PTCAS LOR Question

[himonocat]

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When asking for a letter of recommendation, is it better to ask a professor in which you earned a good grade in their class? I am thinking about asking my university chemistry professor, I got 2 C's and 1 B. Will my grades be a hinderance from writing a good letter of recommendation? I have gone to her office hours to talk about my performance and she had made accommodations for me for a change of testing environment at one point. I have also volunteered multiple times at a science fair she puts on for local elementary schools.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Skyris]

If I had to choose between a professor who gave me a B, but with whom I had a good relationship and they had communicated to me that they were enthusiastic about writing a strong letter of recommendation, versus a professor who gave me an A but we never really talked, they didn't know me that well, and/or I felt they were not enthusiastic about writing the letter, I'd probably go with the B grade prof.

I'd say it is possible to get a great letter from a professor who gave you a B. I had my microbiology professor tell me he has written a letter for a student who got a C, plenty for students who got B's, and he emphasized what a difficult class it was.

 

[starrsgirl]

I would be super up front about your concern. The professor needs to be able to affirm your ability to handle hard academic classes. I would be worried the recommendation would end up "he/she is a great person but not a strong student". Talk to the professor first and see if they feel they can speak to your academic ability despite your low grades.

 

[himonocat]

mmendation would end up "he/she is a great person but not a strong student". Talk to the professor first and see if they feel they can speak to your academic ability despite your low grades.

What would be a good way to approach my professor about my concern? I am only able to contact her through email since I graduated from the university and don't live nearby.

 

[starrsgirl]

What would be a good way to approach my professor about my concern? I am only able to contact her through email since I graduated from the university and don't live nearby.

I would go with something like "I'm applying to PT school this cycle and need a reference from a professor. I feel like you know me well from office visits, special projects, and volunteer work. It is important for my application that a professor be able to speak to my ability to do well in the academic setting at PT school. In your classes I received (specific classes and specific grade so she doesn't have to go look them up). (Say something about them next....despite me receiving a C in the first class with you, I was able to do X, Y and Z and turn that around. I've worked hard on my study habits since then). Are you willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation for my application? I will provide you with my resume and and also a few paragraphs detailing my work with you (this is where you basically send a draft recommendation that is super specific about all of your work and points the recommendation to cover your weak application areas). I'm happy to give you a call at your convenience to talk more about this as needed"


On a side note, did you double check that your PT schools will accept 2 Cs? Many will take only 1 C in pre req courses.

 

[himonocat]

I would go with something like "I'm applying to PT school this cycle and need a reference from a professor. I feel like you know me well from office visits, special projects, and volunteer work. It is important for my application that a professor be able to speak to my ability to do well in the academic setting at PT school. In your classes I received (specific classes and specific grade so she doesn't have to go look them up). (Say something about them next....despite me receiving a C in the first class with you, I was able to do X, Y and Z and turn that around. I've worked hard on my study habits since then). Are you willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation for my application? I will provide you with my resume and and also a few paragraphs detailing my work with you (this is where you basically send a draft recommendation that is super specific about all of your work and points the recommendation to cover your weak application areas). I'm happy to give you a call at your convenience to talk more about this as needed"


On a side note, did you double check that your PT schools will accept 2 Cs? Many will take only 1 C in pre req courses.

I have retaken the pre-reqs that I have received a C in. Retaking my last C pre-req class for physics this summer.
Thank you for the feedback!