Letters of Rec... some tips and tricks
This week, just a few little tips about asking for Letters of Recommendation: when to ask, who to ask, and how to get them to fight for you.
First: what are the requirements?
Minimum 3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) for VMCAS application (most schools)
Max: 6 (I do not recommend sending in 6- its more for the reviewer and 3 BOMB Letters are better than 6 mediocre ones)
Most schools require one LOR from a Vet
Most schools require one LOR from a professor (sometimes they allow an advisor)
The last LOR can be from another vet, or a Manager, in or outside of the Vet Field.
Exceptions and Key Details:
St George’s only requires TWO LOR, one from a Vet.
Utah only requires TWO LOR. See more about them in this article:
Miss St Vet School want the Vet LOR to be from a vet that you worked at, that’s on your Experience List.
NC State: Preferably TWO VETS (one can be a PhD).
Most DO NOT want Family Members writing Letters.
TIPS:
Ask in person. Go during their office hours, or see the vet when visiting your old clinic, go right before appointments start in morning or afternoon. Never stand between. vet that just finished 45 appointments and their lunch.
Bring your resume! Put your GPA on it! Update it! I have never ceased to be amazed and surprised by the amount of accomplishments I was unaware of, for each pre-vet student I’ve written a Letter for. Always. Always. Bring ammo.
Send a follow up email to your vet/professor/author describing the process. First, they will get an email from VMCAS (that you will send them- How-To-video below), then they will make or use their username and password. Then they should click on your name. They will :
Do a quick multiple choice on you. Examples include:
Have you seen Katie handle a dog? (rate 1-5 or N/A)
Have you seen Katie handle a horse? (rate 1-5 or N/A)
Does Katie have exemplary morals? (rate 1-5)
On the next page, they upload their Letter of Recommendation. PDF is their preference.
That’s it.
Here is how you send the request to them:
Last step: Send a Thank You note! Extra credit for handwritten!!!
FAQ:
Do I “waive the right to access the recommendation?” I say YES. This is my opinion. When I was reading these, it was kind of a Red Flag when someone requested to read the Letters written about them… like they didn’t trust that it would be positive, you know?
When do I ask them? Applying this cycle?… NOW! Get it over with, especially if it’s a teacher! They may not remember your extra effort and your face in August!
Do you need guidance? One-on-one help?