May extra science courses just for LOR? Any opinion?

[WannabeMAAWFAN]

This will be my first post in dental forum. I am applying for Dental school this 2009 cycle. I graduated many years ago. Since I am a non-science major (nursing), I have only one biology professor who I feel comfortable about asking for LOR. However, most dental school will ask for two letters from science instructors. I called UOP and Temple, and they said I can substitute my nursing faculty advisor for a science professor (but my application may not be as strong as other applicants). I think getting an extra LOR from a science professor will expand my choices for schools, since Temple and UOP are very competitive.

Anyone non-traditional student has this kind of dilemma?? Paying ~$900 & lose my hours at work just to take a 4-credit Analytical chemistry course? And there's no guarantee whether I will get A and whether she will write me letter.

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[BioMaxDDS]

This will be my first post in dental forum. I am applying for Dental school this 2009 cycle. I graduated many years ago. Since I am a non-science major (nursing), I have only one biology professor who I feel comfortable about asking for LOR. However, most dental school will ask for two letters from science instructors. I called UOP and Temple, and they said I can substitute my nursing faculty advisor for a science professor (but my application may not be as strong as other applicants). I think getting an extra LOR from a science professor will expand my choices for schools, since Temple and UOP are very competitive.

Anyone non-traditional student has this kind of dilemma?? Paying ~$900 & lose my hours at work just to take a 4-credit Analytical chemistry course? And there's no guarantee whether I will get A and whether she will write me letter.

I think a good LOR from nursing professor is better than a science professor who doesn't really know you that well.

 

[supraman]

Are you going through a committee? You know that science also can be microbiology, physics, chemistry as well right? I would just try to setup an office hour appointment with one of the professors and just tell them you were in their class and if were possible to write a letter of recommendation stating you did well in a prerequisite class for D-school and that they support you blah blah. One time I just went to check my grade on an exam and told her my aspirations (To be a Dent) and she just goes: Oh if you need a LOR, just let me know. I had not ever spoke to her prior. So its worth a shot to ask, good luck

 

[WannabeMAAWFAN]

Are you going through a committee? You know that science also can be microbiology, physics, chemistry as well right? I would just try to setup an office hour appointment with one of the professors and just tell them you were in their class and if were possible to write a letter of recommendation stating you did well in a prerequisite class for D-school and that they support you blah blah. One time I just went to check my grade on an exam and told her my aspirations (To be a Dent) and she just goes: Oh if you need a LOR, just let me know. I had not ever spoke to her prior. So its worth a shot to ask, good luck

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately, most of my science courses are very old and are from CC. I got A from Biochem last semester but the professor doesn't know me due to large class (170 students). There is one Biology professor that taught me 5 years ago at community college. I think he might vaguely remember me. I will give it a try. I will meet with him personally next week. I don't think it's worth the stress and money just to take a class for an LOR.

 

[WannabeMAAWFAN]

Are you going through a committee? You know that science also can be microbiology, physics, chemistry as well right? I would just try to setup an office hour appointment with one of the professors

I went to see my biology professor today for a recommendation for dental schools. Instead, he persuaded me to go ahead and enroll in the pharmacy school (already accepted) and try to get into pharmaceutical/chemistry research or get a Ph.D.. He said "You are a very intelligent person. I think you need something more intellectually demanding." I should have told him that I may be not that intellectual and like a routine boring but rewarding job that pays ok. That way, he may write me a letter right away. Anyway, I believe dentistry is a great field.

I can't convince him to believe that I should go into dentistry.
He is a very nice guy though. If I am very persistent, I believe he would write me a good one.

I may try to apply anyway with only one reference from a science teacher.

 

[supraman]

Wow really? Is he still going to write one? At least you'll be getting one! You try any other sci classes?

 

[WannabeMAAWFAN]

Wow really? Is he still going to write one? At least you'll be getting one! You try any other sci classes?

none of them will remember me. My pre-reqs are very old (5-7years).. He remembered me because I did very good on in his classes. He will write me one but I have to convince him why I want to be a dentist... I think.. I got B in physics II. I got A in Physic I and Gen Chem I but they definitely won't remember me.

 

[WannabeMAAWFAN]

Yep.. I think I might be taking the class. I am going to the class tomorrow. It's a Microbiology class and most importantly the instructor is also a pre-dental advisor.


It's cost $826 dollar + cost of 120 miles of gas /weeks during 8 week period, and I have to decide by the end of tomorrow. The most important thing I will be looking for is the personality of the instructor. It is difficult to predict if he would write me a recommendation. If he is approachable, then asking for a letter of recommendation would be possible (if I perform well in his class).

I don't want to be at risk of not having enough LORs for science professors.


Yes! I am crazy but I am desperate for LOR.

 

[supraman]

I think if you go ahead and do it, to meet this guy the first day and talk about if they would be comfortable writing a LOR for you. Then ace the class, and you would be all set with that LOR. Good luck in the class!

 

[WannabeMAAWFAN]

I think if you go ahead and do it, to meet this guy the first day and talk about if they would be comfortable writing a LOR for you. Then ace the class, and you would be all set with that LOR. Good luck in the class!

You may not be superstitious but I am..
I tossed the coin and turned out to be "head"--don't take the class (4 times in a roll).

At least, I am eligible to apply for one school, Temple University.
I will get three letters: Biology instruct, Nursing faculty and Employer.