LOR from science faculty necessary?

[howieh]

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Is it necessary to have science faculty LORs? I have one from a doctor, one from a volunteer coordinator, one from research supervisor and from non-science faculty.

 

[giggle]

Yes, it is. Unless you're a super non-traditional applicant who has been out of school for years (which doesn't sound like you), I don't think adcoms will make an exception. You can always ask your schools directly though.

 

[wololololololo]

Check each school's website, but a large majority of them require at least 1 science letter. Some schools need 2.

 

[linusp]

When I called schools (many of them), they were much more lax on the non-science letter, but were very strict on the science letter(s). Some go so far as to say they must be BCP.

Those seem to be the most important. Be sure to call the schools you're interested in and ask if you can substitute.

 

[howieh]

When I called schools (many of them), they were much more lax on the non-science letter, but were very strict on the science letter(s). Some go so far as to say they must be BCP.

Those seem to be the most important. Be sure to call the schools you're interested in and ask if you can substitute.

Sorry but what is BCP?😕

 

[howieh]

And I assume the science faculty letter writers also have to be those who taught me courses right?

 

[giggle]

And I assume the science faculty letter writers also have to be those who taught me courses right?

Yes.

 

[DKTacts]

Sorry but what is BCP?😕

Biology
Chemistry
Physics

 

[Entadus]

do you guys think 1 chemistry + 1 math should be good?

one BCPM, and the other BCP?

 

[howieh]

Do the instructors have to be faculty?

 

[theseeker4]

Do the instructors have to be faculty?

I would think so; getting a LOR from a graduate TA might cause more harm than good, since the schools may wonder what is wrong with you (as an applicant) that prevented you from having ANY science faculty LOR's.

Why are you averse to getting science faculty LOR's? If you don't think you have enough of a personal relationship with any (never went to office hours, etc.) it still doesn't hurt to ask those you think may recognize you. I never met my P-chem professor outside of class (since I work full time and his office hours were during the work day) but when I met with him to ask about a LOR, and explained why I wasn't available for any of his office hours or the seminars he recommended we attend, he immediately offered to write a strong LOR for me based on my class performance. Basically, approach any professors whose classes you did well in, and hopefully they will remember you enough to write a LOR. Good luck.

 

[howieh]

I would think so; getting a LOR from a graduate TA might cause more harm than good, since the schools may wonder what is wrong with you (as an applicant) that prevented you from having ANY science faculty LOR's.

Why are you averse to getting science faculty LOR's? If you don't think you have enough of a personal relationship with any (never went to office hours, etc.) it still doesn't hurt to ask those you think may recognize you. I never met my P-chem professor outside of class (since I work full time and his office hours were during the work day) but when I met with him to ask about a LOR, and explained why I wasn't available for any of his office hours or the seminars he recommended we attend, he immediately offered to write a strong LOR for me based on my class performance. Basically, approach any professors whose classes you did well in, and hopefully they will remember you enough to write a LOR. Good luck.

Thanks.

I asked two of my science profs (I got A+ in both of their courses) and they both said yes. (Yes I know I'm lucky...)

Problem is I gave them too short of a notice and they can't send it in until late next week. I have all my other stuff ready for the application, should I go ahead and submit the application now? Or wait till they've submitted the letters?

 

[mauberley]

Thanks.

I asked two of my science profs (I got A+ in both of their courses) and they both said yes. (Yes I know I'm lucky...)

Problem is I gave them too short of a notice and they can't send it in until late next week. I have all my other stuff ready for the application, should I go ahead and submit the application now? Or wait till they've submitted the letters?

If you're talking about your primary app, there's no reason to wait for your letters before submitting.