LOR selection and question

[OctoDocto]

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I have a an optometrist ready to write me a LOR, but I'm trying to figure out who I should ask for my other three. I realize different schools have different LOR requirements, but let's say the decision is up to me. Can you guys please help me choose my other 3 LORs? Here is a list of of my options (I have performed well with all of these people)

Another Optometrist
Ophthalmologist
English/Writing professor
Organic chem professor
Neuroscience lab I did research with

Right now I'm thinking to go with 1. mandatory Optometrist, 2. English prof, 3. Organic chem prof, 4. Neuroscience lab

Also, if I decide to reapply the next year, will I forced to find new people for LORs? Thanks.

 

[physicslover]

I don't know about the English prof bcuz most schools require SCIENCE only LORs. I had to resend LORs cause they didnt' accept my psych prof as science. And even the prof I worked with, since he did not teach me, it was not considered. This was for PCO.
From your selection, I would go with optometrist, Organic Chem prof, neuroscience lab and another optometrist. And whoever knows you best. I don't understand why they are so picky with the LORs.

For next year, it will be cleared on Optomcas, so I believe you will need to find new LORs. But I have yet to contact the schools to find out if they keep a record.

 

[Mewcakes]

yeah, definitely go with letters from professors of the hard (as opposed to soft) sciences. And you're right, physicslover, they do clear LORs between app cycles, but it's a good question whether schools keep YOUR file and refer to it during subsequent admission cycles and if they think it's weird if you just get letters from some of the same people...

 

[Commando303]

Keep in mind it isn't all about "who" writes the letter: A sincere, thoughtful letter of recommendation from someone who's well-acquainted with your strengths and weaknesses would look better than a generic little note of commendation from a professor who happened to teach your advanced-biochem. class and will spend the end of the semester copying and pasting the same text for fifty students who've managed to secure a "B." Once you've attained the required L.O.R.s (which are required will depend on the school/s to which you're applying), I suggest you fill your remaining slots with recommendations from people (professors, optometrists, supervisors, etc.) who you feel know you well, personally, and will speak enthusiastically of your ability to excel.

 

[physicslover]

Keep in mind it isn't all about "who" writes the letter: A sincere, thoughtful letter of recommendation from someone who's well-acquainted with your strengths and weaknesses would look better than a generic little note of commendation from a professor who happened to teach your advanced-biochem. class and will spend the end of the semester copying and pasting the same text for fifty students who've managed to secure a "B." Once you've attained the required L.O.R.s (which are required will depend on the school/s to which you're applying), I suggest you fill your remaining slots with recommendations from people (professors, optometrists, supervisors, etc.) who you feel know you well, personally, and will speak enthusiastically of your ability to excel.

Unfortunately at some schools it is,(PCO), if you don't meet their requirements, they don't really care if you LOR writer knows you better or not.

 

[tresrisque]

I also do think it is much better to find rec letter writers who know you well. However, schools do have some specific requirements that you should take note of. To be safe, I would definitely say to get one from the Neuroscience lab professor, the other optometrist, and the organic chem professor. Are you fairly close with all the prospective rec letter writers you mentioned?

 

[Commando303]

Unfortunately at some schools it is,(PCO), if you don't meet their requirements, they don't really care if you LOR writer knows you better or not.

Right, so, as I said, once you've met the requirements for letters, if you have slots remaining, fill them with meaningful recommendations rather than ones that simply come from science professors.

 

[OctoDocto]

Thanks for the responses guys. I am fairly close with all of these people, with the least being the organic chem prof. Although I aced his general chem and o-chem courses (about 2 years ago) and we've chatted a few times outside of class. I'm sure he'll write something meaningful. So it looks like I'll go with two optometrists, o-chem professor, and neuroscience lab.

One more question though, when I worked in the nueroscience lab, I spent most of my time working under a post-grad student who knows me very well. Should I ask him to write it, or his advisor (who I rarely spoke to), or have some kind of co-sign? Thanks.

 

[tresrisque]

I think it would be fine to have the post-grad student write it for you (I'm assuming he's like a TA?). In that case, he would have to have the advisor/faculty member co-sign it if I remember correctly.

Thanks for the responses guys. I am fairly close with all of these people, with the least being the organic chem prof. Although I aced his general chem and o-chem courses (about 2 years ago) and we've chatted a few times outside of class. I'm sure he'll write something meaningful. So it looks like I'll go with two optometrists, o-chem professor, and neuroscience lab.

One more question though, when I worked in the nueroscience lab, I spent most of my time working under a post-grad student who knows me very well. Should I ask him to write it, or his advisor (who I rarely spoke to), or have some kind of co-sign? Thanks.

 

[OctoDocto]

I think it would be fine to have the post-grad student write it for you (I'm assuming he's like a TA?). In that case, he would have to have the advisor/faculty member co-sign it if I remember correctly.

Hmm, well I wouldn't call him my TA since I was working under him in a lab rather than learning from him in a real class. But in the case that I do need a co-sign, that would mean he would have to send a paper copy rather than an electronic copy of the letter, correct?