Reference Letter Issue

[fireheart]

Currently I'm a sophomore college student and I'm doing some shadowing this summer. I can't start applying until next summer though and that's where my problem is. From what I understand, both PCTAS and non-PCTAS schools (when you start the application) will send an email to a PT of your choice asking if they can write a letter. Since I won't be applying (and thus technically asking for an official recommendation letter) until a year after my shadowing, what can I do to make sure the PTs still remember me so they can write an accurate letter?

Thanks in advance for any help.

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[DPTJO13]

I had the same exact dilemma. If it's a therapist you are close with and know would write a good, solid LOR for you, ask for their contact info before your shadowing is done. Send them some updates in the fall of what you're up to and any questions you might have about the PT field. If possible, try and stop by to visit them over winter and/or spring break as well and make sure you maintain a relationship so that when it comes time to apply, they'll have good things to write about you!

However, if you're just starting your shadowing, you may meet/work with/shadow other PTs in the future who could write you a better LOR. My advice would be to keep an open mind and not lock-in your recommendations too early

 

[fireheart]

When you say visit them over breaks do you literally mean walk into the clinic/hospital and talk to them? That seems a bit weird to me because I'm sure they have stuff to do and don't really have time to just talk. I was thinking maybe I could just shadow there again over the break. Lastly, to maintain a relationship with periodic email correspondence, would we talk about anything other then just questions and personal updates? Thanks for your time again.

 

[dptgrayson]

Shadowing again over break would be a good idea, but at the same time keep in mind that you need a variety of settings so use your time wisely for that. As for keeping in touch, I personally came by with homemade cupcakes whenever I needed to request something like LORs or addition info on stuff- a little silly I know, but it showed that I didn't want to just use them and that I cared about the time they were putting into helping me.

 

[starrsgirl]

Ask them to write you a letter now and save it somewhere safe. I had one person actually send it to me for safekeeping (email draft). Then when I needed it, I sent it back to him along with any updates/changes. It took him only a few minutes to tweak it and cut and paste into PTCAS from there.

 

[fireheart]

I see. Just curious, did you put you waived your right to access the refernce letter (even though you techincally didn't and the PT when he/she enters it into PCTAS would know this) on your app or did you put you didn't waive your right?

 

[SwampPT]

I see. Just curious, did you put you waived your right to access the refernce letter (even though you techincally didn't and the PT when he/she enters it into PCTAS would know this) on your app or did you put you didn't waive your right?

Yes you put that you waive your right. You're not being dishonest because you will not be making any attempt or requesting to see it AFTER the PT submits it. For all you know the PT tweaked the letter or added or subtracted some things thereby changing it.

 

[Romazicon]

I've noticed that after my observation and internships, I kept going back and physically visiting each place for a couple of minutes to give my thanks and to inform those PTs and/or supervisors of my plans and aspirations. This has helped me immensely in maintaining amazing relationships with all of the wonderful people that I've met. I, of course, maintain relationships with my professors in the same way (those who have helped me and/or inspired me). These relationships will become invaluable in the future. An example: I got an offer to work for the Texas Rangers as a strength and conditioning specialist and nutritionist a couple of weeks ago which I politely declined due to starting PT school this summer. This all came from a professor who I mentioned about getting my CSCS and one thing led to another...