Letter of Rec with a C+

[Jeffy]

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I found out that I got a dirty C+ in my Neurobiology class. Nevertheless, my prof. was very enthusiastic about possibly writing me a letter of rec. in the near future for med. school or if I go for an MPH. At first I thought to myself, I gotta be crazy to ever do that." Then again, my prof. acknowledged the fact that its a difficult course and that she'd make a strong case for my grade with respect to the difficulty of teh course.

So now I'm wondering whether or not it would be a good idea to include a letter of rec from her. The way I see it, maybe she could help "explain" that small bit of tarnish on my record. Any advice or opinions? I could really use some help.

 

[Lab-Rat21]

I think what matters is the letter not the "letter grade." If you get a letter from some Gen. Chem class and you got an A, but it was a very big lecture class and the professor barely knew you...that letter would be of less value than yours.

I think if you met with this professor a lot and she can say some personal things about your work ethic, determination, etc. then that letter will be great...I am not on an AdCom though so...but I would look at the letter and not the grade. Good luck.

 

[All-Star14]

Originally posted by Lab-Rat21
I think what matters is the letter not the "letter grade." If you get a letter from some Gen. Chem class and you got an A, but it was a very big lecture class and the professor barely knew you...that letter would be of less value than yours.

I think if you met with this professor a lot and she can say some personal things about your work ethic, determination, etc. then that letter will be great...I am not on an AdCom though so...but I would look at the letter and not the grade. Good luck.

That's just what I was about to say! 😀 If the prof offers to write you a letter, then go with it. She knows you (obviously) well enough to make such a gesture, so go with it. I think most people automatically assume that you must seek letters of recommendation from professors who taught classes in which you earned A's. That's certainly desirable but not always the case (see the above poster's scenario). If you worked hard and were enthusiastic about the course, then don't worry about it.

 

[DarkChild]

i wouldnt. you got a c+, man. I dont have to tell you, regardless of how hard that class was, thats pretty bad. why should adcoms seriously believe the glowing rec your prof will give you when she gave you a c+?
what's she going to say? Quag is a really smart guy, he didnt do well in my class because its a very hard class. But nonetheless, I highly recommend him?
just keep on moving baby. 🙂

 

[tBw]

Well, there was a similar question asked recently in this thread

I said no then and I still say no for the same reasons:

Well, how is it going to look? Every item you submit adds something to the impression the committee have of you. So if he mentions you got a C in his class in the letter now not only do you have it on your transcript but its glaringly reinforced in your letter of rec which carries significant weight. At best he then goes on to say how hard you worked. At which point the committee knows that not only did you get a C but that was you at your best.....

I don't think it's a great idea. However, a personal letter from this professor may be better than an impersonal letter from someone who doesn't know you but you got an 'A' with. However, the trick is not to allow yourself to obtain mediocre letters. You ask the person if they feel they could write you a *strong* letter of support. You then give them your resume, supporting materials, AMCAS essay or anything else that can convince them that you really are the next Jonas Salk. I would do that with someone I got an 'A' from....

 

[VienneseWaltz]

Do you know this professor outside the course? If she can write a strong letter based on experience OUTSIDE the course, it might be worth keeping. If so, it would be to your advantage NOT to have her mention the grade--I would imagine adcoms are unlikely to track down the name of your professor from your transcript. The purpose of letters of rec from professors who've taught you is to attest to your academic fitness--intelligence, maturity, diligence, attitude, etc. Doesn't sound like she has much to attest to if it's based only on your performance in the one course.