Character Reference Non-Trad

[livestrong]

Hey folks,

 

I have a few questions regarding the selection of referees, particularly the character/non-academic reference, for McMaster and NOSM (although insight on how any of the Ontario schools evaluate referees is welcome). Some of these q's have been pseudo-answered on the board but please let me know if you guys have any suggestions for my specific situation (or post a link if any of these can be answered on another thread). Apologies in advance for the lengthy post!

 

A bit of background: I just finished my second UG degree and feel confident with my main academic referee.

For the character reference however, I'm a little concerned about who I should select. My high school guidance counsellor, who supervised me in numerous activities in HS,  and knows me relatively well, was the first person I thought of to write the character LOR. I've contacted him already, (but haven't put his name in the system yet) and I'm confident that this would be a strong LOR and that he could comment on my character/personal development from high school up to now (range of 10 years).

 

However, as I'm a Non-trad and in my mid-twenties age wise, i'm wondering how Mac, NOSM and the rest of the Ontario schools would judge a LOR coming from someone who supervised activities I was associated with in HS (ie. 10 years ago). I was under the impression that DEPTH/Length of the referee knowing you would be a good thing, especially if he can comment on my development from HS until my 2nd degree completion. But after speaking to a couple of friends in the med field, it's come to my attention that having a referee from my HS days and being an older applicant may actually look bad (because I've been out of HS for so long, and should therefore have a character referee from a more recent experience), and that instead I should get a referee from an employer/volunteer setting. Although I could ask for referees from an employer/volunteer position, I don't think they could write a LOR as strong as my HS supervisor. 

 

The gist (or..MAPing ) of this question is: will a character referee from my high school days, with the position title along the lines of "Former High School Guidance Counsellor/Supervisor" on my online application be a hindrance to my app,  even though this ref would likely write a stronger LOR than my employers (most of which would be summer employers, thus less depth/shorter time knowing me)? Or should I stick to asking an employer who knew me for a shorter amount of time but is from a more recent experience? Thanks!  

[makingfetchhappen]

Hi livestrong,

 

I attended the information session at Mac this summer, and the director of admissions said that they use the letters to look for red flags. She said that most of the letters basically say the applicant walks on water, and the most important thing is to make sure it is someone who knows you well.

 

Based on that, I would think that your high school guidance counselor may best qualify as someone who knows you well. It sounds like you have been in touch with this person and that they have been mentoring you from then to present, correct? The only red flag that would raise is if your academic references could not vouch for your character recently, e.g. you are reliable, an asset to your community, etc.

It might not even hurt to ask her directly. I asked her a question after the info session (lots of people did, there was a chance to do so after the talk) and she was great. Actually, I was afraid that my question (which was very specific to me) was bordering on advice on how to best present myself (which isn't their prerogative) and she said "not at all!" and gave me a really informative answer. I don't think it hurts to ask as long as you are polite and explain that you are not fishing for advice, you just want to know what they are looking for.