Are math profs "science professors"

[java301]

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OK, so many dental schools say they require letters of recommendation from science professors. I was wondering, are math profs considered science profs? I am worried about this because one of my letters is from a math/calculus professor.

 

[periopocket]

Yes, but they are not BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, or PHYSICS professors...and that's where your letters should come from.

 

[RdBruce]

A math professor's LOR would be great if you want the dental school adcoms to know how awesome you are at math.

 

[whataday]

OK, so many dental schools say they require letters of recommendation from science professors. I was wondering, are math profs considered science profs? I am worried about this because one of my letters is from a math/calculus professor.

I think it depends on different schools. Some schools require only "science professors". In that case, a math professor should be fine. However, some schools require specifically letters from biology and chemistry professors. I think you should be able to prepare such letters too if you are applying a lot of schools.

 

[ushaseos]

However, some schools require specifically letters from biology and chemistry professors. I think you should be able to prepare such letters too if you are applying a lot of schools.

And those schools should quit being so snooty and agree that a sci letter from a prof in your major is worth more than a Chem 101's prof's generic letter!

Some schools like Penn actually prefer the letters come from your major, others like U of MD want 1 Bio, 1 Chem. U of Mich wants 2 sci letters from profs whom you've taken classes with. A majority of the universities just specify X number of Science letters all of where your Math letter would meet those generic requirements.

Would a Math letter impress them as much as bio/Chem letters singing equal praises? Probably not so I wouldn't count on a Math letter if I had the choice. If that's what you got, then use it, but it doesn't look quite as good as a letter from Bio/Chem professors.

 

[wo5678]

OK, so many dental schools say they require letters of recommendation from science professors. I was wondering, are math profs considered science profs? I am worried about this because one of my letters is from a math/calculus professor.

I called columbia and they said math professors don't count. You have to call the schools to see.

 

[Dainotda]

I called columbia and they said math professors don't count. You have to call the schools to see.

I agree, it would be best to call each school and double check if they're fine with a math professor rec.

 

[dchoi]

most schools care the least about the QR section on the DAT, so I don't think a math professor would be the best choice (unless it's your only option...)

 

[java301]

Thanks for the replies. Just in case someone's interested, I called many schools and asked them about this requirement. Most said they do not consider a math prof a science prof (Pacific, Western and Colorado were a few of the exceptions). It is really odd that when calculating the GPA, math is considered a science but when it comes to letters of recommendation, math professors are not science professors.