LOR Issue

[acslater99]

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Hello all,

I’m currently completing a post bac at a university and one of my goals while doing this was to get 2 science LOR.

Well fast forward until now, I recently just talked with my professor for Orgo I/II (Same professor for both) and she basically told me that she only gives LOR to students who have gotten an A/A+. I did not realize this was a requirement for her class and now I cannot get a LOR from this professor. I got a B-/B+ respectively for both courses.The good news is I will be getting 1 science LOR from another professor, which I will most likely be getting a A in his class.

My question to those who have been in my shoes, what did you do? What other options are there? Should I contact schools and let them know my situation?

Side note* I will not be taking any courses in person for the remainder of my post bac due to the fact that I work full time and the university I am attending is two hours away. Also I will be applying 2020-2021 cycle.

 

[etp123]

Can you ask any other professor whose class you did well in, even if it was long ago?

 

[acslater99]

Can you ask any other professor whose class you did well in, even if it was long ago?

Possibly, but I’m not sure if they’ll remember me. I wouldn’t want a generic LOR.

 

[Stellaartwa]

Look up the LOR policies for the schools you are applying to. They may only require/accept one science LOR. If you can get 2 or 3 other solid letters from non-science professors, work supervisors or volunteer coordinators, one good science LOR could be enough. Could you find an in-person science class that only meets once a week? The best LOR would be from a lab prof anyway (not TA). If that's not a choice just go above and beyond in an online class, participate a lot, send lots of emails to the prof to show that you're engaged and then request a strong LOR from them. An online prof wouldn't be the best but if schools require 2 science LOR it would be better than nothing.

 

[ADr.1Day]

Essentially that's what I did. I had my My professor taught me for Gen CHem II, OChem I, and OChem II, A in all 3 --she wrote my LOR
However I got another letter from Psychology professor who taught me Growth and Developmen, Abnormal, and Understanding Human Sexuality.

 

[etp123]

Have you considered asking to meet with a professor whose class you did well in to talk about your application?

I second this. It does not hurt to try and you are in need of one. You may be surprised, there are professors who understand LOR difficulties especially for non-traditional students and are just willing to help however they can. Definitely you should explain your situation and offer to meet with them if they would like to discuss your goals, what you hope to get from the LOR, etc. If they say no, you're no worse off than before, and if they say yes then great!

Alternatively, for some schools they accept other forms of letters in lieu of a science faculty LOR such as from someone who supervised you in research or clinical capacity perhaps. Look into that also, if you have the means.

Good luck!