Advice needed on applying to LLU!

[maryh320]

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Hi everyone,
I need some advice on whether I should apply to LLU (loma linda) or not. First of all, I would apply because it's a california school and it's located in so cal where my home is.

I am hesitate to apply because it's a 7-day adventist school. I am not Christian to begin with, however, I am a Catholic but I don't goto church on a regular basis. In their supplemental information, they asked for letters of rec from a religious leader, and contact info of the church that I goto. Frankly, I don't have a home church in LA. I goto random churchs with my friends.

If you were me, would you just apply for the heck of it and see if you'll get in or not? even if you can't get a LOR from your church?
Or should I just save the hundred bucks or so.

Any success story of ppl gotten into LLU w/o a LOR from a reglious leader or not having to attend church?

THanks a lot.

Mary

 

[CofCP]

Hi Mary,

I am going to be starting at LLU this fall. I am not Seventh Day Adventist, but I am a Christian. During college I sort of jumped from one church to another, so I didn't really have a "home church" to write down either...I just wrote down the name of one that I had attended and felt like I connected best with. As for the religious leader rec, I submitted one from someone who was not a pastor but more of a mentor to me. The school, at least from an admissions stand point is pretty religiously focused, however, I know that they do accept people who are not religious. My interview was very centered around my faith---I think you would still have a chance to get in even if you are not a Christian, but I think they would be looking to see how you feel you would fit in the school (i.e. are you willing to live by their rules, are you anti-religion or just not religious, etc). As far as the recommendation goes, I would call the school and talk to someone about whether or not the rec from a religious leader is an absolute requirement, or what might possibly be an acceptable substitute. The director of admissions' name is Sylvia Davis and she is one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life.

Anyway, all this to say, I think you have a chance, I just think the determining factor as to whether or not you apply should be if you think you would really want to go to a school with a religious background/focus.

Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[eight143]

Hi Mary,

I too, will be starting at LLU this fall. My advice for you is to just go ahead and apply. Eventhough it is an SDA school, they still accept many others who are not from their religious denomination. If I remember correctly, they want you to have 4 LOR. 2 from science prof, 1 from dentist, and 1 from religious leader. They just want to make sure that 1) you can crack the academic requirements of dental school (science LOR) 2) You have an idea what you're getting into (dentist LOR), and 3) That you're a good person with moral standards who looks out for the good of mankind (religious LOR).

As CofCP already mentioned, you can achieved the last one in various of ways. You can get a mentor, or someone that knows you well. Just make sure that he/she assess your character as a person and your willingness to help others. I really think that that's what they're after.

Well, if your stats are good, turn in everything on time, you have a legitimate chance of getting in. Good luck and let us know what you decide. There's someone who posted here before (screen name tokenokie) who might be able to help you more. He's a D2 now and if I remember correctly he was not SDA. He also wrote a thread about LLU which might be of interest to you.

 

[sunny2004]

Eight 143
Is the 4th LOR mandatory?
for me I have 3 LOR from scool and 1 from dentist
that's it I don't have any one from religious group
what do you think?

 

[eight143]

sunny2004,

Honestly, although they will like it, I don't think the 4th one is mandatory, but don't quote me on that. If I were you, I would call the admissions office (909) 558-4621. They are all really nice over there and they will be more than willing to answer any of your questions.

There are many reasons why many can't come up with that 4th LOR. Just tell them the truth. You can say that you are a christian, but you don't know a religious person in a personal level. Like I mentioned before, they want someone with good moral standards and have willingness to help others. If you are that person, I'm sure you can show them that if and when you get an interview. Good luck!!!