LOR Advice

[DPTGunnabe]

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Hello all, I am about to start applying to PT schools for the 2012-13 cycle today! My #1 school requires 3 LORs: 1 from a PT and the other 2 can be anything other than family, friends, and clergy. So far I have 1 from a DPT that graduated from the school I want to go to and 1 from a PTA. I would like some advice about the third LOR. I have shadowed at some other PT settings but don't feel comfortable asking any of the PTs from those places to write a reference for me because of the time limit while I was observing.
The decision is between asking my current employer, a podiatrist whom I nanny for (twin baby boys, one with special needs), or the Special Olympics Coach for my area (I am on the exec board at my undergrad college and interact with the coach multiple times a week). Any advice?? Thanks 🙂

 

[PTisfun]

a professor

 

[Azimuthal]

a professor

+1, a professor in your major.

 

[Nailey13]

I have a follow-up question to the "professor in your major" statement. Would a recommendation from the chair of the department where you completed your pre-reqs be OK? I graduated several years ago with a degree in the humanities and don't feel comfortable seeking out those professors (many of whom can't speak to my aptitude in the sciences anyway).

 

[DPTGunnabe]

I could maybe find a professor in my major (exercise and sports science) to write me a good recommendation but I would definitely feel more comfortable asking my anatomy and physiology 1 & 2 professor...do you think that would be weighed as heavily as a professor from my major? Thanks for the help!

 

[DPTHopeful921]

Most schools want a LOR from at least one academic reference (aka professor). I dont think it necessarily has to be from a professor in your major, but it should be from a upper level course professor. I had one LOR from an exercise physiology professor and one from an A&P professor. Just my opinion...

 

[Azimuthal]

It depends on the program. Some programs require 1 LoR from a professor within your major while most just want 1 academic LoR. I just added that to help the OP cover all the bases. Like some students, I am also a career changer and went back to school for pre-requisites. In this case, a science/ movement science professor should be fine. I got mine from my exercise physiology professor.

 

[jasonc]

Hey!

What do you all think about getting a letter of recommendation from a psychology professor? Not really sure if this would count as a science class. Or should I just try getting one from a biology prof? How about physics/chem profs?

Some of you recommended a LOR from a professor within your major, but i'm also a career changer. I got my major in economics with a double minor in accounting and education studies. I don't think that would work out.

 

[Azimuthal]

Hi,
I would choose a physical/life/movement science professor over social sciences. Do you have one that you have built a positive rapport with?

 

[jasonc]

No. I just started taking classes for pre-reqs so I still have to opportunity to do so. I've only taken 2 psyc classes so far with the same prof. I'm thinking about asking her just in case I dont end up building good relationships with the others.

When asking for one, when is it too early to ask? I'm thinking about giving her a heads up that I might ask for one in the near future or should I just ask now considering i'll be applying next cycle.

 

[Azimuthal]

Well, that's a tough question. Remember that a professor has hundreds of new students per year, and if you're not planning to apply until next year, that's a long time. Are you planning any research with this professor in a health related issue? I would ask sometime in April 2013.

If you can't wait, this is what I'd do. I'd email the professor telling him or her your intentions for PT school, (also emphasize what you learned and why you would like this professor for the reference) and that you may ask him/her for a positive LoR in the future should they agree. Should you decide to ask this professor in the future, you now have a paper trail to respond with at that time. Good luck!