Professor Recommendation?

[xoxoheartx3]

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I know that to apply to pharmacy school (well at least for UF and I'm pretty sure for most) you have to have a letter of recommendation from a pharmacist and a professor. I know where I can get a recommendation from a pharmacist but I am stumped as to where to get one from a professor.

I was never a student who stops by a professor's office for help or anything until recently (when I started my chemistry II summer class at the end of May) and I am going to be applying to pharmacy school by next January (that's when the application is due).

I don't know if I should ask my chem professor for a recommendation or wait till this coming fall for another professor. I'm really stuck because either way I don't feel like the professor would know me well enough to write a good recommendation letter for me rather then a generic one.

 

[PharmGrrlJax]

I know that to apply to pharmacy school (well at least for UF and I'm pretty sure for most) you have to have a letter of recommendation from a pharmacist and a professor. I know where I can get a recommendation from a pharmacist but I am stumped as to where to get one from a professor.

I was never a student who stops by a professor's office for help or anything until recently (when I started my chemistry II summer class at the end of May) and I am going to be applying to pharmacy school by next January (that's when the application is due).

I don't know if I should ask my chem professor for a recommendation or wait till this coming fall for another professor. I'm really stuck because either way I don't feel like the professor would know me well enough to write a good recommendation letter for me rather then a generic one.

Are you going to take Organic Chem with the same professor as Chem II? If so, then ask that professor during Organic in the Fall. UF doesn't really give preferential treatment to people apply early (since that is the only school you list I can't say anything about other schools you are looking at), so I would wait to get a more personal recommendation letter.

 

[Monalyce]

This is the perfect example of how important it is to plan ahead!

If you have relationship going with a chemistry professor, and can keep it up this fall, ask them for a letter. Otherwise, look into doing an extra project or just taking the time to ask them about their career path, research, study tips, etc. well before you ask for a letter.

 

[xoxoheartx3]

I have planned on applying UF well ahead of time && i've tried to get the same professor for more than a semester but it never worked out for me that way. I've also tried to become a Teacher's Assistant but it never worked into my schedule. I don't really know what else there is to do and it's really scaring me that I might not have a professor recommendation.

 

[rxlea]

Pick one of your more friendly professors (if you have done well in his/her class). Ask to meet with them about the possibility getting a LOR. Take your transcripts, personal statement, and a few things about you. Have a meeting and explain to the professor why you want to go into pharmacy, tell them about your background and experiences and let them read your personal statement. See if they are willing to write something about you.

 

[owlegrad]

I have planned on applying UF well ahead of time && i've tried to get the same professor for more than a semester but it never worked out for me that way. I've also tried to become a Teacher's Assistant but it never worked into my schedule. I don't really know what else there is to do and it's really scaring me that I might not have a professor recommendation.

First I want to say good luck on getting into UF. Second what makes you think that a professor LOR is required? From UF's admissions requirement page:


Letters of Recommendation

—Two letters are required from separate references. The Admissions Committee prefers letters from (1)a pharmacist and (2)a science professor. A reference can be anyone that knows you well who is not a relative, so it may be a supervisor or other professional. Of course, the content of the letter is more important than the title or position of your reference.

Maybe you have a boss/pastor/mentor/etc. that can fill in for a professor? For that matter I'm sure two pharmacists would do just fine. I am sure their are ample people in your life who would love to help you get into pharmacy school. Also if you're dead-set on getting a LOR from one of your science professors it shouldn't be hard. They are used to getting that request and many (most?) will have no problem doing it. The problem for you will be that it is most likely going to be a generic form letter they have saved on their computer. My advice is to select two people that you know will make good personal LORs for you. I had one from a pharmacist (I do think this is important) and my pastor (who baptised me at birth, watched me grow up and as an added bonus is good with words).​

Anyway like I said before Good Luck!​

​

 

[rxlea]

First I want to say good luck on getting into UF. Second what makes you think that a professor LOR is required? From UF's admissions requirement page:


Letters of Recommendation

​

​

​

—Two letters are required from separate references. The Admissions Committee prefers letters from (1)a pharmacist and (2)a science professor. A reference can be anyone that knows you well who is not a relative, so it may be a supervisor or other professional. Of course, the content of the letter is more important than the title or position of your reference. ​

Maybe you have a boss/pastor/mentor/etc. that can fill in for a professor? For that matter I'm sure two pharmacists would do just fine. I am sure their are ample people in your life who would love to help you get into pharmacy school. Also if you're dead-set on getting a LOR from one of your science professors it shouldn't be hard. They are used to getting that request and many (most?) will have no problem doing it. The problem for you will be that it is most likely going to be a generic form letter they have saved on their computer. My advice is to select two people that you know will make good personal LORs for you. I had one from a pharmacist (I do think this is important) and my pastor (who baptised me at birth, watched me grow up and as an added bonus is good with words).​

​

​

Anyway like I said before Good Luck!​

​

Careful with the pastor stuff. Not every school accepts letters from clergy. In fact, from what I saw, most don't.

 

[owlegrad]

Careful with the pastor stuff. Not every school accepts letters from clergy. In fact, from what I saw, most don't.

What college doesn't accept letters from clergy? I am sure you are telling the truth, I would just like to see those links for myself.

 

[rxlea]

What college doesn't accept letters from clergy? I am sure you are telling the truth, I would just like to see those links for myself.

Go look on PharmCAS under LORs for each school. None of the schools I applied to take letters from clergy.

 

[owlegrad]

Go look on PharmCAS under LORs for each school. None of the schools I applied to take letters from clergy.

Right you are! Many schools only seem to accept healthcare workers/professors. I particularly enjoyed how many schools don't accept politician's LORs. Do many students attempt to get LORs from politicians?

Anyway your statement doesn't apply to the OP because UF does accept LORs from clergy. You are correct that a good rule for all pre-pharmers is to check your school's requirements, thank you for pointing that out.

 

[PharmGrrlJax]

Go look on PharmCAS under LORs for each school. None of the schools I applied to take letters from clergy.

http://www.pharmcas.com/docs/ReqTypebySchool0910.pdf

 

[rxlea]

Right you are! Many schools only seem to accept healthcare workers/professors. I particularly enjoyed how many schools don't accept politician's LORs. Do many students attempt to get LORs from politicians?

Anyway your statement doesn't apply to the OP because UF does accept LORs from clergy. You are correct that a good rule for all pre-pharmers is to check your school's requirements, thank you for pointing that out.

That would be hilarious.

Dear Adcom,

This student would make a great pharmacist. He fully supports my intention to socialize medicine and I know he would be happy to take a salary cut in order to help others and make our society a better place.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama

 

[xoxoheartx3]

wow. thanks guys! i've never really considered asking someone else besides one pharmacist and then one professor. i just always thought that by having one of each it would get me a better chance into getting into UF. thank you so much for your help!