Can Science LOR be from research PI?

[swindoll]

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Do Science LORs have to be from professors who taught us in class?

My research PI is a molecular biologist. He very closely mentors my project and I learned A LOT of science from him, but I haven't taken his course yet because it's open only to seniors.
Would his letter still count as Science?

 

[kholley25]

Although I cannot speak to the requirements of all schools, I don't see why you couldn't use a reference from a professor that didn't teach you in a classroom setting.

If this individuals can speak about your personal characteristics and work ethic, you should be fine. Some schools require then to have PhD's though, so be wary of that.

I've applied to professional schools before and have used letters from science professors that never taught me and never had a problem.

 

[swindoll]

Although I cannot speak to the requirements of all schools, I don't see why you couldn't use a reference from a professor that didn't teach you in a classroom setting.

If this individuals can speak about your personal characteristics and work ethic, you should be fine. Some schools require then to have PhD's though, so be wary of that.

I've applied to professional schools before and have used letters from science professors that never taught me and never had a problem.

Great to hear that! I really hope it will ok..
he does have a PhD, and he teaches an upper division science course, but unfortunately it wasn't open to Juniors, so I couldn't take it this year. 🙁

 

[kholley25]

If you have any reservations during your application, I would contact the adcoms of the schools in which you are interested and ask them about using that reference. If nothing else it will give you peace of mind.

 

[Imrizzle]

I used a LOR from a teacher I only did research with. But while doing research I also got like 1 credit hour.