So how does the LOR process work?

[Aero SSX]

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I am just now starting to volunteer for the first time; it's a joint replacement center in a hospital. I may want to get a LOR from someone there, and also, I will be transferring to a U in two months, and I want a LOR from my employer, whom I've worked for for almost 5 years, as we have a great relationship.

Do I just ask him and whoever else I want a LOR from to write a letter about me, praising me? Is there a standard template? Do I submit it to PTCAS now, even though I won't be applying to schools for probably another 2.5-3 years? I'm lost on the process. Please help. Thanks.

 

[Azimuthal]

Keep in close contact with your potential LOR writers. When the time comes, let them know and then enter their emails in PTCAS.

 

[Aero SSX]

OK that's great, but what is the complete run down on LOR's? Is there a certain format in which they should be written? How do I explain to my boss how to go about writing this? Is it submitted electronically?

 

[Azimuthal]

Yes. If an email is used, it would be presumed that it is electronic. They will receive a link via email asking them to fill out an electronic form.

 

[Aero SSX]

Ok one more thing. So I'm probably a good 2.5 years out before I apply to schools. Do I have to sign up to PTCAS first so this gets stored on an account I make or something?

I guess what I'm saying is, how will they keep track of my LOR's over time? Sorry if this sounds stupid. lol

 

[Kuhdaytee]

OK that's great, but what is the complete run down on LOR's? Is there a certain format in which they should be written? How do I explain to my boss how to go about writing this? Is it submitted electronically?

Search the PTCAS website if you have simple questions like this: http://www.ptcas.org/references/

Under "More Reference Instructions" at the bottom of the page, there are details in the full instructions pdf. When you apply to schools, you enter in an email address for your references. They evaluate your personality (like leadership, stress management) on a number scale, and then there's a space for a letter. If you're applying to more than one school, make sure the letter writer doesn't write to a specific school. Keep it generic.

Ok one more thing. So I'm probably a good 2.5 years out before I apply to schools. Do I have to sign up to PTCAS first so this gets stored on an account I make or something?

I guess what I'm saying is, how will they keep track of my LOR's over time? Sorry if this sounds stupid. lol

You can't make an application before the year that you want to apply because most things are not carried over. If you make an application this year, a lot of the information will be deleted when you go to apply in 2.5 years. I made an application last year just to see what it looks like, but don't bother typing any information yet.

Have your letter writers write a letter now, while you are fresh in their mind, and then they can copy/paste when you decide to apply.

 

[Aero SSX]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it!

 

[Dodds08]

From what I have been told, there are specific questions that your letter writer will need to answer. If this is the case, asking them to write a letter 2.5 years ahead of time might not be the best option. I would say keep in contact with them and let them know your intensions about requesting a letter from them 2.5 years from now. Keep in touch with them every now and then to update them with your journey. There should be no problems at all come PTCAS application time as long as you keep your relationships up with them.

 

[Kuhdaytee]

According to the Application Instructions PDF, your reference will answer these questions:

1. Is the reference a committee letter, composite letter, or a letter packet? If yes, enter the names of the
evaluators included in the reference.
2. How long have you known the applicant?
3. How well do you know the applicant?
4. With what organization or institution were you affiliated when you interacted with the applicant?
5. Select the role that best describes your primary interaction with the applicant.
6. Approximately how many references do you submit on behalf of physical therapy applicants each year?
7. If you are a physical therapist, please answer the following questions: (PT license information)
8. If you are a professor, please answer the following question: List all courses in which you had the applicant as a student (eg, Intro to Chemistry, CHEM 101). If you
cannot remember course names or numbers, please list the content area and the course level
(undergraduate upper or lower division; or graduate level).
9. How would you rate the applicant for each of the following characteristics?*
10. Taking into consideration these characteristics how do you think this person would perform as a health
care provider?
11. Comments Section – Please comment on any of the ratings, or provide any additional information that
will help the admissions office in the application review process.


So there are specific questions for them to answer, but there is a space for them to paste a letter of recommendation. It might be helpful for your references to write their letters now, especially because they might forget a lot about you in 2.5 years.