Politicians and Reference Letters

[SFA Chino]

I'm applying to medical school this year and have a question that I hope some of you can answer. I close friend of mine is the daughter of a State Senator. The question is whether or not it would be a wise decision to use the State Senator as a letter of reference. Any comments?

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[brandonite]

Does he/she actually know you pretty well? If he/she does, then it'd probably be a good idea - it'd make you stand out. Unless, of course, he/she's a Republican. :wink:

If he/she doesn't actually know you, then it's probably not such a good idea.

 

[Mystique]

One piece of advice...don't send that particular letter to Albany if you apply there. They discourage letters from politicians and friends/family.

 

[THE instiGATOR]

I was interviewed at Albany, and I had a "personal" letter in my packet.

Please don't get this letter unless the man/woman really knows you!

As far as party affiliation is concerned, I value the opinion of a Republican far more than that of a democrat! :wink:

 

[brandonite]

Well, I had political letters of reference sent to all my schools. So far, I'm shooting about 50% for getting interviews. Didn't apply to Albany, though, so I can't say for sure. And my letter wasn't from an elected official, just a person with an official role in the political party. I was the youth rep on the campaign committee for our province (state) during our last federal election, so it was an important extracirricular for me. I considered getting an elected official to write it, but I didn't actually work very closely with any of them, so I passed on that idea.

Have you done any volunteer work with this senator, or is it just a "he seems like a pretty good guy" kinda letter??

 

[Trek]

urgh! A letter from Kay Bailey Hutchison?!? C'mon dude, you trying to shoot yourself in the foot, or you aiming for the crotch? If you apply ANYWHERE but conservative Texas (i know, i'm from there), you're gonna get the fat boot. Even in Texas, with her record, i wouldn't risk it. And yes, i campaigned for Gore in texas. --Trek

 

[Hallm_7]

Keep in mind that the majority of people in the medical profession vote Republican. (Most doctors realize how bad socialized medicine will screw things up). So if he/she's a Republican go for it at most schools, but it would also depend on the school. I don't think a letter from a Republican senator would go over very well at NYU or Columbia, but it would go over great anywhere in the South, Midwest, and most of the Ivy League schools.

 

[SFA Chino]

Basically, I have known the State Senator through her daughter. I haven't done any volunteer work with her or helped her out any in her line of work. I guess you could say she is more a good friend than anything else. And by the way, it's not Kay Bailey Hutchinson. If I'm not mistaken, that would be a US Senator.

 

[matthew0126]

same here! damn socialist canadians (no offense!)

•••quote:•••Originally posted by SwampMan:
•I was interviewed at Albany, and I had a "personal" letter in my packet.

Please don't get this letter unless the man/woman really knows you!

As far as party affiliation is concerned, I value the opinion of a Republican far more than that of a democrat! :wink: •••••

 

[matthew0126]

haha don't send it to UCSF either

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Hallm_7:
•Keep in mind that the majority of people in the medical profession vote Republican. (Most doctors realize how bad socialized medicine will screw things up). So if he/she's a Republican go for it at most schools, but it would also depend on the school. I don't think a letter from a Republican senator would go over very well at NYU or Columbia, but it would go over great anywhere in the South, Midwest, and most of the Ivy League schools.•••••

 

[SFA Chino]

I'll probably be applying to just Texas schools.

 

[Original]

Never! never!! never!!! Don't do it. Suicide right there. Brandonite's case is a simple case of having the supervisor of an extracurricular activity send a letter. Very different from asking a random senator to write you a letter. Steer clear of the political, controversial, and extreme. You want letters from college professors, research mentors, physicians you've closely shadowed, and advisors of extracurrics you've actively participated in. Good luck.