Parent recommendation letter

[darthsubway]

Okay hear me out.

I was speaking to a new ER doctor at my job who noted that he served on an admissions committee at his medical school when he was a student. So I mention to him that I have an II to the medical school that both my parents went to, and he did not hesitate to recommend that I ask them write me a LOR to the particular school. He said that if the parents of an applicant were alum of the school he was on the committee for, they would "bump them up a spot" (move them from waitlist territory to acceptance; no interview to interview) if they wrote a letter. I am skeptical of this advice because my first instinct is that it would be weird to have a LOR from your parents. Anyone have any ideas about whether this is sound advice. Any adcom input? Thanks everyone.

Hopefully you guys can understand my writing at this time of night

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Holmwood]

Okay hear me out.

I was speaking to a new ER doctor at my job who noted that he served on an admissions committee at his medical school when he was a student. So I mention to him that I have an II to the medical school that both my parents went to, and he did not hesitate to recommend that I ask them write me a LOR to the particular school. He said that if the parents of an applicant were alum of the school he was on the committee for, they would "bump them up a spot" (move them from waitlist territory to acceptance; no interview to interview) if they wrote a letter. I am skeptical of this advice because my first instinct is that it would be weird to have a LOR from your parents. Anyone have any ideas about whether this is sound advice. Any adcom input? Thanks everyone.

Hopefully you guys can understand my writing at this time of night

Congrats on interview invite. Have a look see:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...gacy-help-for-getting-into-med-school.885385/

 

[mimelim]

Every adcom will be different. However, this will hurt more than it will help.

 

[darthsubway]

Every adcom will be different. However, this will hurt more than it will help.

I had the feeling that it would be risky. I think I'm going to not have them do it to be completely safe.

 

[Catalystik]

I had the feeling that it would be risky. I think I'm going to not have them do it to be completely safe.

Thank you, on behalf of any adcomm that reviews your file.

 

[Mr Roboto]

it would be weird to have a LOR from your parents.

Yes.

 

[Goro]

This guy doesn't like you. What he's describing is a sure-fire way to get your app to the bottom of the pile, if not actually set on fire.

Do NOT do this.

PS: Go look up the meaning "conflict of interest".

Okay hear me out.

I was speaking to a new ER doctor at my job who noted that he served on an admissions committee at his medical school when he was a student. So I mention to him that I have an II to the medical school that both my parents went to, and he did not hesitate to recommend that I ask them write me a LOR to the particular school. He said that if the parents of an applicant were alum of the school he was on the committee for, they would "bump them up a spot" (move them from waitlist territory to acceptance; no interview to interview) if they wrote a letter. I am skeptical of this advice because my first instinct is that it would be weird to have a LOR from your parents. Anyone have any ideas about whether this is sound advice. Any adcom input? Thanks everyone.

Hopefully you guys can understand my writing at this time of night

 

[johnnytest]

Congrats on the II. Ace it and you're most likely in.

 

[moisne]

No. Just no.

 

[darthsubway]

This guy doesn't like you. What he's describing is a sure-fire way to get your app to the bottom of the pile, if not actually set on fire.

Do NOT do this.

PS: Go look up the meaning "conflict of interest".

Thanks for the advice. And thank you everyone else. It seemed like a bad idea, and I'm glad I asked. I want to think that his school's admissions committee was... different, and he really just wanted to help out. I just met the guy!

 

[Winged Scapula]

Dear Dr. X,

Mr. darthsubway has asked me to write a letter of support for his medical school candidacy at your fine institution. I am happy to have the opportunity to do so.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. darthsubway for over 22 years; I cannot recall a time when we did not know each other. His mother introduced us and I've enjoyed working and socializing with him in many environments and under the most trying of conditions.

He exhibits keen leadership qualities while bossing his younger siblings around and shows empathy as I caught him crying during the part in The Butler when Oprah's character was dying. At least I think it was that part. He tried to pretend he wasn't crying, but his mother and I saw him. darthsubway is very organized although his room could use a touch up as sometimes he forgets to bring his dishes to the kitchen; I actually agree with him that this shows efficiency, as he eats and studies at the same time. The dog helps with the leftovers, so there is no waste. Modern day physicians must learn how to multi-task and to work with minimal resources and I believe darthsubway understands that.

I feel strongly that he will make an excellent contribution to the Class of 2019 at your fine institution and have no hesitation in recommending him for a position.

 

[darthsubway]

Dear Dr. X,

Mr. darthsubway has asked me to write a letter of support for his medical school candidacy at your fine institution. I am happy to have the opportunity to do so.

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. darthsubway for over 22 years; I cannot recall a time when we did not know each other. His mother introduced us and I've enjoyed working and socializing with him in many environments and under the most trying of conditions.

He exhibits keen leadership qualities while bossing his younger siblings around and shows empathy as I caught him crying during the part in The Butler when Oprah's character was dying. At least I think it was that part. He tried to pretend he wasn't crying, but his mother and I saw him. darthsubway is very organized although his room could use a touch up as sometimes he forgets to bring his dishes to the kitchen; I actually agree with him that this shows efficiency, as he eats and studies at the same time. The dog helps with the leftovers, so there is no waste. Modern day physicians must learn how to multi-task and to work with minimal resources and I believe darthsubway understands that.

I feel strongly that he will make an excellent contribution to the Class of 2019 at your fine institution and have no hesitation in recommending him for a position.

Oh my god! Dad! I didn't know you were on sdn.

(Seriously are you my dad?)

 

[Ismet]

You can always mention your parents' affiliation in the interview if there wasn't a place to bring it up in the secondary. You will most certainly be asked "why this school" and while your primary reason for choosing the school should be something specific to the school, that's a perfect time to talk about your parents.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the doc you talked to has doctor parents and was feeling bitter or vengeful for not getting into his parents' alma mater. Many schools do give points to legacy, but an LOR from a family member is completely out of the question for any professional application.

 

[Plecopotamus]

Okay hear me out.

I was speaking to a new ER doctor at my job who noted that he served on an admissions committee at his medical school when he was a student. So I mention to him that I have an II to the medical school that both my parents went to, and he did not hesitate to recommend that I ask them write me a LOR to the particular school. He said that if the parents of an applicant were alum of the school he was on the committee for, they would "bump them up a spot" (move them from waitlist territory to acceptance; no interview to interview) if they wrote a letter. I am skeptical of this advice because my first instinct is that it would be weird to have a LOR from your parents. Anyone have any ideas about whether this is sound advice. Any adcom input? Thanks everyone.

Hopefully you guys can understand my writing at this time of night

You can let them know you are a legacy without your parents writing a LOR. It would seem this ER doc didn't understand how students notified the school of legacy status when he worked with the adcom. A LOR would be bizarre. If somehow there is nowhere on the application to note your legacy status (which I cannot fathom if this doc is reporting that the school likes legacies), the more appropriate round about way would probably be through your parents asking the alumni association how to declare this . . . and they'll take care of it. I believe GynGyn has shared stories of parents being too involved in medical school app process and hurting the applicant due to perceived "special snowflake" status, neediness, immaturity, etc. A parental LOR seems like it would fall in that category.

 

[Planes2Doc]

I'd only do it if your mom says you are the smartest and most handsome person out there. But you can't do that because my mom said that I am the smartest and handsomest guy out there.

 

[gyngyn]

I was just reading an LOR from someone who is a close relative of an applicant. He did not indicate that he was her relative. His letter sounds a lot like the farcical ones in this thread. I guess they didn't think I would notice that she named this relative in another aspect of her application. This does not reflect well upon her or her relative.