LOR from professor I assisted

[naturalmelody]

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I was a teacher assistant for my university's genetics class, and the professor who headed the class agreed to write me a letter of recommendation. I was wondering if this will cover one of the two science LORs that is required for applying to medical school?

 

[jaygatsby]

The "two required science LORs" is a general guideline that should cover you at most schools. Be sure to still check each school's specific requirements. Many schools that have science LOR requirements state that they have to be from professors that have taught you in a course and can write about your abilities as a student in a class. Thus, your letter from TA-ing probably wouldn't count. At the same time, some of these schools will also allow you to petition to use that letter as a science LOR. To be safe, try to get a letter from a professor who has taught you in a course.

 

[mybubbles627]

It probably can but it might not be the best option. Did you take a class from this professor as well or did you just TA for them? If you took a class as well then I would say its not a problem, if you didn't, then you may want to really think about your LOR and if this will be your best option.

 

[naturalmelody]

Thanks for the quick reply. I took this class with another professor, so I'll just find another professor to ask.

 

[BiopsychStudent]

I am very surprised how rigid schools are made out to be in their LOR requirements.

Does an LOR from someone who sees you raised your hand a lot in an organic chem. lecture, and asked a bunch of questions you probaably already knew the answer to, really say that much more about you that's relevant to your character and intelligence than an LOR from a professor you did research with?

I'm genuinely curious.

 

[gmcguitar4]

I am very surprised how rigid schools are made out to be in their LOR requirements.

Does an LOR from someone who sees you raised your hand a lot in an organic chem. lecture, and asked a bunch of questions you probaably already knew the answer to, really say that much more about you that's relevant to your character and intelligence than an LOR from a professor you did research with?

I'm genuinely curious.

It is two different environments. In the class, regardless of your intentions, all the professor will see is a student who is on top of their work, has an interest in the material, and stands out among the other students. Med schools really like that sort of thing.

For the research, you aren't compared to nearly as many people and you already know the professor on a personal basis. So the strenght of your letter is determined by how much effort you put into the professors project and the type of person you are, generally.

Both letters show different qualities. So if you can get both, then all that does it give med schools a better picture of the type of person you are.