Question About Letters of Reference

[ag524]

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Hey everyone! I just have an issue about my letters of reference and need some advice from people. I am reapplying for the 2013 cycle and have filed an addendum to have an updated committee letter to be sent out to schools. My application is ready to be filed. But... I started observing a dentist at the beginning of this month. I have observed him about 5 times for a total of about 25 hours. I did not feel comfortable adding him to my addendum (as far as a letter of reference goes) because we still do not have a great feel for each other. So I think I have a few options:

1. Submit my application with the committee letter only. My experience with the dentist will still show up under the experience section, but I am missing out on a potential great letter (especially because it would be my only one from a dentist rather than bosses/faculty). Also, the processing of my application shouldn't be held up (besides waiting for GPA verifications, etc.).

2. Submit my application with the committee letter, observe the dentist a bit longer, and ask him for a letter too. Applicants could send in one additional letter when doing a committee letter. Also, applicants can make revisions to the evaluators section at any point during the application process. But- my main concern. If I submitted my application now with the committee letter and revised it to include an additional letter later, would this delay the processing of my application? Because I definitely do not want to do that. PLEASE HELP ME!!!

 

[ballyhoo]

I have the same question!!! I have just submitted my application, since it could take up to 4-6 weeks to process (although since I sent in my transcripts a week or two ago, I'm hoping that the process will be a little quicker), I decided to ask for a letter later and have him submit it electronically. That way, maybe it will take 1 week at most??

 

[ag524]

I know! I want to submit it now to start the processing..if I add a letter later I wonder if this would restart/add additional processing time?

 

[ballyhoo]

I hope not >< But I would imagine that it wouldn't delay it too much if you do it electronically??

 

[diene]

I don't think it will delay your application. Go ahead and send in the app..they will process whatever is available. From what I understand, if you add the letter later, it will be sent out in the next batch if your application has already been sent out. Also, try to select the electronic option for the letter if possible because AADSAS takes about 2 weeks or so to process "paper"/interfolio letters, while the electronic one is immediately uploaded. If you want to confirm what I have stated, call up AADSAS on Monday 🙂

It takes a while to verify the gpa and stuff, so don't wait on trying to decide what to do about the second letter.