Letters of Reference

[colleen_1]

So I am planning on applying to two or three schools in this upcoming cycle, and then if I don't get in, re-applying to more in the cycle after next. I have a few people who I can ask for LORs, but I am not sure the etiquette for asking. If I were to ask them for a letter for this cycle, would it be inappropriate to ask the same people again for a letter again the following cycle? I don't want to bother them by asking for 2 letters (although I don't see why they couldn't just use the same letter two times) Thanks for any input!

[EMSGuy1982]

A few things.

 

1. You should be asking for LOR's from people that are interested in helping/ being a part of you pursuing your goal of becoming a PA. If this is true then you should have no problem asking again. ADCOMS see thousands of letters each cycle and a run of the mill letter stating "X would be a great Physician Assistant in the future if allowed into your program.." A LOR should be able to set you apart from other applicants. Essentially people writing your Lor should be people that have worked alongside of you and have seen your interaction with patients. If this is the scenario, there shouldn't have to be any real etiquette to follow. Don't get "letters" from folks that ask you to write the letter so they can put their name to it or PA's or MD's that you shadowed for one day. I had one person I asked who wanted me to write the letter when I was looking for LOR's... Needless to say, I looked elsewhere.

 

2. I wouldn't use the exact same letter writer twice. Especially if say your stats are great and your interview was great and did not get in. The letters may have come into play in the decision. So if a second cycle is in the cards, different LOR's might be needed.

 

 

Hope this helps. I know this whole application process is a huge process but put your best effort forward, put the time in and give yourself the best possible chances for an acceptance.

 

Good luck!

[Wake PA-S]

Agree with the above post.  While schools require LOR's to come from certain professions (PA, MD, professor), it's critical to have the people actually know you and be able to speak about your personality and work ethic.  When I was asking for LORs I asked a doctor who I had shadowed for a month but it had been a couple of years and I don't think she even remembered me.  She said she would gladly write one but never did even though I followed up and asked 2-3 times.  So I ended up going with someone who wasn't a doctor but knew me very well after working in a healthcare setting together for an extended time.  The second person wasn't a doctor which is why I didn't ask them first, but I should have.  The second person wrote a much better LOR compared to what the doctor would have written and I do think it played a role in admission as it was brought up in two different interviews.

As to the etiquette, just ask.  They know they process as they had to have someone write a LOR for them at some point.  Be courteous and give them plenty of time.  Also remind them of the dates you worked with them.