similar question about the mostly good LOR?

Honestly, if there's no other prof that you think could write a better one then just stick with this one.

 

[V5RED]

Hi - I recently asked a professor if he can write me a strong LOR. His reply was "That should be OK"

I felt that was too "lukewarm" and went to see him in person. So I gave him the 10 minute spiel on how I performed in his class and assignments...etc etc and then after I asked "do you think you can write me a STRONG LOR?" His reply was "I think so,............ this should be fine I think."

So, am I being paranoid in thinking that he is LUKEWARM to me - or did he basically agree to write me a strong LOR?

You asked him, and then you went to see him in person.

Does this mean you sent him an email to ask if he would write you a LOR, and when you got a weak response you actually bothered to go see him to ask?

You lectured him for 10 minutes about how you did your homework and got good grades. Does he know you aside from being your teacher. By this I mean did you ever visit him in office hours? It sounds like all he will have to write about will be you taking his tests and turning in homework.

If my impressions of how you worded your post are accurate, then it is impossible for him to write you a genuine strong LOR.

 

[Alejandro]

sometime along the lines of "i'd be happy to write you a strong letter" is sufficient. anything else...bleh. besides..."that should be ok?" doesn't sound like an actual response to the question at hand. lol. it's more or a YES or a NO question, not a shoulda coulda woulda grey area Bermuda triangle..lol

 

[artsciencelove]

So, am I being paranoid in thinking that he is LUKEWARM to me - or did he basically agree to write me a strong LOR?

Few people are d*ckheaded enough to agree to write a sealed LOR and then put negative comments in it, thus sabotaging your entire effort to get into med school. If you can't even trust this prof not to do you dirty like that, you probably don't know him well enough, and you should find another teacher.

 

[raltima07]

Are you the same OP who asked a similar question about the mostly good LOR?

Honestly, if there's no other prof that you think could write a better one then just stick with this one.

Yep he is

 

[afreaknamedpete]

You're being paranoid.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

ha.

The OP def has mental issues.

I just asked the people if they could write me an LOR. They said yes. I said GREAT. One even said he's letter couldn't be super strong because he only knew me from class -- and I said that was fine, that is exactly what the school wanted (Just a 'how I am as a student' LOR). I guess I am not too picky....

 

[Person0715]

Anything other then excessive exaltation should raise some red flags, OP.

But in all honesty, how well do you know the professor? If you only know him from one class, he might not have much material to go from. You had to convince him that he could write you a strong LOR, so I think you already know your answer.

 

[NightGod]

Few people are d*ckheaded enough to agree to write a sealed LOR and then put negative comments in it, thus sabotaging your entire effort to get into med school. If you can't even trust this prof not to do you dirty like that, you probably don't know him well enough, and you should find another teacher.

You can pretty much guarantee that, unless you're boffing the dude's wife, no professor is going to give you a negative LOR-it would be shockingly unprofessional. What they will do, however, is damn you with faint praise or, almost as badly, basically admit that they don't know you from the guy sitting next to you and really only know your grades. AdComs want to see exceptional applicants-ones who stand out from the crowd and go the extra mile to make an impression.

If you are confident that you made such an impression on the teacher, then don't think too much about the way he answered you-he might just be a weird dude or was hesitating a bit because he has a billion other projects to do and was trying to make sure he had the time to help you out.

Of course, if this is the first time the guy has seen you cross his office threshold, it's probably not crazy to expect a tepid LOR from him.

 

[bluetwosky]

Hi - I recently asked a professor if he can write me a strong LOR. His reply was "That should be OK"

I felt that was too "lukewarm" and went to see him in person. So I gave him the 10 minute spiel on how I performed in his class and assignments...etc etc and then after I asked "do you think you can write me a STRONG LOR?" His reply was "I think so,............ this should be fine I think."

So, am I being paranoid in thinking that he is LUKEWARM to me - or did he basically agree to write me a strong LOR?

I think you had a chance of having a better LOR before you went and told him that what you did in class was not all that special (seriously any serious student does well in class/assignments - if you're going to wow a professor, you talk about things that you're mutually interested in or have an interesting conversation about something not having to do with class time)

No, you clearly have mental issues.

lol 👍

You can pretty much guarantee that, unless you're boffing the dude's wife, no professor is going to give you a negative LOR-it would be shockingly unprofessional. What they will do, however, is damn you with faint praise or, almost as badly, basically admit that they don't know you from the guy sitting next to you and really only know your grades. AdComs want to see exceptional applicants-ones who stand out from the crowd and go the extra mile to make an impression.

