The Ins and Outs of Rec Letters

WHAT: In addition to the personal statement, the letters of recommendation allow PA schools to better understand the applicant on a personal level. Letters of recommendation provide insight into an applicant’s qualities and character.

WHO: Most PA schools require three to five letters of recommendation, one from a PA and one from a professor. You can get a second PA, professor, or other healthcare professional to write the third letter for you. Coworkers and /or supervisors from institutions where you acquired patient care hours are great sources to write letters of recommendation. These individuals may add a different perspective and speak to your work ethic and qualities you will bring to the PA schools. Make sure to choose a PA that does not just know you socially but has witnessed your interest and dedication to the profession first-hand in a professional setting. When you select a professor to write a letter of recommendation for you, choose a professor with whom you feel you distinguished yourself.

HOW: Request a letter of recommendation in person if possible because it ensures that you get an answer from the recommender and displays your desire for this specific individual to vouch for your character. Ask the individual if they are willing and able to write a positive letter of recommendation for you. Make sure you make clear that you are giving the recommender the option to decline.

Provide those that agree to write you a letter of recommendation with your resume and other pertinent information. Also, feel free to provide traits and or anecdotes that you want the individual to highlight in their letter. If you choose a professor that may not know you personally by name, make sure to introduce yourself and tell them what class and what semester you had them. Also, make sure that your name is present and easy to locate on all the documents you provide.

FOLLOW UP: Ensuring that you receive a positive letter of recommendation submitted on time is extremely important. Because of the importance of the recommenders meeting the deadline, make sure to give them plenty of time to write your letter. Ask individuals in early February or March. You do not want a letter of this importance rushed; you want the writers to adequately express the qualities that would make you a good candidate for PA school. Also, give the recommenders a “false” deadline. Do not make the deadline for the recommenders to submit their letters of recommendation on the same date you plan to submit your application. You do not want to be waiting on them. Giving a false deadline also allows you and the submitter to troubleshoot problems to arise without jeopardizing your intended submission date. You can check on CASPA to see if the letters are submitted. As the deadline you provide them draws near, continue to remind them of their commitment, perhaps two weeks before the artificial deadline you gave them if you see that it is not submitted.

Finally, provide the specific instructions that the recommender will need to submit the letter online or exactly how to upload the document to CASPA or directly to the school.