Hey guys, 2015-2016 cycle applicant here. Congrats to all who matched and best of luck to those on waitlists! I'm rooting for you guys.
For those who wish to help, I'd like to get your opinions on my LORs and which would be best to submit. My pre-med advisor is useless and I'm a non-trad anyway, so you are my best resource!
For TMDSAS, I'll be submitting individual letters. I have several letters that I can choose from: 2 that I have been "hoarding" for lack of a better word since graduation 2 years ago, 1 new letter from a BCPM class taken within the last year, and 1 new letter from a physician (MD). The 2 old letters are dated as 2013 and it is very unlikely that I will be able to get them updated because both professors have moved on (one to another school, one retired) and I have no contact with either.
One old letter is from a math professor I had for 3 classes (math major here), and I earned an A, A, and A+ in his courses. I requested the letter after the A+ grade and was told, "I never write letters of recommendation unless it is for a top student and I make sure that my letters explain how difficult I make my classes." Therefore, I think this letter likely speaks highly of my commitment and hopefully has other positive attributes. My concerns about this letter are the 2013 date and whether or not it will be accepted as a letter from a "science" professor, even though math is included in BCPM. The other old letter is from an English professor (I also had a concentration in English) and I believe this is a very strong letter, as well. Again, my concern is just the old date of the letter.
I absolutely want to include the new letter from the BCPM class taken within the last year. I would also really like to include the letter from the physician. I first met this doctor through scribing and eventually requested to only scribe with him because of how much he taught me each shift. He truly became a mentor to me through this scribe-physician relationship and there are many attributes of his practice that I would like to emulate myself as a physician. He knows me and my abilities extremely well and I have worked at least 500 hours exclusively with him.
I understand that TMDSAS states the following about LORs:
It is recommended that your evaluators be current/former professors that can speak to your academic ability in the sciences. Here is where I need opinions: which letters would you send? I really cannot decide if it is worth sending 3 letters, considering the third is "not recommended." I've seen posts from individuals who sent 3 and witnessed no repercussions and I've seen posts from individuals who argue the "Why do something that is not recommended?" line. I know that one of my two letters will be from the recent BCPM professor. Who would you recommend fills my second letter requirement and would you recommend I send three?
Almost finished here, I promise. As for Baylor, they specifically state that if you have not attended college for 1+ year(s), one letter needs to be from a direct supervisor. I can get this letter and I believe it will be positive, as well. They then ask that a second and third letter be from current or former professors and that letters cannot be more than 1 year old. This rules out either of my two old letters and leaves me one letter short. I
do have another science professor lined up for a new LOR, but I have not spoken to him in a while. Has anyone had experience in emailing Baylor's admission office and asking if X letter outside the restriction would be accepted? Specifically, in a perfect world, I would like Baylor's letters to be: 1. new BCPM letter, 2. MD letter, 3. direct supervisor letter.
If you've made it this far, I thank you
. Any opinions and/or experiences are appreciated!
I'm super happy for my friend who got matched to UTMB.