If you are confident that you made such an impression on the teacher, then don't think too much about the way he answered you-he might just be a weird dude or was hesitating a bit because he has a billion other projects to do and was trying to make sure he had the time to help you out.

Of course, if this is the first time the guy has seen you cross his office threshold, it's probably not crazy to expect a tepid LOR from him.

I think you're being a bit mental as well. Almost no professor out there will agree to write a letter when all he/she have to write about a student is "faint praise." Of course, if a student pushes/annoys/badgers the professor for a LOR, the professor does agree to write to get the student out of his/her face and then when he/she start writing...realize there is nothing to write about the student (that's where the faint praise comes in).

As for LORs having to be exceptional...that's a load of BS. Adcoms don't want to see students who went that extra mile to make an impression - that's just a gunner. Adcoms want to see students who are unique and a good fit for their school, and that can all be reflected even in letters that aren't raving about the student.

Exceptional letters will definitely improve a student's chances...and by a lot. But there's a reason why those letters are exceptional. There are relatively few of them each year, even among students who do get accepted. Normal letters are just that - normal and won't do very much to help/hurt the student's chances (and that's where the rest of your application comes in).

 

[NightGod]

I think you're being a bit mental as well. Almost no professor out there will agree to write a letter when all he/she have to write about a student is "faint praise." Of course, if a student pushes/annoys/badgers the professor for a LOR, the professor does agree to write to get the student out of his/her face and then when he/she start writing...realize there is nothing to write about the student (that's where the faint praise comes in).

As for LORs having to be exceptional...that's a load of BS. Adcoms don't want to see students who went that extra mile to make an impression - that's just a gunner. Adcoms want to see students who are unique and a good fit for their school, and that can all be reflected even in letters that aren't raving about the student.

Exceptional letters will definitely improve a student's chances...and by a lot. But there's a reason why those letters are exceptional. There are relatively few of them each year, even among students who do get accepted. Normal letters are just that - normal and won't do very much to help/hurt the student's chances (and that's where the rest of your application comes in).

They also don't want "well, Mr. Student came to class every day and got an A" and that's the letter you're going to end up with if you haven't done anything to stand out in the professor's mind. And in the case of LORs, that *is* the equivalent of faint praise.

 

[NickNaylor]

They also don't want "well, Mr. Student came to class every day and got an A" and that's the letter you're going to end up with if you haven't done anything to stand out in the professor's mind. And in the case of LORs, that *is* the equivalent of faint praise.

Professors aren't *****s. I would bet that the fair majority of them know how to write a good LOR.

 

[tides55]

So I understand that the general criteria for LORs is 2 from science faculty, and 1 from non-science. I transferred at the beginning of my junior year, and unfortunately, I already know that my 2 of my intended LORs will be average and run of the mill, unless I can switch some things up.

Do the 2 letters from science faculty have to be from professors who have had you in class? The PI for the lab that I've spent a year+ is faculty, but at the college of medicine for my institution and not at the undergraduate level. Also, he's never taught me in class. Would a letter from him count as a faculty letter, or would it be an additional letter after the first 3?

And for non-science, I had an anthropology graduate student teach the class... I can't get a letter from her, right? (Sorry if this question was answered before, I just want to make sure!)

Lastly, is the best way to confirm the specifics of LORs to go to school's individual websites? Is this info available in MSAR? I have a online MSAR and I just looked through some of the school profiles and couldn't find information on their LOR specifics.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ghostman]

I asked my professor from 8 years back to write one. I couldn't meet him either since I was in the middle of classes and he was in another state. I tried to pay him a visit one time when I was back in that state, but he was on vacation that period. He was very nice about it and was the first professor to get a LOR into my committee packet.

When they are that far back, make sure the professor actually knows who you are. I was a faculty tech support guy in college, so I knew this professor outside from lecture as well.

 

[smarts1]

Would schools be fine with a graduate student who taught me in an English class a couple of years ago, but is now a PhD/professor?

 

[mauberley]

Do the 2 letters from science faculty have to be from professors who have had you in class? The PI for the lab that I've spent a year+ is faculty, but at the college of medicine for my institution and not at the undergraduate level. Also, he's never taught me in class. Would a letter from him count as a faculty letter, or would it be an additional letter after the first 3?

