Reference

[mpang]

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I see all the posters listed how many hours they have under their belt, I was wondering do you guys get reference letters from each vets that you ever work for? I am thinking to leave the clinic that I have been volunteering for the last couple of months, should I get reference letters from the vets? It probably wouldn't matter in the long run, right? I just started this whole process, so couple years down the road (when I finally apply), these reference letters probably are useless, isn't it? Thanks in advance.

 

[sumstorm]

Kind of mixed feelings on this. If you get a reference letter now and can keep a copy of it, it can be a valuable tool for that individual if you need them to write a ref later on. For example, I used a zoo vet for one of my references. I had not worked with him since 2005, but he had written a reference for me then (for a job) and I had an additional copy of it. He used that copy to refresh his memory of working with me. Not everyone will be ok with you having a copy (though not sure I would want a ref from someone who isn't.)

 

[Truth74]

Hey there,
I think it depends on how you plan on leaving, and how long you have til application.

If you are able to keep in contact with them over time, they may end up to be a good reference. Also, there are some schools (Penn?) that may require contact information or references from every experience. The majority of schools that use VMCAS only want online letters of recommendation and they may have a cut off for the number of letters accepted.

Why don't you contact the school(s) you are interested in, and discuss the issue. They could tell you that they only want the more recent vets, professors, Phd's recommendations.

 

[dgm]

I worked with several vets before I realizing I was actually going to pursue veterinary medicine. Since it had been ~5 years since I'd worked with them by the time I applied to vet school, I simply used it as "Veterinary Experience" in VMCAS and didn't ask for references (I'd be shocked if they remembered me at all, much less well enough to write a convincing recommendation). My only vet letter of recommendation was from the clinic I started working at last year. It worked out... but in your position, I'd probably go with Sumstorm's idea. If the vets have gotten to know you well enough to comment on your dedication/work ethic, I'd ask them for a letter. It certainly won't hurt you to have more letters than you are able to submit and have to pick and choose between them!

 

[mpang]

I would probably try to get them to write reference letter for me when I finally leave, though, when I do apply couple years down the road, would a reference letter dated as far back as 3 years ago help at all? Thanks.

 

[david594]

The big issue is when you apply, you dont send the references in yourself. You enter the persons info online and the application service sends them an email giving them login info so they can submit the reference online at that time.