Academic letter of recommendation

loganable · Apr 23, 2009

Start with someone who actually knew you, of course. If they have moved on speak to the current Dean. Perhaps she can access your records and write something based on them.

elkpark · Apr 23, 2009

You can also often track down former faculty who have moved on by doing a 'Net search for them.

UTVOL3 · Apr 23, 2009

Do you think it would be better to use a physician I have worked closely with recently (who also is med school faculty) or a nursing prof from 7 yrs ago? :bugeyes:

elkpark · Apr 24, 2009

The issue is not whether the person writing the reference is an academic or not -- the issue is whether that person is in a position to speak to your academic performance. That's what the school is looking for. In general, someone who had you as a student in the past, even a while back, would be a better choice than a current employer (unless your job somehow involves scholarship (research, writing, etc.))

loganable · Apr 25, 2009

I was cautioned against using physicians for LOR at all for grad school apps, rationale being they want to hear what NURSES think of you. I was told that physician letters of rec to a nursing school is a common mistake that usually backfires.

jean36 · May 16, 2009

I used a LOR from a physician,and I got in

UVA Grad Nursing · May 30, 2009

Call the school admissions office and seek their input. At my School, we want a letter to address how you "learn". This needs to be from someone who has taught the applicant (either in a classroom environment, or as a mentor). For those who are no more than 5 years out of school, we generally prefer a letter from a facuulty member. But for those out of school more than 5 years, we prefer a letter from a mentor than a generic letter from a MD.