Reference Letters and Who to Pick for a Referee?

[Wallywarp]

I am looking for some clarification on this topic. I have read through these forums and have not found any definitive requirement for who to ask to be a referee. I have heard about people choosing professors, coaches, teachers, and priests. Anyways, can anyone clarify on what is needed to be accepted?

I heard that you will need two professors, and one non-professor to write.
Something like 2 professors, to comment on your academic abilities, and a volunteer co-ordinator at the hospital was the most common set-up. But what if this is not the case?

What do you think the chances of getting interviewed and accepted are with:
One professor who taught a section of a course I took, and two physicians whom I know personally. The professor will comment on my academic ability, and the two physicians will serve as character references. Is this a bad idea, or should I have one professor comment on academics, one physician comment on my personality/character, and one other member of the community, with less academic credentials to comment on my character? Or is it really important to have two professors comment on my academic ability and one person comment on my character? Your help appreciated.

Btw, I am interested in applying to Schulich Medical at Western University if this information is useful.

[Lactic Folly]

As referee selection is a test of your judgment somewhat, there are no definitive requirements for who to ask to be a referee.. it is usually someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity (i.e. more than just a family friend who knows you).

After that, I would say that the most important items are 1) strongly supportive of you applying to medical school and 2) able to provide an effective letter (on time, well written, knows you well enough and can provide a sufficiently detailed account of your strengths).

You don't need someone to comment specifically on your academic ability (your transcript will do that) although if you are referring to related qualities like creativity, problem solving, work ethic, then someone who can describe those traits will be helpful. Ideally everyone you pick will know you well enough to be able to comment positively on your personality and character. I believe the OMSAS form will ask for assessments on all these characteristics from your referees.. they will focus on what is significant to them anyway. Your chances of getting interviewed also depend largely on your GPA and MCAT.

[futuredoc]

As referee selection is a test of your judgment somewhat, there are no definitive requirements for who to ask to be a referee.. it is usually someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity (i.e. more than just a family friend who knows you).

After that, I would say that the most important items are 1) strongly supportive of you applying to medical school and 2) able to provide an effective letter (on time, well written, knows you well enough and can provide a sufficiently detailed account of your strengths).

You don't need someone to comment specifically on your academic ability (your transcript will do that) although if you are referring to related qualities like creativity, problem solving, work ethic, then someone who can describe those traits will be helpful. Ideally everyone you pick will know you well enough to be able to comment positively on your personality and character. I believe the OMSAS form will ask for assessments on all these characteristics from your referees.. they will focus on what is significant to them anyway. Your chances of getting interviewed also depend largely on your GPA and MCAT.

Do the schools require three reference letters? I thought they only needed two. They should have some sort of a central reference letter thingy :mad: .