LORs complication

[theDistractedDentist]

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I saw that maryland requires 1 letter from biology and 1 letter from chemistry. USC requires 2 LECTURE based letters.

Here is my situation,
I have 1 letter from lecture bio professor, 1 letter from a research prof with whom i received academic credits, 1 dentist, 1 physician. My school does not have committee letter.

My question is has anybody gotten in o r interviews without meeting those schools LORs requirements? Can they look past that if my other aspects are great? Honestly, i am not closed to any other chem prof or lecture based science prof in order to ask them for a letter. Is it worth to even apply to them?

Please answer, i am sad as it seems my chances are getting smaller and smaller everyday.


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[zgrf510]

I have the same problem. Please let me know what you find out!

 

[goprodent2]

Why do you have a physician? Most dental schools want to see dentist LORs. they would rather see two dentists than one dentist and one physician. Also, i did have a similar problem as some schools wanted a non-science professor. But it seems the majority of dental schools want two science LORs more than anything. The third they would like to see a dentist, and fourth, if possible, research professor.

So if I were you, I would get one more science (bc most schools require it), and keep the dentist and research professor.

 

[zgrf510]

Why do you have a physician? Most dental schools want to see dentist LORs. they would rather see two dentists than one dentist and one physician. Also, i did have a similar problem as some schools wanted a non-science professor. But it seems the majority of dental schools want two science LORs more than anything. The third they would like to see a dentist, and fourth, if possible, research professor.

So if I were you, I would get one more science (bc most schools require it), and keep the dentist and research professor.

But some schools specifically want biology and chemistry. What if I have physics and Biology would that still work ?

 

[theDistractedDentist]

Why do you have a physician? Most dental schools want to see dentist LORs. they would rather see two dentists than one dentist and one physician. Also, i did have a similar problem as some schools wanted a non-science professor. But it seems the majority of dental schools want two science LORs more than anything. The third they would like to see a dentist, and fourth, if possible, research professor.

So if I were you, I would get one more science (bc most schools require it), and keep the dentist and research professor.

Well, i have two dentist letters so i will just use both, just thought it would be nice to include a physician just because i used to be his medical assistant, but i guess not. But like i said, i really wasn't really closed to any other science prof. Not sure if they even know i was even part of their class lol


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[nasaann]

Most schools specifically state they want two LORs from science professors (+ a dentist/etc), so it'd really be in your best interest to get that physics one you mentioned, because while that might not help you for Maryland, it'll definitely help you for a good amount of other dental schools. You can store all of them on interfolio and send different ones to different schools.

In regards to Maryland itself, the only people who could tell you if they'd accept a physics/non-chemistry LOR is their admissions committee. When in doubt, just send an email.

 

[goprodent2]

@nasaann OP says he has one from physician not a physics prof. In that case, I would agree with you, the science and physics are needed.

OP, I also think it's in your best interest to find a TA ( if you had one) who knows you somewhat who can speak on your behalf and have the Instructor co-sign it since you aren't close to any other faculty. I urge you to look at any dental school requirements, and most will says they want two science LOR's.

Best of luck to you.

EDIT: @nasaann I believe you were answering @zgrf510 response. Yes, I agree the physics would help.

 

[theDistractedDentist]

@nasaann OP says he has one from physician not a physics prof. In that case, I would agree with you, the science and physics are needed.

OP, I also think it's in your best interest to find a TA ( if you had one) who knows you somewhat who can speak on your behalf and have the Instructor co-sign it since you aren't close to any other faculty. I urge you to look at any dental school requirements, and most will says they want two science LOR's.

Best of luck to you.

EDIT: @nasaann I believe you were answering @zgrf510 response. Yes, I agree the physics would help.

The research professor also teaches an upper biology course at my university. I just didn't take his class. I don't know if that will count.


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[osker246]

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[goprodent2]

i would say use your best judgement. If you think having the letters you have will suffice, go for it. At the end of the day you are accountable for your choices. If you want to beat the odds and be on the safe side then find another science professor. If you feel like you would be ok, then stick with what you got.

 

[2jz]

I feel like if the letters you initially submitted don't match what a specific school desires, why not contact that specific school and see if you can have an appropriate letter writer send them a letter directly (this would be in addition to the letters you've already submitted).