LOR concern--help!

[seattlepredent]

This is my first post on SDN 🙂

I'm planning to apply next year and I'm currently getting all my ducks in a row (more volunteer work, dental trip abroad, etc...) My biggest concern at the moment is that I don't know who I'd ask for a LOR from a science professor. I did alright in my classes, but I went to a large university and didn't make strong connections with any of my professors. My three options right now are:

1) My major was small (~50) and known to be one of the more rigorous programs at my school. I could ask my lab coordinator for a letter, and he would know me, but I did poorly in the two classes (2.9 and 3.1). However, they were the most challenging classes I've ever taken and included extensive lab and dissection work (maybe he could attest to my manual dexterity?).

2) I did well in my intro bio classes (3.9) and really enjoyed the professor and his teaching style. However, it was a 100 level class, and HUGE. I would have to go back and talk to the professor for a while.

3) I graduated a couple of years ago but I'm thinking of taking some more classes for credit to boost my gpa, show I'm still invested in my education, and maybe meet a professor I can make a connection with.

This is distressing to me right now because I feel like I'm working hard on everything else, but I'm not sure what to do about this one and I know it's important. When I look at prospective schools, I'm not sure if I can really base my choices on the numbers because I assume my letters will be good at best, not stellar. How much should I be stressing about this? I've been trying to get ahold of the dental advisor to no avail so I'm hoping you guys can give me some guidance.

My other stats are overall gpa 3.5, science 3.3, PAT 26, TS 24, AA 24, volunteer hours 300+

Any suggestions or advice welcome!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[THINKOFMYFUTURE]

Email professors of classes you got A's in. Kiss ass in it. Don't waste their time with rosy wording, be to the point, but be nice at the same time. Tell them you loved that class, it stood out, changed your life bla bla bla, then ask if they'd be willing to write a letter.

They won't know you, but that's okay, since they've got a generic template around anyways. 50-50 chance of them saying yes and write you a generic one.

Use the shotgun method and do this to as many professors as you think will work (but only those that you got A's in).

I say only A classes, cause' what the hell does the professor have to work with for someone with less than that? lol.

Before the idealist bandwagoners jump on my back. This method works. None of my professors really knew me that well. But it works. It's safe and easy, don't sweat the easy stuff like this. Good luck.

Hey. Don't sweat it at all. I'm in and my letters ain't special.

Then again, if you got means to get genuine letters from ppl you are tight with - by all means use THEM, but my advice is geared towards anyone (maynot be the OP), that needs LOR's.

Oh, with your DAT scores, despite not spectacularly high GPA, any 3 positive recommendations will get you an acceptance somewhere. (I think, haha).

 

[dentalWorks]

One thing I wouldn't do is send them an email. It looks like your want thier help but your too good to stop by.

You should stop by thier office, have a conversation with them for a while, then drop the bomb about how your in need of a LOR.

One more thing, you said your applying next year (You mean your applying summer of 2011 right?).... ur going to be taking courses from now till then, you can start strengthening your relationship with your new professors, that will help with new LORs. One thing I always did to accomplish this LOR bussiness was, I ALWAYS went to my professor's office hours, Even if I didn't have any specific questions about the class or the material, I just went there to chat with them..... I did this most of the semester, so when the end came, he knew me by name, and always enjoyed my company. towards the end, i'd ask him for a LOR and they were ALWAYS so glad to give me one.

 

[seattlepredent]

Use the shotgun method and do this to as many professors as you think will work (but only those that you got A's in).

I say only A classes, cause' what the hell does the professor have to work with for someone with less than that? lol.

Thanks for your advice. How much do you think the class level matters (100 level v 400 level) in who I ask for letters?

 

[subdoc]

Ask the professors whom you had the best connection with, regardless of the grade. They will write the best (read accurate) letters for you. Who cares if you received a 2.9/3.0 in their class? They will be the best judge of your character and ability to become a professional and won't mention things like the grade you received.

I would swing by their office and ask if they would be comfortable to write you a LoR. Ask if they would prefer submitting the letter electronically or via snail mail (I think electronic would be easier.) Also, if they say yes, give them a deliverable date (preferably a date a week or so BEFORE you need it done.) Be sure to send them a thank you note after they accept your offer, and a thank you email once it posts on AADSAS. Professional courtesy.

 

[FutureDent020]

Ask the professors whom you had the best connection with, regardless of the grade. They will write the best (read accurate) letters for you. Who cares if you received a 2.9/3.0 in their class? They will be the best judge of your character and ability to become a professional and won't mention things like the grade you received.

I would swing by their office and ask if they would be comfortable to write you a LoR.

Teachers at my school would not write you a letter unless you made an A in their class. A lot of the letter revolves around academic performance and their perception of your academic ability. How can a teacher boast about your accomplishments if you only made a B? I know the OP is obviously intelligent considering his/her DAT score, but the professor is basing their evaluation on student's performance and overall presence in the classroom. I understand your point that a professor should judge your character and ability, but these professors don't know us that well, especially in the OP's case. If the professor does know you well, it still helps to make that A.

 

[ucsfstudents]

You can send them an email to let them know that you enjoyed their class, that you are getting ready to apply, and would like to schedule an appointment with them for any insights or advice. Somewhere in there, mention you also want a letter. 😀

I agree that meeting face to face will help close the deal.

Good luck!