looking for input on my LOR writers

[lessthanzero]

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My school has a committee letter service, so the requirements for the types of letters required are slightly more relaxed than for applicants sending in individual letters. Here are the people I am definitely planning to ask for letters from:

1) current PI, according to school policy it counts as an academic science LOR since I enrolled in independent study with him, and also doubles up as research
2) PI from my previous lab, should also double count as an academic science LOR and research

^ the above should be very strong letters.

I need help deciding on who else to ask. Following options:

3) My academic advisor. He's offered to write me a letter. I'm not sure if this could fly by as an academic science letter.
He knows me well, and he's formally listed as the instructor for 2 lab courses that I've taken. BUT the classes were completely run by TAs; thus, he didn't actually teach the labs. However, I did TA for him for a semester, and since I am interested in academic medicine/teaching/mentoring, I think it could be helpful to get a LOR from him to address my teaching capabilities. Thoughts?

4) Professor of a humanities class that I am currently enrolled in. This is a bit tricky as I'm not sure when the best timing to ask him is. and it may be cutting it close. I have yet to give a final presentation and submit a final paper, and I'd like to ask him after those are due (May 1), so that he has more material to evaluate me from. Should I first express my interest in getting a LOR from him and ask for him to wait until my final assignments have been turned in?

5) I volunteer weekly at the hospital, and I was thinking of getting a LOR from the Child Life specialist that I work alongside with.

6) Is there a need to get a LOR from another science professor that I HAVEN'T done research with?

Input appreciated, thanks!

 

[lessthanzero]

anyone?

 

[mehc012]

My school has a committee letter service, so the requirements for the types of letters required are slightly more relaxed than for applicants sending in individual letters. Here are the people I am definitely planning to ask for letters from:

You don't specify, but I am going to assume from here on out that the set you are asking about fulfills the requirements for your committee.

1) current PI, according to school policy it counts as an academic science LOR since I enrolled in independent study with him, and also doubles up as research
2) PI from my previous lab, should also double count as an academic science LOR and research

^ the above should be very strong letters.

Getting your PIs is always a good move. It's typically considered a bit suspect if you list extensive research, but have no recs stemming from that.

I need help deciding on who else to ask. Following options:

3) My academic advisor. He's offered to write me a letter. I'm not sure if this could fly by as an academic science letter.
He knows me well, and he's formally listed as the instructor for 2 lab courses that I've taken. BUT the classes were completely run by TAs; thus, he didn't actually teach the labs. However, I did TA for him for a semester, and since I am interested in academic medicine/teaching/mentoring, I think it could be helpful to get a LOR from him to address my teaching capabilities. Thoughts?

Sounds like a good letter to me: he's a supervisor, knows you well, and speaks to a unique aspect. As for the rest...do you need another academic science letter to fulfill your committee reqs? FWIW, your committee probably won't dig in deep to figure out whether the science prof you know well and whose courses you are listed as taking was 'hands-on' in his teaching.

4) Professor of a humanities class that I am currently enrolled in. This is a bit tricky as I'm not sure when the best timing to ask him is. and it may be cutting it close. I have yet to give a final presentation and submit a final paper, and I'd like to ask him after those are due (May 1), so that he has more material to evaluate me from. Should I first express my interest in getting a LOR from him and ask for him to wait until my final assignments have been turned in?

You do realize that your prof's brain doesn't freeze a snapshot of you at the instant a LOR is requested, right? Ask him whenever is socially optimal and gives him sufficient warning. He'll probably write the thing in the last 24hrs before it's due, realistically speaking, and will incorporate any knowledge he has of you up to that point. If you are very worried, then sure...hint to him first, or ask him in vague terms and don't give him your formal request (with the deadline info, specifications, etc) until you're happy with your history.

5) I volunteer weekly at the hospital, and I was thinking of getting a LOR from the Child Life specialist that I work alongside with.

This sounds fine. Probably not essential, but certainly not detrimental!

6) Is there a need to get a LOR from another science professor that I HAVEN'T done research with?

You already have one: the one you TA'd for. I mean, ask your committee for their specific requirements, but you've got 3 science profs who you've known in various capacities, I think you'll be fine.

Input appreciated, thanks!

De nada! Good luck!