My understanding is that it's advised to have letters from people who have interacted with you in a classroom or other such teaching context, but if that's the best you can do, then that's the best you can do.

As for how it "counts," most secondaries let you specify what letters you are using to meet their requirements.

And for non-science, I had an anthropology graduate student teach the class... I can't get a letter from her, right? (Sorry if this question was answered before, I just want to make sure!)

It has been suggested that you can, but that you should have a faculty member co-sign the letter.

Lastly, is the best way to confirm the specifics of LORs to go to school's individual websites? Is this info available in MSAR? I have a online MSAR and I just looked through some of the school profiles and couldn't find information on their LOR specifics.

Yes, it is, and no, it's not available in the MSAR.

 

[mauberley]

Would schools be fine with a graduate student who taught me in an English class a couple of years ago, but is now a PhD/professor?

I would recommend contacting schools directly to advise you as to whether this would be sufficient.

 

[Ost3oclast]

Yea I am already thinking about another person to ask just as a safety. I really wanted a non-science professor's letter of rec and he was really the best one. I'm having a hard time figuring out who else to ask. I have a couple other MD's, science profs and another works supervisor that I could ask.....but I want the diversity of having 4 letters from 4 different types of people.

 

[paelie]

Thanks, Schizotypy. I emailed AMCAS and they confirmed that it was not possible to edit the entry w/o deleting it and redoing it (thereby changing the Letter ID). I read the part in the manual where they talk about matching "other letter received", but this seems to apply only when the nos. don't match, whereas mine will. For the part where you wrote "After they receive the letter...", does this apply only if the entire application hasn't been submitted yet? Where did you get the info. that it was possible to delete the letter entry and re-match the received letter?

Does anyone have info. about this? Thanks!

 

[drfancypants]

for some reason i was really nervous about emailing my old professors (6 years since their classes) but they both remembered me well and were very happy to write letters of reference. so glad i did, i encourage you to at least send an email. i gave them ample warning (about a year) and sent both of them an early draft of my personal statement plus an update on what i'd been doing. professors understand this is part of their job and usually want to help their students succeed.

 

[ILOVEKIMCHEE]

Hi All! I need your help again! I am a non traditional applicant in that i have been working full-time for two years after graduation from undergrad. I have accumulated 6 recommendation letters... And i'm having a hard time deciding if i should just send them all in a packet, or customize the letters for each school....

My stats: 3.8 overall and science & 35 on MCAT



Here is the breakdown of my letters:

2 from science professors (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
-> I have no idea how strong these letters will be...I participated in class and received an A in both classes. But that is the extent of my relationship with these professors. 🙁

1 from my Music professor ( I double majored in music and molecular bio)
-> this professor knows me extremely well. I took several classes with him and i know he for sure he has written me a excellent recommendation letter. I would like to include this letter because it would highlight the musical side of my life and how that fits into medicine.

1 from my Current Boss (whom i worked for the past two years)
-> I know this letter will be very strong as well. I want to include this letter because it is the most current work i am doing. and Some schools actually require one from a current boss as a non traditional applicant.

1 from volunteer director at a nursing home
-> I've been volunteering here for 6 years. Thus the director knows me extremely well and loves me. She will write me an excellent letter. I want to include this letter because it would highlight my interest in going into geriatrics medicine, which i talk about in my personal statement!

1 from my Pastor
-> I've served extensively in church for the past 6 years. My pastor knows me very well and has seen me grow over the years while i served. I want to include this letter because my pastor would be able to talk about me in ways no one else could.


Ideally, I would like to send all 6 letters to the schools... I think they all highlight different aspects of my life and are not redundant at all. But i also heard that sending too many letters might hurt my chances... What i'm most worried about are my two science professor letters that might not be that strong... They won't be bad....it's just that my science professors do not know me as well as my other recommendation writers, which is why i want to include them. :/

IS IT OK FOR ME TO SEND ALL 6? OR IS THAT TOO MANY? HELP ME!

 

[Silverfalcon]

I would check with the schools that you plan to submit application. I'm not completely sure about all schools, but there are schools that specifically limit # of LORs that you can send.

I would definitely include music one for a big reason: I've heard (multiple times) that med schools like musical talents/experiences.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

For the most part, the majority of the schools will except all those LORs. Some schools though do have a specific number of LORs that they will accept and advise you against sending more (ex. northwestern). Before sending any schools LORs, check their admissions requirements.

