Programs wanting all 3 letters for interviews?

[MedicineZ0Z]

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One program emailed me saying they'd like my 3rd letter to complete a thorough review. I was under the impression the 3rd one can roll in over Sept or early Oct?

 

[ricksimmonsrafowens]

One program emailed me saying they'd like my 3rd letter to complete a thorough review. I was under the impression the 3rd one can roll in over Sept or early Oct?

What are you applying to? IM?

 

[MedicineZ0Z]

What are you applying to? IM?

FM. And this was from one of the top programs.
Do IM programs want all 3 normally??

 

[MSTP18]

Given my school emphasized trying to have all 3 letters in pre ERAS submission regardless of specialty, I'm guessing it's not at all uncommon.

 

[ricksimmonsrafowens]

FM. And this was from one of the top programs.
Do IM programs want all 3 normally??

I'm not applying to fam med, but my school said it's OK to have 2/3 letters by September 15th, with 3rd one to be uploaded by October 1st. My division head/chairman letter won't be ready until October 1st. Some programs may want 3 for interview I guess. You'll be fine, just let the program know when 3rd one is uploaded so they know you're interested in them.

 

[MedicineZ0Z]

Given my school emphasized trying to have all 3 letters in pre ERAS submission regardless of specialty, I'm guessing it's not at all uncommon.

Interesting. So some programs are potentially skipping over because I don't have my 3rd one in? I mean how do they even have time to hypothetically sort through and read hundreds of personal statements and thousands of letters on top of the apps/viewing scores etc.

 

[ricksimmonsrafowens]

Interesting. So some programs are potentially skipping over because I don't have my 3rd one in? I mean how do they even have time to hypothetically sort through and read hundreds of personal statements and thousands of letters on top of the apps/viewing scores etc.

without a 3rd letter you're "incomplete" at programs, and some programs may only be looking at "complete" applications for interview invitations. Other programs may be looking at both complete and incomplete applications for interview invitations. PDs or program coordinators probably sort applicants by scores and schools and then skim PSs and LORs before invitations... just guessing though.

 

[MedicineZ0Z]

without a 3rd letter you're "incomplete" at programs, and some programs may only be looking at "complete" applications for interview invitations. Other programs may be looking at both complete and incomplete applications for interview invitations. PDs or program coordinators probably sort applicants by scores and schools and then skim PSs and LORs before invitations... just guessing though.

Makes sense although it would be logical that they also require the dean's letter as well then. Since without it, you're still incomplete regardless of letters and it carries more weight than a LOR anyway.

 

[ricksimmonsrafowens]

Makes sense although it would be logical that they also require the dean's letter as well then. Since without it, you're still incomplete regardless of letters and it carries more weight than a LOR anyway.

yeah, I think it's just going to be program dependent this early on. If you get your letter in by Oct. 1 you're in good shape.