LOR questions

[wildlifevet]

2 questions about letters of reference

1) I just noticed on the part of the OVC website where you get the referee assessment link, it says that letters should be on company letterhead and signed. Was this always there? I don't remember it being there and that expectation wasn't listed on the actual form.. so I'm not sure that my one of the vets I used did that .. it's a charity so it may have just been a regular document.  It also lists the "evaluative grid" as being part of the online BIF form.. but I thought the online BIF form was just for our experience/classes/essay .. and the "referee assessment"  checklist/grid sheet was all that was needed + a 1 page letter of reference?

2) Would a client at one of the clinics I worked at serve as a good choice for a letter of reference? They are not a longstanding friend or a family member or anything like that, but simply are a couple who I interacted with regularly at a clinic I worked at, and seeing the way I worked and knowing I wanted to apply to veterinary school asked if they could vouch for the kind of veterinarian they think I will become. In this case, there is also no "company letterhead". Is this an inappropriate choice of reference? and what should be done about the letterhead?

I'm finding all of this very unclear at the moment, if anyone could clarify I would greatly appreciate it!

[Serena11]

Hi Wildlifevet,

Yes that rule of having a company letterhead was always there. Most vet clinics do have letterhead paper that they use for special documents. If they don't I would just staple a business card to the top of the reference letter.

There is a preview option on the BIF so that way you can go through it all first and see what's included. The references are separate-- You mail your signed/sealed envelopes in the larger envelope you should have received in January. There is nothing about your references on the actual online BIF.

The second question is kind of tricky. Honestly I probably wouldn't do it, but it's definitely a gray area. It sounds to me like it crosses a bit too much into the friend category. Your references should be able to give you a good reference, but also an objective one to assess your ability to become a veterinarian. I can't remember where I saw this written but I think they strongly suggest someone in a supervisor role--whether that be a veterinarian or someone you've worked for at another job. It would be a huge shame to have something like that keep you out so I would play it safe and just choose a former boss or manager, or even a veterinary technician from the same clinic you got your other references from. From what everyone has said the references act as flags-- There really is no difference between a good reference and an outstanding one. So play it safe with these I say.

Good luck!
Serena

[Guest 2323]

Hello,

Do you think if the letter is in an envelope with the company letter head is on it? I didn't see my references before they were signed and sealed. I didn't realize this was a rule until just now, and they're kind of far away so I don't want to drive? I also have the companies fridge magnet. Could I staple that to the envelope? Would this be okay?

[Serena11]

Contact Deanna Lundmark. She will give you the final word on what is acceptable for the admissions committee. Hopefully they are not too strict about it.

Serena

[guest13]

Did you get feedback from Deanna on this question?