Three Letters of Recommendation (LoR) are required
- At least ONE from a veterinarian, preferably from the area you're interested in
- Recommended to have a letter from a Professor, preferably a science professor
- This is a requirement at some schools
- This is a requirement at some schools
- The third can be from whomever you choose
- another veterinarian (recommended)
- boss at work, etc.
- It CANNOT be from a family member or friend (not a personal letter)
- another veterinarian (recommended)
V.I.Ps (Very Important People)
The people you ask to write you letters are very important. Here are some things to consider when deciding who to ask:
- Ask people who can write you "strong" or "excellent" letters.
- Ask people you know and have worked with in a professional setting.
- Ask people who you have had conversations with and know about your work.
- Have backup people in mind in case one of your letter writers says no.
- Remember that your writers do not "owe" you a letter, they are doing YOU a favor.
- Do not ask for copies of these letters unless the writers offer.
- Do not ask for copies of these letters unless the writers offer.
- Always remember to thank your letter writers! Thank you notes are always appropriate!
LoR Timeline
When should you ask letter writers to write you letters? Ask as early as possible (even if the application isn't open yet!) That way, if they say no, you have time to find other people to write you letters. The ideal time would be mid-April and in-person if possible.
You will want to set a deadline for the letter writers at least 2 weeks before you want to submit your application. This gives you a buffer in case your writers forget or can no longer write you a letter. SCHOOLS WILL NOT CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION WITHOUT THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION AND WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE LETTERS.
You will want to set a deadline for the letter writers at least 2 weeks before you want to submit your application. This gives you a buffer in case your writers forget or can no longer write you a letter. SCHOOLS WILL NOT CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION WITHOUT THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION AND WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE LETTERS.
- Send reminder emails if the deadline is approaching and your letter writers have not submitted their letters yet.
What should you give letter writers?
You want to help your letter writers to write you as strong of a letter as possible. Here are some things to consider giving them to help them write your letter:
- Brightly colored folder (so they don't lose the materials or get them confused with a different folder)
- List of due dates for the application
- Resume (as updated/current as possible)
- Personal Statement (if you have it written early)
- Transcripts/Scores (especially for professors whose class you've taken)
- List of experiences or work skills learned from their clinic/job
- Suggestions of things you think might be good to highlight in the letter
- Sample letter (if you have one)