Question about references and LOR

[Mtru6]

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I feel as if PTCAS is using references and letters of recommendation interchangeably. I waived my rights of access to my references so I didn't get any specifics, but I was told from one reference that they were asked questions about my character, which is what a letter of recommendation would address. But are the references and the LOR separate? Is there a link to upload a LOR? I don't know what the email from PTCAS looks like so I feel blind when talking to my references about that section of the application.

 

[scrawnyguy]

The reference will receive an email with a link to the PTCAS reference site. The form has some basic questions about how they know you and what not. Then there is a list of attributes that your reference uses to rate you on a scale of 1-5 (it may have been 1-10 but I'm sure you get the picture). There is also a spot where they can leave a short narrative, but I believe this part is optional. One of my references gave me a quick peak at the form and I don't remember the exact details but that is the gist of it.

 

[Phyline]

The reference will receive an email with a link to the PTCAS reference site. The form has some basic questions about how they know you and what not. Then there is a list of attributes that your reference uses to rate you on a scale of 1-5 (it may have been 1-10 but I'm sure you get the picture). There is also a spot where they can leave a short narrative, but I believe this part is optional. One of my references gave me a quick peak at the form and I don't remember the exact details but that is the gist of it.

Whaaaaaattttttt. A narrative is optional? So a LOR itself is also optional?

 

[scrawnyguy]

Whaaaaaattttttt. A narrative is optional? So a LOR itself is also optional?

I take that back. I just checked with my reference and it's not exactly optional. He told me above the comments/letter area it says "Please comment on any of the ratings or provide any additional information that will help the admissions office in the application review process." I suppose one could interpret that as optional, but I would say it's strongly suggested.

 

[Phyline]

Oh I see, thanks for clarifying! I never thought that could be interpreted as optional 😀 Those ratings are so impersonal.

 

[Mtru6]

Is the narrative considered a letter of recommendation then? For example Duke requires three references "Each applicant MUST submit at least one reference letter from a licensed physical therapist" etc. While Elon's requirements say, "Elon University requires 3 letters of recommendation: * 1 from a practicing physical therapist" etc. Is the narrative, letter of recommendation, and letter of reference all the same thing? I find this too ambiguous.

 

[ptisfun2]

The reference will receive an email with a link to the PTCAS reference site. The form has some basic questions about how they know you and what not. Then there is a list of attributes that your reference uses to rate you on a scale of 1-5 (it may have been 1-10 but I'm sure you get the picture). There is also a spot where they can leave a short narrative, but I believe this part is optional. One of my references gave me a quick peak at the form and I don't remember the exact details but that is the gist of it.

I am not too sure if the narrative is optional. We sometimes get them with 1 sentence in the narrative. You may want to ask the people you are asking for LOR if they would also be willing to write a real narrative rather than just check the boxes.