 

[pkwraith]

The pattern I saw when I applied was 2 science professors, 1 nonscience professor as requirements. And for a non-traditional, someone who is familiar with your recent work.

In your case, that should be your 3 professors for the traditional requirements. And the boss' letter for the non-traditional requirement.

You might still be able to use your undergrad's file services. For example, my school allows alumni to use Letter Services up to five years after graduation. I would highly recommend using your school's File Services if it's available. Don't customize letter packages for each school.

In my opinion, 6 is overkill. Most schools will just look at the required letters and ignore the rest. But as Silverfalcon said, there are a couple schools that have a max, and will get annoyed.

 

[NickNaylor]

I wouldn't send all six. The two science are pretty much required, so you don't have a choice in sending those. I would send the letter from your music professor and your current boss and scratch the letters from the nursing home and pastor. Remember, letters should speak to your aptitude for a career in medicine. The letters from your professors and boss accomplish this. The other two, though they might "know you well," likely can't contribute all that much to your merits for becoming a physician.

Also, be weary of declaring "I WANT TO GO INTO THIS SPECIALTY." Generally not a good idea.

 

[Sammich117]

Here is the situation. I took English 101 & 102 in 2006 my first year of college. I got to know the teacher really well, got A's in both classes. I emailed her recently and she said she still remembers me. So How do I go about asking for an LOR? Wouldn't it seem shady after 5 years to contact her for an LOR? What are somethings I should specifically put in the E-mail???

Ask to meet her in person - then pop the question

I can't meet her in person, She is a professor somewhere else now.

Skype

Bump; please help me out here people

Easy there, Skip, no need to bump after your thread doesn't get a reply for 35 minutes!

I can see you're worried, though, so here's my take. How recently did you email her? A few months ago? If she remembered you a few months ago, she's not likely to have forgotten you since then if you had her as a professor five years ago. I would send her an email saying that you're glad you've stayed in touch, and you were wondering if she thought she might be able to write you a strong letter of recommendation. Offer to send her your resume, PS, and activities since you were in her class. Say that you'll understand if she thinks it's just been too long for her to be a good reference, but that you'd appreciate her time if she is able to write one.

this is easy. of course you should ask her. however, you should risk a flight / train ride to go see her and ask in person (with the possbility that she'll refuse). if she says yes, THEN give her your academic record, personal statement, etc. AND talk about yourself while you are there.

if you just need this rec and it's not anything special - then fine, just modestly ask through e-mail. the subject line should not blaring ask...ask in the body of the email and phrase it so she can say no.

The worst that she can say is no. I think the best thing you can do is really prepare how you want to ask your former teacher. I did this with a prof from my freshman year and here is the format I used:

1. Motivation for pursuing medical school
2. Characteristics that make me a good fit
3. Activities that contribute to my readiness for medical school
4. Why am I approaching you for a letter of reference?
-This section is the bread and butter. You need to give your professor a story, memory, or something that they can essentially rewrite in a LOR to make the letter personal. In mine, I also specifically asked for the professor to mention traits such as: critical thinking, work ethic, curiosity for the subject, etc...
5. I followed up with the most important points
-due date
-if you waived your rights
-contact info

Good luck...and remember, the worst that they can say is no!

Just one? You're pretty lucky. I had to pull all my letters except one from professors I haven't talked to for 3+ years Since she already remember you, you can pretty much cut with most of the introduction.

Just send her an email, and make it straight forward. Mention that you will try to get in contact with her over the phone. Mention your motives for medication (keep it short and to the point). Mention that you can send her your transcript, scores, personal statement (so she has material to work with).

If she doesn't reply to email, follow up with a phone call if you can find it.

Keep it simple and to the point. If she says yes, you can send her much more information. Don't overwhelm her with a ton of information before she even agrees.

Visit might be a little nice, if it's convenient for you. I never visited any of my LOR writers. It's just a crapshoot in forms of both logistics, time, and location. If you have to fly somewhere, it's just not worth it at all.

I had to do this with teachers in the 3-4 years removed range. It's simple, really. Just be honest about it- tell them you know it's been a while, but their class was an integral part of your education, and you would be grateful if they could reflect this and the type of student you were during that time. I feel like teachers-the ones that connect with their students often- come across this situation from time to time. Bottom line: just suck it up and drop the question in a polite and professional way.

