Hi! I am applying to MD-PhD programs, but will be checking the box for consideration for MD only if rejected from MD-PhD. I was wondering if I could get advice for what recommendations to send, especially as I have more than usual with research mentors. I am mainly wondering, especially as application often limit to 5-6, 1) do I need one or two science professors specifically addressing my class performance? 2) how important are volunteering recs and which would be stronger?
I have 8 in total. 3 PIs which I'm definitely going to send, one which also taught me in a class, though I doubt he talked about that in his rec (so, does it even count as a professor rec?).
I have 2 from bio professors I've taken classes with, and I know 1 of them is more specific because I provided the starting material for it but the writer is ESOL (letter specifies medical school), and the other will probably be generically strong and standard as he is not ESOL and more established/accomplished as a researcher/PI (letter specifies MD-PhD programs). Do I need both? If not, the specific one would be better right?
I have one English teacher who is very strong who I will also probably send. And then I have 2 volunteer coordinator ones, one from my nonclinical organization I founded/led which I had a lot more leadership and heart to heart with the coordinator (letter specifies medical school), but the other is from my firefighting/EMT supervisor (letter specifies MD-PhD), where it is probably my coolest activity and I performed decently but I didn't really talk to him that much personally or excel leadership or progression wise...Honestly not sure which letter is stronger. Which one of these would be preferable?
Thank you so much!
