letter of references

[JaceTMS]

---

Members do not see this ad.

so for some schools, they require LOR's from science faculty who've taught you, can you still submit extra letters beyond the ones they specify from, for example, research supervisors? also would they allow a letter from a research supervisor in lieu of one of the science faculty LOR?

if a school says you need three letters, at least two from science faculty, what should the last letter be from? would you be penalized if you didn't get it from a non-science faculty member?

 

[candav]

It is almost always okay to submit more than three letters. Only some schools (e.g. Northwestern) specify not to -- check each school's website to confirm.

Research supervisor may be acceptable in place of a science faculty letter at some schools. Some schools want a letter from someone who has taught you, i.e. given you a grade. All of my science letters were from PIs who had given me a grade in a research credit course.

The third letter is generally from a non-science professor but if the school doesn't specifically request this than it's most likely open-ended. Again, check each school's website to be sure.

 

[Praefectus]

You should get a letter from a non-science professor because he/she can attest to your abilities outside of science. Med schools want broad-minded thinkers, not scientific robots.

 

[JaceTMS]

what about a max number of letters?

 

[Praefectus]

what about a max number of letters?

The limit on AMCAS is 10, but don't submit that many letters.