11. Evaluating the ACAPS Standardized Letter of Recommendation for Application to Plastic Surgery Residency: Usefulness and Patterns

Matching into Plastic Surgery: Insights into the Data

“…28 A recent analysis of this process, though, revealed skewed data with more applicants being ranked either "1" or "2-5," which questions the objectivity of the letter. 29 Thus, additional investigations into the usefulness of the standardized letter are warranted. Other commonly cited subjective factors include performance on away rotations (discussed more below) and "grit."…”

“… 28 A recent analysis of this process, though, revealed skewed data with more applicants being ranked either “1” or “2–5,” which questions the objectivity of the letter. 29 Thus, additional investigations into the usefulness of the standardized letter are warranted. Other commonly cited subjective factors include performance on away rotations (discussed more below) and “grit.” 16 Recently, Luce described both the importance of having and testing for emotional intelligence and grit in plastic surgery applicants, though the methods in which this may be carried out have not yet been validated, and are an area for future study.…”