Are these good enough LOR's?

[CarolinaGirl33]

---

Members do not see this ad.

My organic chemistry professor just rejected my request for an LOR (even though I made the highest grade in the class of 200 students on 2 exams, so it's a bummer). Would these LOR's suffice? I believe they will be strong recommendations; one of my professors asked if she could write me an LOR before I had a chance to and I have spent extensive time working with 3 and 4.

1. Microbiology professor
2. Medical anthropology professor
3. Lab research PI
4. Executive director of a nonprofit assisting elderly and disabled individuals

Since I participated in research for credit with 3, I figured she could count as the second science professor but the only comment she could make on the academic side would be my final grade and paper. She will also be writing about research and shadowing. Is that okay or should I try to get another science recommendation? I took some time off in undergrad so I really don't have a lot of professors to ask unless I go way back and I figured quality is more important than quantity.

 

[zzxxzz]

Is medical anthropology an anth course or a bio course? You might consider a humanities professor if you have one to ask.

 

[CarolinaGirl33]

The medical anthropology course is an anth course in the African Studies department (so it's humanities). I am mainly concerned that I only have 1 "real" science recommendation since the other one is technically a research supervisor, I just got class credit for working in the lab.

 

[CarolinaGirl33]

bump?

 

[NYCNative]

I think you are fine, personally.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

In think it's worth giving your old professors a shot. One of my bio professors from way back said that he helps students in this situation all the time. I feel that it's always better to be safe than sorry with the application process. You may also want to check with the schools that you are applying to. I know for a fact that some schools prefer a committee letter but they are aware that it's not always possible for every applicant.

 

[CarolinaGirl33]

In think it's worth giving your old professors a shot. One of my bio professors from way back said that he helps students in this situation all the time. I feel that it's always better to be safe than sorry with the application process. You may also want to check with the schools that you are applying to. I know for a fact that some schools prefer a committee letter but they are aware that it's not always possible for every applicant.

Thanks Cyberdyne! I'll look into it. I'm just worried that a mediocre letter from a professor who barely remembers teaching me 5 years ago might hurt my otherwise strong recommendations.

 

[el_duderino]

A lot of schools will require a humanities/non-science professor letter.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Thanks Cyberdyne! I'll look into it. I'm just worried that a mediocre letter from a professor who barely remembers teaching me 5 years ago might hurt my otherwise strong recommendations.

Some professors remember their students well. At least in my school, they seek to incorporate what you've accomplished after their class in the LOR if relevant (i.e. you continued with your commitment to science etc). But then again, your research professor might fulfill the requirement. Contact the schools that you're applying to in order to make sure.