Which LORs & Letter Writer to use?

[moya moya]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey All-
I need some input regarding which LORs to use. I have more letters than CAS allows, so I need to figure out which of my letters to use. First of all, is it better to have all my letters from Neuro or neuro-related fields (such as neurosurgery), or should I have at least one letter from a medicine sub-speciality to try to show the programs that I am well-rounded?

Secondly, I did an elective rotation at a top-ranked neurosurgery program and received two letters from there (but only want to use one of the two). One letter is from the chairman, and the other is from a professor. While I am fairly confident that both letters are good, I think the letter from the professor will be much better than the chairman's because I interacted much more with the professor. Which one should I use? The more prestigious and well known letter writer, or the lesser known letter writer with the somewhat better letter content?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Methyldopa]

Secondly, I did an elective rotation at a top-ranked neurosurgery program

My only question is why did you do a neurosurgery elective at a top ranked program v. a neurology one.

As for LOR, submit the one you think is going to best represent you.

 

[moya moya]

My only question is why did you do a neurosurgery elective at a top ranked program v. a neurology one.

As for LOR, submit the one you think is going to best represent you.

The neuro rotation was full for the month I wanted and neurosurg was open so I took it.

Thanks for your input. Any comment on my first question regarding whether to use all neuro letters or to throw in one IM or elective letter?

 

[TruTrooper]

I have been told by a few Neurologists on different ocassions that a letter from a chairman in the field is the best letter to have. Chairmen, as told to me by the Neurology Chairman at my institute, typically won't know the students nearly as well as the other professors so their letters will reflect info gathered from other professors you have mostly worked with.

I guess the question is "just how limited was the contact with the Chairman?"

All I can say in the end is, if I get a letter from a Chairman who is in the specialty that I want to go into, I using it! If the Chairmnan was kind of bland with his response to your request of a letter, use your gut instinct.

I am working with a Neuro Chairman next month but for only 1 day out of the week and plan to ask him for a letter. If he agrees, that letter is going into my application. The guy is internationally known so I won't hesitate.