Letters of Rec worries

[ThatNerdyKid]

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I love this site. I've never been one to post anything though but, seeing how I will be applying to medical school in a few months, I should probably use this site for what it's meant for.

And with that said, here is my dilemma:
I'm worried about my letters of recommendation. I'll have plenty of them, but I'm worried about the quality of the letters and how I will know if they are good or not.

So far I have letters from one of my air force class (ROTC) professors and one of my biology professors. I'm going to ask my research PI (primary investigator) and honors advisor (also a past professor) for letters but the one I'm worried about is my chemistry professor. See, I have a good relationship with the guy, but I only received a B in his class and on one occasion complained about the class in front of him. The reason I'm still considering him is because I had a good relationship with him otherwise and he knows I have interests in research. He also has said he greatly values my opinion on how to teach more effectively and has asked me for input numerous times. He's probably the professor who I am closest with on campus, aside from my research PI.

So I guess my question is, should I ask him for a letter or look elsewhere? Also, if I do ask him for one and I waive my right to see the letter, will I doom my application if he gives me a poor letter?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

The fact that you got a B in his class isn't that important. He clearly thinks highly of you and will very likely write a glowing rec letter. I would ask him and not think twice about it.

 

[Reckoner]

Also, if I do ask him for one and I waive my right to see the letter, will I doom my application if he gives me a poor letter?

Yes, which is why you should explicitly ask him if he can write you a strong letter of recommendation. I doubt you have anything to worry about here, though.

 

[ThatNerdyKid]

Thanks for the replies! I think ill ask him if he thinks its a good idea for him to write me a good letter of rec, just in case he has any reservations about it.

 

[ThatNerdyKid]

Just a follow-up here. I spoke with the professor and he was very very happy to write me a strong letter. He then proceeded to ask me how he can better teach chemistry. So it was a great choice. Thanks!