How Lenient Are Schools About Substituting LOR requirements?

[almostnever]

For example, if a school requires a non-science faculty letter, are some open to accepting a non-science, (but non-academic) letter if asked?

For the upcoming cycle, I have a variety of science professor, lab PI, and MD letters, along with one non-academic letter, (from my previous boss of 3 years), but zero non-science faculty letters. I'm far removed from classes now, so I'm not sure what I could do about fulfilling a non-science faculty LOR requirement.

I plan on contacting the schools I apply to next year with this type of requirement and explaining my situation, but I'd like to know now if anyone has had success with this.

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[sazerac]

When I applied in 2012, I had the same issue with Vermont. I wrote them an email explaining my situation and they let it slide, allowing me to use another science LOR instead.

 

[phunky]

There was one school this year that I didn't have the right letters for. Called the admissions office, they said I needed the right letters. Applied anyways and wrote a brief explanation. Ended up getting accepted. Take it for what it's worth.