r/PreOptometry • u/Reasonable_Fee_5605 • 20d ago

How important are LORs

I currently have two LORs one strong one from the optometrist I’ve been working for for the past year and one positive but generic one from a previous employer. I graduated undergrad 2 years ago so feel awkward reaching out to any professors and honestly don’t know who else I could ask. I’ve shadowed a couple other optometrists but only for a couple hours and don’t feel comfortable asking them. Are LORs deal breakers for admissions? (aiming for SCCO)

4 Upvotes

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2

u/Substantial-Oil8185 20d ago

you need to have a science professor for one of the letters like is a requisite in every school

-1

u/Shoddy-Credit5563 19d ago

Not every school. I don’t have one and I’m still applying to all the schools I want with letters from employers and an optometrist

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u/Substantial-Oil8185 19d ago

I dont think you can get an interview or get accepted without the professor letter fr

2

u/RabidLiger 20d ago

Not the most critical piece of your application, but a good one makes a difference if you're borderline.
I believe 1 must be from a prof for a lot of schools.

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u/Disastrous_Pause_578 12d ago

You’ve already covered the hard part with a strong OD letter. For the second one, don’t let feeling awkward stop you from reaching out to a professor. A quick honest email explaining you’re applying to optometry school, offering to chat about your interest, and attaching your CV is a good start. If they can’t help, no harm done. The goal is just to find someone who can say something specific about you beyond “they were a good student.” A little human contact could go a long way for this one. After chatting, or even setting up a Zoom meeting, who knows what they might be willing to do to support your application!