I asked my professor from 8 years back to write one. I couldn't meet him either since I was in the middle of classes and he was in another state. I tried to pay him a visit one time when I was back in that state, but he was on vacation that period. He was very nice about it and was the first professor to get a LOR into my committee packet.

When they are that far back, make sure the professor actually knows who you are. I was a faculty tech support guy in college, so I knew this professor outside from lecture as well.

for some reason i was really nervous about emailing my old professors (6 years since their classes) but they both remembered me well and were very happy to write letters of reference. so glad i did, i encourage you to at least send an email. i gave them ample warning (about a year) and sent both of them an early draft of my personal statement plus an update on what i'd been doing. professors understand this is part of their job and usually want to help their students succeed.

Merging with LOR Questions thread

 

[Sammich117]

Hi All! I need your help again! I am a non traditional applicant in that i have been working full-time for two years after graduation from undergrad. I have accumulated 6 recommendation letters... And i'm having a hard time deciding if i should just send them all in a packet, or customize the letters for each school....

My stats: 3.8 overall and science & 35 on MCAT



Here is the breakdown of my letters:

2 from science professors (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology)
-> I have no idea how strong these letters will be...I participated in class and received an A in both classes. But that is the extent of my relationship with these professors. 🙁

1 from my Music professor ( I double majored in music and molecular bio)
-> this professor knows me extremely well. I took several classes with him and i know he for sure he has written me a excellent recommendation letter. I would like to include this letter because it would highlight the musical side of my life and how that fits into medicine.

1 from my Current Boss (whom i worked for the past two years)
-> I know this letter will be very strong as well. I want to include this letter because it is the most current work i am doing. and Some schools actually require one from a current boss as a non traditional applicant.

1 from volunteer director at a nursing home
-> I've been volunteering here for 6 years. Thus the director knows me extremely well and loves me. She will write me an excellent letter. I want to include this letter because it would highlight my interest in going into geriatrics medicine, which i talk about in my personal statement!

1 from my Pastor
-> I've served extensively in church for the past 6 years. My pastor knows me very well and has seen me grow over the years while i served. I want to include this letter because my pastor would be able to talk about me in ways no one else could.


Ideally, I would like to send all 6 letters to the schools... I think they all highlight different aspects of my life and are not redundant at all. But i also heard that sending too many letters might hurt my chances... What i'm most worried about are my two science professor letters that might not be that strong... They won't be bad....it's just that my science professors do not know me as well as my other recommendation writers, which is why i want to include them. :/

IS IT OK FOR ME TO SEND ALL 6? OR IS THAT TOO MANY? HELP ME!

I would check with the schools that you plan to submit application. I'm not completely sure about all schools, but there are schools that specifically limit # of LORs that you can send.

I would definitely include music one for a big reason: I've heard (multiple times) that med schools like musical talents/experiences.

For the most part, the majority of the schools will except all those LORs. Some schools though do have a specific number of LORs that they will accept and advise you against sending more (ex. northwestern). Before sending any schools LORs, check their admissions requirements.

The pattern I saw when I applied was 2 science professors, 1 nonscience professor as requirements. And for a non-traditional, someone who is familiar with your recent work.

In your case, that should be your 3 professors for the traditional requirements. And the boss' letter for the non-traditional requirement.

You might still be able to use your undergrad's file services. For example, my school allows alumni to use Letter Services up to five years after graduation. I would highly recommend using your school's File Services if it's available. Don't customize letter packages for each school.

In my opinion, 6 is overkill. Most schools will just look at the required letters and ignore the rest. But as Silverfalcon said, there are a couple schools that have a max, and will get annoyed.

I wouldn't send all six. The two science are pretty much required, so you don't have a choice in sending those. I would send the letter from your music professor and your current boss and scratch the letters from the nursing home and pastor. Remember, letters should speak to your aptitude for a career in medicine. The letters from your professors and boss accomplish this. The other two, though they might "know you well," likely can't contribute all that much to your merits for becoming a physician.

Also, be weary of declaring "I WANT TO GO INTO THIS SPECIALTY." Generally not a good idea.

Merging with LOR Questions thread

 

[Sammich117]

Hey guys,

I need some advice about this reference letter I am having a hard time getting. I have 3 letters already done. (science prof, MD, and work supervisor). However, this last letter from my advisor (also non-science professor) I haven't received yet.

