Rec'dations: Are they really required?

[udn12]

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I've sent recommendation requests to 3 professors through PharmCAS and none have replied. I haven't had these professors in a long time... maybe that's why they didn't accept my request?

Also, I went to my fall semester professor and she said that she couldn't write a recommendation for me because she doesn't "know" me. She said it's better if I go ask a professor that I've known for at least 2 semesters...And said that getting recommendations through profs that I've known for at least a year would bear more weight in my app review....

BTW, I got an A in that class, why not a recommendation? I don't understand... I've been attentative in class and have had friendly conversations etc.

So...no recommendations. Am I COMPLETELY screwed? and it's not like I can force a professor to write me one...


HELP

(I'm new and am really excited to have joined the Student Doctor Network!! It's def. a gold nugget of a network!)

 

[kcwang]

Why do you need 3 references for job interview? Same reason.

Resume is a piece of paper, it doesnt tell much about your personality, motivation, passion so on.. Same thing with transcript. If they are choosing between you and this other canididate who shared a similar stats, rec. letter could be the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Rec Letters are VERY important. I can go on hours about this, but read this:
http://pharmdadmissions.ucsf.edu/2008/09/are-letters-of-recommendation-really.html
It should give you the answer you seek.

One advice, you don't just send a request for rec. letter through pharmcas without talking to the professor. This is rude. You need to talk to the professor at least 1~2 months ahead to let them know.

 

[PharmacyWarrior]

Why do you need 3 references for job interview? Same reason.

Resume is a piece of paper, it doesnt tell much about your personality, motivation, passion so on.. Same thing with transcript. If they are choosing between you and this other canididate who shared a similar stats, rec. letter could be the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Rec Letters are VERY important. I can go on hours about this, but read this:
http://pharmdadmissions.ucsf.edu/2008/09/are-letters-of-recommendation-really.html
It should give you the answer you seek.

One advice, you don't just send a request for rec. letter through pharmcas without talking to the professor. This is rude. You need to talk to the professor at least 1~2 months ahead to let them know.

I have to agreed with KC on this one. You have to befriend and ask your professors ahead of time. They have research, lecture, and things to do so you cannot expect them to write you LORs without asking them first. If you really want great LORs, you need to come and meet them in person and explain the situation to them. They will want to see your personal statement, resume, etc. so have those prepared.

 

[Ayuka001]

Before sending the requests on pharmcas you were supposed to have come talk to them first about it and see whether they agree THEN u let them know you'll put thier email on pharmcas and that they should be expecting an email from pharmcas.

 

[kmapes]

I've sent recommendation requests to 3 professors through PharmCAS and none have replied. I haven't had these professors in a long time... maybe that's why they didn't accept my request?

Wait...did you NOT talk to the professor before sending them the request?! That's probably why they haven't replied. If you haven't heard from them or talked with them in a while, and then suddenly send them a request, they might not even remember who you are. Or think it was rude. I would probably find it really rude if I were a professor and a student did that to me.

It's best to talk to professors that you have had in the last few years, or someone that you frequently visited in office hours. They would have a much better chance of giving you a good recommendation. Ask them first before sending them the request, and then follow up about a week later to make sure they actually got the pharmcas notification.