When to request references before PTCAs opens up application?

[Dai]

So I had a question regarding asking my current professor about sending in a reference letter to the PTCAs system. I am aware they PTCAs launches their 2016-2017 application in June -- however, I am nearly done with my junior semester and I would like my current professor to do a letter before the semester ends. If I ask him now, how would I go about having him send it to PTCAs if the application has not opened yet?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Azimuthal]

You will have to wait. If the system is not up, where would the letter go? You have no profile setup for the current cycle.

 

[Kupoh]

Hey!

You can always ask your professor to write the letter of recommendation and inform him that the PTCAS opens up on July 1st. Usually professors ask for a month or sometimes longer anyways. This will provide ample time for your professor to write your letter and then he/she can save it on the computer. Once the PTCAS opens, you can shoot an email to let him/her know.

Hope this helps.

 

[turtlot]

I would just try and let them know of a timeline of your application. Most professors (especially at the University of Houston--I'm a UH graduate) will already have knowledge of how the application process works. I can guarantee you that most of them will have a ton of LOR to write during the summer, but I would recommend keeping in contact with them throughout the summer. If you have any questions, let me know!

Good luck!

 

[EastSide]

So when PTCAS opens, there would be a section for references.
There, you'll fill in their emails.
PTCAS will send a form for the reference to fill in with their comments of you.

Just tell them that you'll be applying soon,and if they can write you a "strong" LOR.
Tell them that once PTCAS app opens, they'll be receiving emails with following instructions.

Easy, but very confusing before you actually see it.

Goodluck!

 

[hhma16]

So I had a question regarding asking my current professor about sending in a reference letter to the PTCAs system. I am aware they PTCAs launches their 2016-2017 application in June -- however, I am nearly done with my junior semester and I would like my current professor to do a letter before the semester ends. If I ask him now, how would I go about having him send it to PTCAs if the application has not opened yet?

You can ask your professor for a letter and he/she can write your letter now, but both you and your professor would have to wait before the letter can be sent; however, that doesn't mean you shouldn't ask your professor for a recommendation now. It's actually a good idea to let them know in advance that you'd like a letter so that they have time to write a good letter for you. The main thing is telling your professor when the application opens and when the deadline is. Some professors might also ask for a resume and ask some general questions about where you're applying to and why PT.

Also, I also had a few professors that won't write a letter until you have a grade for their class, no matter how early you ask them for a letter. So that's also something to consider if your professor is like that.

 

[Dai]

Wow, thanks for all the help! This was very informative. Thank you!