LOR dilemma...

[airabuyu13]

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So. Basically, I do relatively well in my science classes and never really go to office hours. But now that I'm applying, this is proving to be a problem as I only made the effort to establish a relationship with one science teacher. (I'm a psyc and japanese major, so basically all of my professors are "non-science). Should I only apply to schools that only ask for one science rec, or go out on a whim and ask a physics prof that I took 2 classes (and got As in both) with even though we've never even spoke? Thanks!

 

[GoPelicans]

Professors are used to this. I was also nervous about asking some guy who I never went to office hours for, but he understood my dilemma and wrote me a letter. The letter will likely be short and nothing really personal, but you won't be alone in that regard. IMO your letters from EC's are probably far more important.

 

[airabuyu13]

so it's still worth applying even if it's likely to be a lukewarm rec at best? it's so frustrating because all my science classes are like 400 people and i study best on my own so it's so awkward to go to office hours and "just chat" haha

 

[carnelian]

Some professors are willing to hold a short "interview" to get to know you better. Then they base the rec off of that, your resume, and application (personal statement, etc.). If you know of professors willing to do this, it's also worth a try. Not ideal, but some turn out pretty decent.

Or you can do what you said and only apply schools that require one science rec. I'm not sure how many schools are like that though. Depending on your stats and residency, it could considerably limit your options.

 

[annawmc]

I agree. If you can get one more it would be ideal. With that said though, I'm a non-trad applicant who graduated 5+ years ago. I only had one science professor that I knew enough to ask for a letter after all this time. I do have a physician letter and one from a hospital volunteer coordinator, but there were a few schools I can't apply to simply because of their 2 science prof letter requirements. I found 30+ schools that I can apply to, so depending on your gpa and where you're willing to go it shouldn't limit you too much if you can't get a second letter.

 

[StephanieZ]

I'm like you, I study best on my own and rarely have questions that I can't figure out by myself, so I've hardly ever had the need to go to office hours or chat with my professors. I knew I had to have LORs, though, so I just bit the bullet and asked a few of my more approachable professors if they would help me out. Even if they don't really know you, if they agree to write you a letter, it's unlikely they are going to attempt to make you look bad (unless they are just a**holes). Make sure you give them an out, like say "If you think it's possible, could you write me a letter..." or "If you have the time..." or "If you feel comfortable...". Word to whoever said it: they are used to this. Think of the hundreds upon hundreds of students who apply to med school each year. They all need letters. Science professors write tons of them every year, and it's not unusual for them to write them for students they hardly know. If you're shy, and hate asking people for favors (like me), it's uncomfortable as hell, but you just have to suck it up and do it. It's a little bit of discomfort in exchange for your future.

 

[Lucky Louie]

Go ahead and ask. The professors that teach a huge number of students are really used to this kind of request. Generally, that's what most public schools offer, so you are not alone. In fact, that's about the only advantage of a private school and even then, professors teach huge classes. In some cases, the letters will be super general and often go over the curriculum, rather than anything personal, but med schools see these types of letters all the time.

 

[TheLastofUs]

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