LORs from Profs "who have taught you"

[ADeadLois]

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Looking on the websites for a few schools, I have noticed that they say LORs from be from profs who have taught you or from whom you have taken classes with. For one of my LORs, I was planning on getting one from a Prof who I have done research with (independent study for course credit). I have not explicitly taken a class with this person, but I feel a LOR from him would be better and more personal than other profs. Would adcoms discredit this LOR because I have not taken a class with this prof? Input/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DrBowtie]

If anything you could get this person as an extra EC type LOR.

 

[dbhvt]

If you got course credit, than you did explicitly take a class with this prof.

 

[justskipee]

Looking on the websites for a few schools, I have noticed that they say LORs from be from profs who have taught you or from whom you have taken classes with. For one of my LORs, I was planning on getting one from a Prof who I have done research with (independent study for course credit). I have not explicitly taken a class with this person, but I feel a LOR from him would be better and more personal than other profs. Would adcoms discredit this LOR because I have not taken a class with this prof? Input/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

When I was applying earlier this year I was frusterated with how some schools worded their LOR requirements, sometimes it was just too vague. What I did was call the admissions offices of the schools I was confused about and then explained which letters I had and whether that was sufficient. Some schools were not strict, whereas others blatantly said I needed another letter. Clarify with the school about what they mean by class, and if independent study falls under that.

 

[Overeducated]

If you got course credit, than you did explicitly take a class with this prof.

well, I wouldn't say that's true... Getting credit for independent study is not the same things as "taking a class"

 

[ADeadLois]

As an example, Northwestern says you need LORs from profs "who have taught you". UVM says profs "with whom you have taken a class". I'll probably contact theses schools this week, but does anyone with experience applying to these schools have any input?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

As an example, Northwestern says you need LORs from profs "who have taught you". UVM says profs "with whom you have taken a class". I'll probably contact theses schools this week, but does anyone with experience applying to these schools have any input?

honestly, i think they both want the same thing even though uvm worded it a little more clearly. as a rule, you want three letters from professors who have taught you in a class (two need to be science profs). some schools vary, but if you've got these three letters then you're golden for almost every school. it sounds like this letter from the guy overseeing your research will be a good letter and help your app, so definitely submit it. it just won't necessarily count for the three letter requirement.