Getting LORs when I graduated five years ago?

[quillow]

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Hi, everyone. I am a non-traditional student who graduated in 2005 with a double degree (BS chemistry and BS chemical engineering). Since then I’ve worked as an engineer (didn’t like it) and now I work for a non-profit doing lab work that I’m not very interested in. Although I had no plans on going into the health field at the time, I finished most/all of my pre-reqs in undergrad (however, I only took one quarter of biochem and one quarter of micro, both without labs – I know these are usually only recommended and not required though). So my situation is a little different from other non-traditional students who were non-science majors and are going back to school to finish pre-reqs. My problem is that I’m hoping to apply this summer after taking the DAT, but I don’t know how to get letters of recommendation since I graduated so long ago. My profs probably don’t even remember me!

I work full time right now and I’m taking anatomy and physiology at a community college on the weekends (yes, I know CC classes are frowned upon). I could ask my current teacher (he’s not a professor though, only has his masters degree). I also might be able to ask a former engineering professor that probably will remember me. Other than that, I don’t know who to ask. I read that some dental schools require three letters of recommendation. I also read that schools want a letter of recommendation from a basic science professor and I don’t know if an engineering professor would count (I guess I should ask them). Has anyone else been in this situation before? If necessary to get into dental school, I may go back to school to take some recommended classes (finish biochemistry, etc) but that would be after applying so that wouldn’t help with my current letter of recommendation problem.

If it matters, I had a good undergrad GPA (3.7 if I remember correctly) and I’m doing well in my A&P class now. I can probably do decently on the DAT if I refresh myself on science and study for the PAT. I’m also trying to get job shadowing opportunities (already have 24 hours done with one dentist). So my main problem would probably be letters of recommendation. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!

 

[chilady]

Hi, everyone. I am a non-traditional student who graduated in 2005 with a double degree (BS chemistry and BS chemical engineering). Since then I’ve worked as an engineer (didn’t like it) and now I work for a non-profit doing lab work that I’m not very interested in. Although I had no plans on going into the health field at the time, I finished most/all of my pre-reqs in undergrad (however, I only took one quarter of biochem and one quarter of micro, both without labs – I know these are usually only recommended and not required though). So my situation is a little different from other non-traditional students who were non-science majors and are going back to school to finish pre-reqs. My problem is that I’m hoping to apply this summer after taking the DAT, but I don’t know how to get letters of recommendation since I graduated so long ago. My profs probably don’t even remember me!

I work full time right now and I’m taking anatomy and physiology at a community college on the weekends (yes, I know CC classes are frowned upon). I could ask my current teacher (he’s not a professor though, only has his masters degree). I also might be able to ask a former engineering professor that probably will remember me. Other than that, I don’t know who to ask. I read that some dental schools require three letters of recommendation. I also read that schools want a letter of recommendation from a basic science professor and I don’t know if an engineering professor would count (I guess I should ask them). Has anyone else been in this situation before? If necessary to get into dental school, I may go back to school to take some recommended classes (finish biochemistry, etc) but that would be after applying so that wouldn’t help with my current letter of recommendation problem.

If it matters, I had a good undergrad GPA (3.7 if I remember correctly) and I’m doing well in my A&P class now. I can probably do decently on the DAT if I refresh myself on science and study for the PAT. I’m also trying to get job shadowing opportunities (already have 24 hours done with one dentist). So my main problem would probably be letters of recommendation. Anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Hello!

I know this post is now 3+ years old; however, I'm experiencing the same thing!

I have already applied and submitted 2 LORs (sci prof, dentist, and employer). I applied to 3 schools requiring 2 LORs from sci profs. I goofed...I know. They have all replied back personally asking me to submit another LOR from a sci prof, so I feel as though it may still be valuable. I've emailed many old profs and received negative or wish-washy answers. What were your techniques?

I have 3 interviews, but obviously want to expand that if it only takes an LOR. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Glimmer1991]

Hello!

I know this post is now 3+ years old; however, I'm experiencing the same thing!

I have already applied and submitted 2 LORs (sci prof, dentist, and employer). I applied to 3 schools requiring 2 LORs from sci profs. I goofed...I know. They have all replied back personally asking me to submit another LOR from a sci prof, so I feel as though it may still be valuable. I've emailed many old profs and received negative or wish-washy answers. What were your techniques?

I think the e-mails are your problem. If it is at all possible, talk to the people in person.

Or, if you can't talk to the professors in person, make sure you make it as easy as possible for them to write you one. Say that you realize they may not remember you very well, but that you are in a tight situation at this point and would greatly appreciate their help. Make SURE you attach your resumé and personal statement--this can help them a lot. Let me reiterate: make it easy for them.

 

[slm266]

Even if you get some mediocre LORs, you HAVE to have someone write you a quality and credible LOR. It could be a nontrafitional LOR, and it's been a while since I applied you may have to send it to schools individually, but find a way...