PharmCAS Letters of Recommendation

[kevchen]

How bad will it look if I don't waive the right to access the reference? The reason I am waiving is because I am not too sure if my pharmacist will write me a good one since we had some conflict before, and he's my only pharmacist. Also, for PharmCAS, you are allowed to have 4 letters of recommendations... if I don't like what I see, am I allowed to have it removed and get another letter of rec from somewhere else? Thanks!

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[Twentytwelve2]

How bad will it look if I don't waive the right to access the reference? The reason I am waiving is because I am not too sure if my pharmacist will write me a good one since we had some conflict before, and he's my only pharmacist. Also, for PharmCAS, you are allowed to have 4 letters of recommendations... if I don't like what I see, am I allowed to have it removed and get another letter of rec from somewhere else? Thanks!

PharmCAS will release your decision to waive or not waive access to this reference to your evaluator and your designated pharmacy schools. Pharmacy schools may interpret references as more honest and candid if you waive your right to see the letters. If you retain access, you may be asked to explain your reasons for your choice during interview(s).-http://www.pharmcas.org/applicants/eval.htm

I understand how it feels not knowing what they write about you but given your situation, perhaps it is best to not get that pharmacist to recommend u. It is too risky. You said that is the only pharmacist u know so in your case it may be best to apply to schools that dont require a pharmacist LoR.

But if u insist... then have a long talk with him and if u get the sense he likes u, then proceed.

 

[owlegrad]

Just ask the pharmacist if the letter will be positive. I doubt very many people would lie about that.

 

[kevchen]

My situation is really bad actually. This pharmacist used the letter of rec to threaten his students.. such as doing labor work at his home, treating him out to lunch, shopping for his needs, etc. And then one day he asked me to treat him out to the 5th lunch and then he'll write me a letter of rec. I stood up for myself and asked why is the 5th lunch necessary and he said it's his system to get a letter of rec from him. Then he got pissed off and decided not to write me one anymore even though I finished all my 170+ hours at his pharmacy. A few weeks later, he decided to write me one again, but I am afraid he will write a bad one. What should I do? Thank you for all your input.

 

[pharmalang]

How bad will it look if I don't waive the right to access the reference? The reason I am waiving is because I am not too sure if my pharmacist will write me a good one since we had some conflict before, and he's my only pharmacist. Also, for PharmCAS, you are allowed to have 4 letters of recommendations... if I don't like what I see, am I allowed to have it removed and get another letter of rec from somewhere else? Thanks!

Also, it's not like it matters if you can read it or not because you can't delete the LOR after it's submitted. If you're doubtful, I wouldn't have them write it.

 

[Twentytwelve2]

My situation is really bad actually. This pharmacist used the letter of rec to threaten his students.. such as doing labor work at his home, treating him out to lunch, shopping for his needs, etc. And then one day he asked me to treat him out to the 5th lunch and then he'll write me a letter of rec. I stood up for myself and asked why is the 5th lunch necessary and he said it's his system to get a letter of rec from him. Then he got pissed off and decided not to write me one anymore even though I finished all my 170+ hours at his pharmacy. A few weeks later, he decided to write me one again, but I am afraid he will write a bad one. What should I do? Thank you for all your input.

What a douche and how unprofessional it is of him to behave like that. Enslaving you and others like that is wrong. BUYING him lunch!? Who is the one making 50+ an hour and demanding small change in return? Do everyone a favor, do not get a LoR from him.

 

[kevchen]

What a douche and how unprofessional it is of him to behave like that. Enslaving you and others like that is wrong. BUYING him lunch!? Who is the one making 50+ an hour and demanding small change in return? Do everyone a favor, do not get a LoR from him.

Yeah, he's really rich but very cheap. How is it doing everyone a favor? According to him, a lot of people got into pharmacy schools b/c of his LOR even with low stats... But yeah I don't know what to do now.

 

[HugopharmD]

How bad will it look if I don't waive the right to access the reference? The reason I am waiving is because I am not too sure if my pharmacist will write me a good one since we had some conflict before, and he's my only pharmacist. Also, for PharmCAS, you are allowed to have 4 letters of recommendations... if I don't like what I see, am I allowed to have it removed and get another letter of rec from somewhere else? Thanks!

Truth is, I came on here to ask the same question but i dont seem to find anything thats been quite satisfactory. this is my second time applying and the first time, I waved my access to all my references. This time though, i think it might be wise not to wave my acess to at least one....What do y'all think?

 

[FLaCoPHaRm]

A person must be a major a**hole to mess around with another person's future like that. If you deep down inside think he is capable to do that then don't do it. Otherwise, voice your concerns--tell him straight out that you are worried that he might write something negative. When he acts all surprise and asks you why--tell him all of the reasons. Observe his actions after you have just told him all of that. Based on his explanation and actions decide whether he will write it or not.

 

[The Recoverer]

Truth is, I came on here to ask the same question but i dont seem to find anything thats been quite satisfactory. this is my second time applying and the first time, I waved my access to all my references. This time though, i think it might be wise not to wave my acess to at least one....What do y'all think?

If you DO NOT waive your rights. it shows admissions committees that you do not trust your references, which is not a good thing