Timing of LORs

[Guest]

Hey all,

Just a quick question about how timing of LORs work:

My school ends rotations in June. That means I have 2 sub-I's before september hits (1 home July, 1 away August). That nets 2 letters of recommendation. How does the third letter work? Do I ask the program director at my 2nd away immediately when I get on the rotation? Or do I get the letter elsewhere?

Thanks in advance.

-Guest

[Guest]

I got 2 from my home, 1 chair/PD and 1 from my research mentor, and did that rotation in July. Then I got one from my August rotation. That’s 3. Then I got one from my September one it came in maybe a week after Eras opened but seems like it didn’t matter.

[Guest]

Try to get 2 sub-I letters on your app when you submit your app. If you can add a third 2-3 weeks after most programs didn't seem to mind

[Guest]

Should I reach out to program directors from an upcoming sub-I in advance to let them know I want a LOR and send them my CV? I hear it can take them a very long time to get the letters done

[Guest]

(05-21-2018, 09:32 PM)Guest Wrote: Should I reach out to program directors from an upcoming sub-I in advance to let them know I want a LOR and send them my CV? I hear it can take them a very long time to get the letters done

No absolutely not. Very presumptuous and honestly a ridiculous thought. In my experience, programs will set up appointments with chairmen for all rotators for the last week or so. They know you want a letter and the turnaround time is pretty quick as the letter is not too individualized.

[Guest]

Is it better to get a letter from a PD or a chair?

[Guest]

(05-23-2018, 09:56 AM)Guest Wrote: Is it better to get a letter from a PD or a chair?

Probably doesn't matter a whole lot. Here might be some things to consider to help you decide which is best in your case:

1) Who will write you a stronger letter (who did you work with the most/leave the best impression)?
2) Which one is more well connected and is better known in the field?
3) Which one knows someone at a program you would really like to match at?

[Guest]

If I have a sub i that's the whole month of September, is it possible to ask for a letter maybe at the end of the first week... to be ready by 9/15?? :/

[Guest]

try to meet the chair/PD in the first week of subI and ask. most programs are very accomodating

[Guest]

Which is better:

1) get 2 home letters, 1 from first away prior to Sept 15th and one letter from 2nd away to add sometime in late Sept

2) get 3 home letters, 1 from first away, and ignore 2nd away letter?