LOR question: which ones should I choose? Long post, so ignore if you choose

[riverjib]

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My pre-med committee will only send three LORs, which makes sense because nobody wants to read multiple ones. Quick back story: I'm a non-trad student with multiple schools and years of experience in the medical field. All things being equal (I waived my right to read them, though some writers have handed them to me), which three would you pick?

1) Director of my undergraduate major- knows me well, mentioned me personally in his speech during graduation, definitely likes me and knows I've done well in his (multiple) classes and sat front & center without missing class.

2) Writing professor- only met me in my last semester, but knows me so well through my writing that he expressed that he hoped I'd bring my family by on graduation day because he "feels like he knows them." Personally expressed that he's sure I'll get in, and he hopes there will be more doctors who care the way I do.

3) PI- wonderful man. I only worked with him for a year, but he still has me working on papers, and he thinks my writing and dedication are both "unusually good." He asked me to introduce me to his family, and when I stopped by with the whole brood on graduation day, he lit up 🙂 He gave everyone a tour of our lab, and gave my niece a coloring book!

4) Orgo/honors chem prof- from transfer school. He had me TA general and organic chem, teach a chemistry review class to underpriveleged high school students, and I worked in the stock room and as Research Coordinator for his grant for a year. He calls me his "other daughter."

5) Physician friend- worked with him three days a week for five years. He started the medical mission I joined, and we've become close. I was there for his daughter's baptism. He knows me personally and professionally (prior to returning to school)

I suppose it's between those five. The rest are the other PI I worked with closely, and a few other professors. Any input??

 

[AnthroMD]

I would say all of those are worthy LOR writers except for the writing professor. Although it seems like they know you somewhat, I don't think they carry as much weight as the others.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

My pre-med committee will only send three LORs, which makes sense because nobody wants to read multiple ones. Quick back story: I'm a non-trad student with multiple schools and years of experience in the medical field. All things being equal (I waived my right to read them, though some writers have handed them to me), which three would you pick?

1) Director of my undergraduate major- knows me well, mentioned me personally in his speech during graduation, definitely likes me and knows I've done well in his (multiple) classes and sat front & center without missing class.

2) Writing professor- only met me in my last semester, but knows me so well through my writing that he expressed that he hoped I'd bring my family by on graduation day because he "feels like he knows them." Personally expressed that he's sure I'll get in, and he hopes there will be more doctors who care the way I do.

3) PI- wonderful man. I only worked with him for a year, but he still has me working on papers, and he thinks my writing and dedication are both "unusually good." He asked me to introduce me to his family, and when I stopped by with the whole brood on graduation day, he lit up 🙂 He gave everyone a tour of our lab, and gave my niece a coloring book!

4) Orgo/honors chem prof- from transfer school. He had me TA general and organic chem, teach a chemistry review class to underpriveleged high school students, and I worked in the stock room and as Research Coordinator for his grant for a year. He calls me his "other daughter."

5) Physician friend- worked with him three days a week for five years. He started the medical mission I joined, and we've become close. I was there for his daughter's baptism. He knows me personally and professionally (prior to returning to school)

I suppose it's between those five. The rest are the other PI I worked with closely, and a few other professors. Any input??

 

[riverjib]

I would say all of those are worthy LOR writers except for the writing professor. Although it seems like they know you somewhat, I don't think they carry as much weight as the others.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Thanks!! That definitely helps. A few schools (one I'm not going to apply to due to its in-state bias) specifically asked for ONE LOR from a non-science professor. Do you think I'm okay with all science professors/PIs as LOR writers?

 

[BBender716]

The best overall advice I can offer is to make sure you have at the least:

2 science professors who have taught you in class.
1 non-science who has taught you in class.

 

[BrainBuff]

The Committee Letter is in lieu of the three individual letters of recommendation. Most admission committees ask that applicants submit a committee letter OR up to three letters from undergraduate professors who know you well. Because the institutional letter is more comprehensive, it is generally preferred by admission committees. The Premed Office at your institution usually prepares that letter for you.

The famous "three" individual letters are usually required by the Premed Office to write the composite committee letter, but it does not mean that you need to send the three individual letters PLUS the Committee Letter to the med schools you are applying to.

Now, if your school does not have a good Health Careers Office or Premed Office, then..............you are royally screwed, and you better send those three damned letters.

 

[AnthroMD]

You're not screwed if your school doesn't send pre-med committee letters. My school doesn't offer it and I have had no problems getting people to write me letters. It's called initiative. Plus, there is always Interfolio, etc. They're cheap services that are worth it.