Which letter to submit

I am looking for advice, as the very competetive school I am applying to requests only one optional "letter of reference" to be submitted with an application. I have two fabulous letters - one from a close personal friend of 20 years who is a doctor of Audiology, and one from my A&P professor whose respect I apparently earned along with my A. Both are very strong testaments to my character, however I am torn between the two. The one from my friend is very professional but has a personal feel to it as well. The one from the professor uses more multi-syllable words and his confidence in me comes through very powerfully. I wish I could submit both and am considering doing such, but don't want to stray from the "directions" given with the application packet. I am leaning toward the letter from my lifelong friend as the school asks for a "reference" as opposed to a "letter of recommendation". Curious what others would do in my situtation.

Thanks!

~ Elle

[itsmejuli]

I'd submit the letter from the professor, it shows your academic commitment which is very important to the school you are applying to.

[RB2000]

I'd submit the letter from the professor, it shows your academic commitment which is very important to the school you are applying to.

I agree. The only way that I would say otherwise would be if the letter is soley to demonstrate character. However, since this is pertaining to entrance into a school your profs letter will carry more weight imo.

[Music in My Heart]

Agreed with both of the previous posters. One of the primary concerns that admissions committees face is whether you're likely to be successful in your program. The letter from the professor addresses that more completely.

[NP Sam]

I would definitely submit the one from the professor, especially if is an accelerated nursing program. I had a similar dilemma also. The other letter I was going to send was from an RN, but his letter was so generic like it came from a prewritten template and he just put my name in it. One thing he said in the letter was Im sure the she has "what it takes" to be successful. He really put that in quotation marks!

[Belli 40 LVN]

I agree with everyoneelse, you'll want the academic ability to show . Especially in a Science Course, I think the'll want to know that you've got what it takes. Good Luck to you .:up: