Non-science LOR

[Khenon]

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Does anyone know how strict schools are about getting non-science LOR's? I've only seen one school so far require it, but I was hoping I could use someone else. I'm sure many of you are in this same boat. Non-trad, years out of undergrad, and all my non-science courses were taken by separate instructors (ie none of them are going to have a clue who I am). I'm currently working and have a letter from my supervisor, but I work in research, so it's technically a science LOR. Also, it seemed like they specifically wanted a professor. I worked closely with the director of the office of multicultural affairs, but she wasn't a prof. If I do manage to get a letter from one of my non-science profs it's going to be BY FAR my weakest letter. It just seems like such a waste.

 

[Nate]

I think many schools ask for a non-science LOR to make it easier on the applicant, rather than ask for 3 science LORs. It is like a “minimum” of sorts. I sent in a ton of LORs and they were all science, the closest one to not being science was Ecology. However, I also had my advisor (who was a science professor) send in an LOR so that may have snuck me past if my assumption is incorrect. I also sent in LORs from professors that I did research with and never took a class with. Good luck

 

[smc927]

Does anyone know how strict schools are about getting non-science LOR's? I've only seen one school so far require it, but I was hoping I could use someone else. I'm sure many of you are in this same boat. Non-trad, years out of undergrad, and all my non-science courses were taken by separate instructors (ie none of them are going to have a clue who I am). I'm currently working and have a letter from my supervisor, but I work in research, so it's technically a science LOR. Also, it seemed like they specifically wanted a professor. I worked closely with the director of the office of multicultural affairs, but she wasn't a prof. If I do manage to get a letter from one of my non-science profs it's going to be BY FAR my weakest letter. It just seems like such a waste.

You might want to call the school in question and explain your situation. You might find that they are perfectly willing to accept a letter from somebody else. Just ask, then you'll know for sure. If you are hesitant to have such a question come from you as an applicant drop me a PM and I'll email them for you. Good luck! 👍

 

[Khenon]

You might want to call the school in question and explain your situation. You might find that they are perfectly willing to accept a letter from somebody else. Just ask, then you'll know for sure. If you are hesitant to have such a question come from you as an applicant drop me a PM and I'll email them for you. Good luck! 👍

I went ahead and emailed them today (the school is West/COMP). I hope Nate is right, and they'll accept my other letters! Thanks for the advice! 🙂

 

[UNE2009LMD]

Does anyone know how strict schools are about getting non-science LOR's? I've only seen one school so far require it, but I was hoping I could use someone else. I'm sure many of you are in this same boat. Non-trad, years out of undergrad, and all my non-science courses were taken by separate instructors (ie none of them are going to have a clue who I am). I'm currently working and have a letter from my supervisor, but I work in research, so it's technically a science LOR. Also, it seemed like they specifically wanted a professor. I worked closely with the director of the office of multicultural affairs, but she wasn't a prof. If I do manage to get a letter from one of my non-science profs it's going to be BY FAR my weakest letter. It just seems like such a waste.

Medical schools like to see LORs from science professors with whom you've taken classes. Ideally, an undergrad committee letter w/ 3 science and 1 non0science..and a whole report on you. You're right though. In your case, it's best to get LORs from people who could write strongly about you rather than someone who barely knows you writing something quickly. Ask the med schools. If you're already a college graduate from way back, I'm pretty sure LORs from supervisors, etc. will suffice yet I know med schools really want LORs from professors to see how you can handle med school academic rigors.

 

[Khenon]

Medical schools like to see LORs from science professors with whom you've taken classes. Ideally, an undergrad committee letter w/ 3 science and 1 non0science..and a whole report on you. You're right though. In your case, it's best to get LORs from people who could write strongly about you rather than someone who barely knows you writing something quickly. Ask the med schools. If you're already a college graduate from way back, I'm pretty sure LORs from supervisors, etc. will suffice yet I know med schools really want LORs from professors to see how you can handle med school academic rigors.

I'm hoping you're right. I actually have 2 profs from my undergrad and grad that are writing for me . . . but they're science profs. I hope between the profs I have, my supervisors (from research labs), and the DO I know it'll cover any ground they're looking for. It just worried me when this one school specifically said they wanted a non-science prof to write a letter. I hope they're not too strict about that! My other references are just so much better. Well, hopefully they'll email me back about it. I'll let you guys know what they say.