I've known the guy for almost 5 years. We have a really good student/teacher relationship. He has been my advisor since the beginning and is also the head of my department (movement science). I asked him back in April if he would write me a letter and he said it would be "no problem at all." I have no reason to believe his letter would be negative in the least. However, he still hasn't written it and sent it to Interfolio.

I have reminded him nicely through email twice. Both times with no reply (maybe because it is summer?). He is a pretty forgetful guy but I know for a fact he has seen the emails (I got read receipts for the emails I sent). Now I don't apply until next cycle but I still would like to have the letters ASAP because I graduate in December.

I guess my question would be.....what do I do next? Remind him again through email? Call? Wait until the beginning of the fall semester? I really don't want to seem pushy but at the same time, I don't want him to completely forget about my request..........

Ask him in the fall when classes resume? You wouldn't want to keep on pestering him in the summer such that he would write a not-so-stellar letter.

Plus you won't even need this letter for at least 14 months!

Wow. If you're not applying this cycle, you need to chill out. Remind him once every other month. You'll get it eventually.

Leave him alone for a little while and send him an email about four months before you need the letter. Ask if he can still write the letter, and see if he wants to set up a meeting. Offer your PS, resume, list of EC's, etc. I think the problem is that you've given him too much time. Profs have a lot else on their minds, and if he knows you really don't need it for another year, he probably feels no need to start it anytime soon.

If you want it earlier than that, I would send him an email saying specifically when you want it and why you want it early.

Honestly? Ask someone else. That doesn't mean don't accept his letter if he ends up writing it, but constantly reminding him means you never know if the letter will be rushed, not as great as it could be, or any host of things. Make sure you have a backup, so just get another professor to write you as well and you can decide which one to send.

I would probably wait until the end of summer, right before the fall to remind him though. When you remind him, gently slip in that this request dates back to April.

Yea, I would be ready to switch to someone else for peace of mind. I have asked a teacher 1.5 years ago, and still no letter. Alas....what can you do?

Yea I am already thinking about another person to ask just as a safety. I really wanted a non-science professor's letter of rec and he was really the best one. I'm having a hard time figuring out who else to ask. I have a couple other MD's, science profs and another works supervisor that I could ask.....but I want the diversity of having 4 letters from 4 different types of people.

Merging with LOR Questions thread

 

[Sammich117]

Merging related threads.

 

[PlacentaSac]

I'm just going to put this out there. If you have any concern with a letter of recommendation, why not use the LOR Review Service from The Admissions Council? They review your letters for you and let you know how strong they are and if there are any red flags. I know that they work closely with Interfolio to maintain the letters confidentiality.

I'm just saying, when in doubt, stop worrying and get piece of mind. There is only one way for sure to know and The Admissions Council is the only reputable company I know of that offers that service.

 

[juxi]

So it looks like general consensus is max of ~5 letters. I have 7, but am having a hard time narrowing down which ones to send especially since some of my letter writers blur the lines with respect to how I work with them.

1) Definitely science prof; took 2 classes with her; should be good letter
2) Definitely non-science prof

Those above 2 are pretty much no-question-about-it; but the following are what I'm having trouble narrowing down:

3) Science *graduate student* who taught me a lab class (we were both counting on the professor who taught the lecture portion to write me a letter, but he stopped responding to my emails so I figure even if I bother him again, it won't be a great letter since I went to his office hours but I was one among a class of almost 700 students 😵)--the problem with this is that a letter from a professor almost always looks better than a letter from a grad student instructor
4) Science professor BUT I only took 1/3 of a class with him and he didn't know me then plus I got a B; it wasn't until I started teaching a class (not the same class I took with him) that we started working closely together so I don't think his letter about me is on my academics so much as my leadership and ec experience...--can this still count as a science letter? if so, then I'll use it instead of the graduate student one

5) Boss/supervisor: I was employed as a lab assistant under her for about 2 years at a soil research lab (yeah, I played dirty ;P) and I got involved enough to understand the experiment but not enough to be regarded as an author or whatnot; however, I'm pretty positive she wrote me a strong letter
6) Teacher: she's technically a museum scientist--not a professor--but she taught me a super hands-on lab class and later I began teaching that lab class. The class is small and I've been working with her for 2 years so she knows me pretty well, like personality-wise too 🙂
7) MD: I researched at his lab and published a paper under him but it was several years ago and I haven't done clinical work with him; however, he is from UCSF and I'm applying to UC's sooo hopefully that's a good thing? (esp given my gpa's a bit low--3.4--but mcat is ok at 34)

Another thing is that my school has a letter service with letter *packets* so I can technically bunch some together and have "5 packets" but I don't think med schools will be pleased to find 7 letters in the end...?

