bad idea to get LOR from a professor of a repeated class?

[Scout01]

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I retook Ochem 1 after getting a 'C' the first time at a different school. I got an 'A' the second time. Do you think it's a bad idea to ask for a LOR from my second Ochem professor? Will pharmacy schools not think too positively of such a LOR?

 

[crazybob]

I retook Ochem 1 after getting a 'C' the first time at a different school. I got an 'A' the second time. Do you think it's a bad idea to ask for a LOR from my second Ochem professor? Will pharmacy schools not think too positively of such a LOR?

That would be up to you, because you know your ochem professor better than anyone here would know your professor.

 

[Scout01]

^ Thanks. 🙂 I realize that, but I'm more trying to get opinions on the fact that it's a repeated class and not about the professor. I feel like if it were my first time taking the class, I wouldn't be hesitant to ask. :/

 

[Jabberwocky12]

I think you would be fine since it's a LOR from a science teacher. it would also be good if you got the A because it would show growth from a class you did "meh" in to a class that a teacher is willing to speak highly of you. Shows you really learned a lot in between those 2 classes.

 

[Project2015]

I agree with you. Unless you think that letter will reflect your perseverance or whatever... but still.. better to find something else if possible.

 

[owlegrad]

I agree with you. Unless you think that letter will reflect your perseverance or whatever... but still.. better to find something else if possible.

Who are you agreeing with? No one said it would be better to find someone else.

 

[owlegrad]

^ Thanks. 🙂 I realize that, but I'm more trying to get opinions on the fact that it's a repeated class and not about the professor. I feel like if it were my first time taking the class, I wouldn't be hesitant to ask. :/

Honestly I am not even sure they would realize that the letter is from a professor in a class you retook. I mean unless the letter relates that fact I doubt they will match the name on the letter to the names on your transcript and say "ah ha! This letter was from his second ochem professor! No admissions for you!".

Good Luck ether way!

 

[madavis1987]

I think that it would be fine to get a recommendation from that professor. The key is finding a professor that you know will speak highly of you. If you think this professor would have positive things to say, then that should over ride the fact that you repeated the class. Plus, as someone else mentioned, the fact that you stuck with the curriculum shows determination.

Good luck with your applications!

 

[Project2015]

Who are you agreeing with? No one said it would be better to find someone else.

Agree with the OP that there's something negative about doing this.

Honestly I am not even sure they would realize that the letter is from a professor in a class you retook. I mean unless the letter relates that fact I doubt they will match the name on the letter to the names on your transcript and say "ah ha! This letter was from his second ochem professor! No admissions for you!".

No, they won't match the name to the transcript because transcripts usually don't include the instructor's name. However, the PharmCAS reference form asks the following information and more of the writer:

3. Circle the role that best describes your primary relationship with the applicant:


5. If you are a professor or teaching assistant, list all courses with applicant. (e.g., Chemistry, CHEM 101)

It may not be obvious, but the connections are there to be made if the evaluators are thorough.

 

[FarscapeGirl]

Does the professor know you well? Did you show up to office hours? Personally, I'd ask the professor if he or she would feel comfortable writing a letter of rec for you. People are supposed to refuse to write letters if they don't have time or don't feel like they'd write a good one.

Why did you not do as well the first time? Do you have a legitimate reason you could point out to the professor? Health issues, family issues, taking too many classes/working too many hours?

 

[owlegrad]

No, they won't match the name to the transcript because transcripts usually don't include the instructor's name. However, the PharmCAS reference form asks the following information and more of the writer:



It may not be obvious, but the connections are there to be made if the evaluators are thorough.

Alright now I am more confused. How could they possibly know that the professor is the second one?

 

[pharm B]

I think he's saying it would be obvious the prof was the prof for a retake since he'll have to list what courses he taught. If he lists O-Chem twice...

To the OP: I don't think it matters at all. If he can write you a strong LOR, why shouldn't you accept it from him?

I'd do it.

 

[Project2015]

I don't think I'm saying that. 🙂 It would be two different profs from different schools in this case so that won't happen.

I'm just saying that to an observant reader who wants to know the context of the letter, they would first identify the ochem class and then glance over the courseload for the semester and the grade for the class and notice the designation of "repeated." If it was an EC, a reader would probably take a look at the description, hours, etc. and infer the significance based on other activities.

Or, I'm just saying its not as tedious as trying to match a name to the entire list of courses to figure out which course the LOR is referring to.

 

[pharm B]

Ah, I see now. I thought he had the same prof both times.

I still don't think it would be seen as a negative if the prof writes a strong LOR. Each adcom is different. Literally. You can't predict their behavior if you don't know who will be reviewing your app.

There's never an easy answer. 🙂 I'd use this LOR unless I had a better one to replace it.

 

[Project2015]

There's never an easy answer. 🙂 I'd use this LOR unless I had a better one to replace it.

Right. It should be the best one possible to avoid the unpredictability and of course it should be one that doesn't worry oneself . 🙂

 

[Scout01]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Yes, I had two different profs since the repeated class was at a different school. The second prof is willing to write me a positive LOR, but I think that he will mention that it was my second time taking the course, which makes me nervous about how adcoms will view the letter. :/

Does the professor know you well? Did you show up to office hours? Personally, I'd ask the professor if he or she would feel comfortable writing a letter of rec for you. People are supposed to refuse to write letters if they don't have time or don't feel like they'd write a good one.

Why did you not do as well the first time? Do you have a legitimate reason you could point out to the professor? Health issues, family issues, taking too many classes/working too many hours?

The prof has agreed to write me the letter. I didn't do well the first time around due to working endlessly and some personal issues.

 

[chemguy79]

I took Micro 9 years ago in undergrad, barely scraped out a C. I'm taking Microbiology now, A+ in the course and the professor asked me if I wanted a LOR from her. A great LOR is a great LOR, why refuse it?