Letter of Rec Help

[quiksilver0830]

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A little about myself. I graduated college in 2012. I will be applying to MD/PhD programs this June 2013.

I understand that most schools require LORs from at least 2 science professors and 1 non-science professor. I am struggling with getting the non-science letter.

Clearly I did not think this through during college... Anyway, because I took very little non-science classes, I don't have that many professors to ask for a letter, and I know none of them will be great letters (despite performing well in the class) because they wouldn't remember me at all.

My other option, which I don't even know is an option, is to ask an English professor from a community college (so not the 4-year university I attended but a summer class I took at a nearby community college). I took this class a looong time ago, but I did well in the class and the professor knows me well.

So two questions: (1) Will the admission committee accept a LOR from a community college professor even though I attended a 4-year university? (2) If yes, do you think it's better to get a letter from my 4-year university or from the community college professor?

I have a high suspicion that a letter from a community college wouldn't do me any favor (whether the admission committee accepts it or not). I'm just hoping that one of my non-science professors from my university will be kind enough to write a decent letter even though he/she wouldn't remember me at all.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[MusicJunkie]

I would go with the community college professor if you believe the quality of the letter will be significantly better. Stellar recommendation > Lukewarm, generic letter.

If possible, get your other letters from people at your university.

 

[CyberMaxx]

I would go with the community college professor if you believe the quality of the letter will be significantly better. Stellar recommendation > Lukewarm, generic letter.

If possible, get your other letters from people at your university.

I heartily agree with this. The title of the person whose writing your letter is one line long, that will not "overshadow" a letter. IMHO, the community college professor is just as qualified to comment on your capabilities as a professor from a four year university.

 

[Catalystik]

i would go with the community college professor if you believe the quality of the letter will be significantly better. Stellar recommendation > lukewarm, generic letter.

+1

 

[deleted462159]

As long as your professor remembers you well, you should be fine. You might want to take him out for lunch/coffee and discuss your future plans, etc.