Thanks!

 

[blizzah]

Forget the graduate student and number 4.

The other will be better suited to talk about you as a student/person and you are most confident in a strong LOR.

 

[juxi]

What about the general 2 science, 1 non-science rule? Can I use my boss or museum scientist as the other science letter then?

 

[seyhee0919]

So I was thinking I could go on with my AMCAS just fine...and then I looked at one of my medical schools I was thinking of applying to (Creighton, if you must know), and saw how they specifically delineated what counted as a "science letter of recommendation". My first letter of recommendation and other letters of rec are fine, but the second was iffy...he was the professor of a pharmacy seminar class I took. I figured because the course did incorporate a good deal of basic knowledge of chemistry and biology I could use this as a "science" course. Was I wrong to assume this? I really have no other outs because my Bio 1 professor is simply a lecturer, Bio 2 I got a B+, and my chemistry professor left to LSU.

Thanks a mil in advance.

 

[pez319]

Hey I want to make sure about something. I've already asked my school to send my LOR packet to AMCAS. My current research director offered to write me a LOR but he'll probably have it available in early July. I haven't submitted my application yet. Can I submit my application now so I get into the verification process then just update my application with the new LOR in July via the process listed above? Or should I wait until he has the LOR then just submit it all at once.

I'm thinking the former is better.

Thanks in advance

 

[Slowpoke]

If my research professor is also technically considered "science faculty", can it count as both the research experience and as a professor, or does it have to be from a science faculty that I have had for a class?

 

[mauberley]

Hey I want to make sure about something. I've already asked my school to send my LOR packet to AMCAS. My current research director offered to write me a LOR but he'll probably have it available in early July. I haven't submitted my application yet. Can I submit my application now so I get into the verification process then just update my application with the new LOR in July via the process listed above? Or should I wait until he has the LOR then just submit it all at once.

I'm thinking the former is better.

Thanks in advance

Receipt of LORs do not affect the timing of your verification process. It would make little sense to postpone submitting just to wait for that letter.

 

[Sammich117]

I'm currently waitlisted at 3 schools and am wanting to send them a new letter of recommendation I received from my research supervisor.

I asked the medical schools, and they said that my letters have to be sent through AMCAS. How do I do this?
The only way I can think of doing this is by creating a new amcas application. But if I send letters through an application now, it will be for the 2011 cycle, and I do not want to start a new application at this point.


I have at this point asked my university to resend my composite letter to the respective schools directly. Will this be enough?

The 2011 AMCAS login is still available. Can you try adding a new LOE and sending it that way? Of course, that seems rather roundabout, but if that's what the schools said... *shrug*

So that means I have to create a whole new application just for this?

Holy smokes. I just called my university and no one knows WTF is going on.

Has no one here sent a new LOR to through AMCAS letter service?

I have its the same process as how you sent your original letters.

Open up your old AMCAS application, goto the LOR section, add the new letter with the appropriate info, Print up the letter ID page, goto 'home' and click submit application, give the letter ID to your guy and they send it straight to AMCAS. Its a lot of steps but its straight forward.

Also, I doubt a letter of rec will do much good for you now.

Both myself and haleth pointed out that you use your OLD app. You do not need to create a new one.

Sorry~

for some reason I thought that the "2011 application" was referring to this year's, because you know... it's 2011.
But I really didn't know what to do when I got there. Who would think u have to resubmit your entire application?

Thanks guys

Hey I want to make sure about something. I've already asked my school to send my LOR packet to AMCAS. My current research director offered to write me a LOR but he'll probably have it available in early July. I haven't submitted my application yet. Can I submit my application now so I get into the verification process then just update my application with the new LOR in July via the process listed above? Or should I wait until he has the LOR then just submit it all at once.

I'm thinking the former is better.

Thanks in advance

Receipt of LORs do not affect the timing of your verification process. It would make little sense to postpone submitting just to wait for that letter.

Merging with LOR Questions thread