I remember academic letters are very important in medical school applications. Since SMPs will be evaluating you similarly (perhaps more lenient on the MCAT), I would think that it is an important part of your application. I remember reading that some SMPs asked for at least one academic letter; maybe browse the website of programs you are interested in and get in touch with the admissions secretary/officer if possible. If you have certain schools in mind, maybe PM me so I can give you the names of those who have been helpful to me. You still have sometime now until January, is it possible for you to take a 2nd class with a previous professor or another upper division course this Fall? If the above are not feasible, was there any professor in the past whom you have visited office hours/talked to/become acquainted with?
If the answer is no, I would just crapshoot it and see if anyone is willing to write you a "decent" letter. I had my letters written by a professor for Cell Biology, whom I went to office hours every week. However, I do not know him super well - at least not on a very personal level. I was banking on the fact that I did well in the class + I showed some effort/initiative in pursuit of the class material.
The other professor taught me physio, whom I took both the lecture and the lab with (2 courses here at UCSD). Again, I do not know him on a very personal level either - but he observes his students in lab class and enjoys working with students. Occasionally, I went to his office hours - but it was no more than once or twice. He was just a kind man though, and offered to chit chat with me before he began my letter.
How did I ask for the letters?
1. E-mailed them asking if they were willing to assist in my pursuit of graduate school. Ask of a possibility to meet up.
2. Met with them and talked about prospects - they told me what they wanted, I told them how I wanted to upload it (Interfolio, your school's letter service, etc.)
3. Included in my packet (manila envelope): resume, personal letter detailing our interactions and what I really enjoyed about the class, personal statement (if you have one - I did not include it because it was not done yet...but it is recommended!), a simple outline of what the program was about/types of courses that would be taught because some professors are not familiar with SMPs
4. Drop off...and wait anxiously
5. 2 month passes - still no sign of letter upload on Interfolio. Proceed to buy cookies/crackers to bribe them (haha jk..it was around the holidays and I was in a giving mood
😉) which would translate to PLEASE WRITE MY LETTER ASAP :]
6. I gave the delicious coffee cookies and then VOILA! 2 days later the last professor I was waiting on finally uploaded the letter
I gave them 3 months and told them when it was due (I moved the deadline to 12/15) even though most apps opened in Jan.... professors and PIs always get swamped, so ample time will cause you less anxiety.
I hope the descriptions above rings some bells for professors in your school. There has gotta be that one nice dude at every school, so good luck!
Thank you for the encouraging response. Do you think my lack of professor letters will hurt me, even if the other the letters are good?
