LORs from Science and Non-science

[pud129]

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Ok, I know that there have been many threads about this, but I just wanted to get this straight in my head.

My situation:
I have secured strong LORs from two science profs at my college and from two MDs with whom I have done clinical research and written papers in the past. One of these MDs is also an associate prof of medicine at a nearby med school. I have very good relationships with all four of these, and expect very strong LORs from all.

I am not in frequent contact with any non science profs that I would feel comfortable getting LORs from for a variety of reasons (study abroad last semester, taking all science classes this term, etc.) I have history or math profs from last year that I could ask, but I don't think they would be high quality recs because I haven't talked to them in a while.

My questions:
Will the four recs from the two science profs and two MDs be sufficient for all schools? Should I ask some of the non-science profs for recs, even though they wouldn't be that good? Is math considered non-science?

Anyway, any insight that anyone has on this topic would be greatly appreciated 😉 Alright, sorry for writing a novel. Thanks

 

[Street Philosopher]

Generally, you will need at least one non-science recommendation letter. Schools are usually strict about this, but maybe some will allow you to only use the 4 science ones. Don't count on it though.

 

[ironey]

Most university professors are understanding about writing letters of recommendation. They know that it's hard to create relationships with teachers outside of your major field of study. My suggestion would be to make an appointment with one (or several) of your previous non-science profs and explain the situation. Try to find someone who will review your resume and interview you and generally take some time to write a thorough LOR.

What about getting an LOR from someone that you worked with in the study abroad program, or a coordinator from the hospital volunteer office?

I'm not sure that I'd go with the Math rec or with only the 4 science recs. I may be biased coming from a "non-traditional" major, but I think it helps to have non-science support for your application. And as was stated before, some schools have a requirement for a non-science rec.

 

[Sonya]

Math, obviously, is a science. But, i would consider history of math non science... however, if it is listed in math department, then I would check with a school.

Are you sure they require non science professors. I'm under the vague impression the non-science letters can come from, like you had, ECs, doctors you worked with, etc. I'm not sure of this (I have a non science professor who will write good for me).

Would you consider technical writing non science? it's a junior level writing class focusing on proffesional/scientific and business writing required for all engineering students, in the engineering policy department... which is part of school of engineering. So, I am assuming that a recomendation letter from my proffesor there is "non-science"... i mean, there really is nothing "scientific" about writing.

Sonya

 

[Trix]

pud129,

I had the same situation when I applied, and I never did ask any of my non-science prof's for a letter. None of the 20 schools I applied to (mostly CA and NY) questioned the LOR's I sent, but I think there may be schools out there that are strict about their policy-don't know for sure.

If I can recall, I had 4 or 5 schools that specifically requested a non-science letter, several that gave you the option ie 2 science letters and a third from a science or a non-science, and I also remember a couple schools asking for 3 letters from professors....so you may want to ask someone just to be on the safe side. Better to have it and not use it than to have to try and get a prof (especially one you don't know so well) to write a letter at the last minute.

 

[carrigallen]

I think that it's better to have only 4 science than only four NON-science. However, it might be good to have from a non-science person...I don't think they need to be humanities professors per se. I do think you need more than science LOR's, if only for peace of mind, since some schools recommend/require a non-science LOR. This is probably just to have someone who will speak for something other than your scientific aptitude...ie your writing, communication, and speaking abilities. But, if your science LOR's talk about your whole package, then prolly just stick with them.

 

[DrLady]

Hi,
I had a question about lor as well. In one of my science classes, one of the TAs ( he is getting his PHD in ecology at the end of this semester but is TAing my physio class) knows me really well and is it ok for me to ask him to write me a LOR and have it co-signed by my professor?

Does a LOR from an MD fall under science LOR? i mean, can i send it as my science LOR?

Thanks!

 

[Street Philosopher]

Originally posted by DrLady
Hi,
I had a question about lor as well. In one of my science classes, one of the TAs ( he is getting his PHD in ecology at the end of this semester but is TAing my physio class) knows me really well and is it ok for me to ask him to write me a LOR and have it co-signed by my professor?

Does a LOR from an MD fall under science LOR? i mean, can i send it as my science LOR?

Thanks!

Yes you can get a co-sign. I'm not sure what adcoms think of those though.

Usually, a science LOR requires you to take a class with that person. An MD LOR will not count as "science" unless it was with a class. Without a class, it would be one of the "other" LOR.

 

[mellantro]

I think it is okay... but definitely get the letter co-signed. The premed advisors at my school actually encourage it since the most important thing about the letter is that it conveys a personal touch. I'm at Penn and our science classes are HUGE, so it is gets kind of tough to get to know a prof unless you've done research with them. Also our advisors say they mention the whole TA business in our cover letters as well, so med schools know what's up. I mean the optimal thing would be if you knew the prof real well, then you're golden, but if your TA can write you a good letter, that's may be a nice substitute.