recommendation letters from research mentors?

[guppy3]

For AMCAS, does a letter from a research mentor (who is a professor in the chemistry department) count as a science LOR? Although I never took a course that he taught, I did sign up to do an independent research project (pass/fail course) where I continued the work that I normally did, but for credit. It's listed on my transcript as CHEM 399: Tutorial Projects in Chemistry.

I always considered him as a science LOR, but reading through previous posts I'm not sure. I'm doing an internal committee before submitting my AMCAS application--we are only allowed to submit 5 LORs, and if I do find an alternative professor that I actually took a class with (it wouldn't be a very strong LOR) I would bump out one of the 5 I have already chosen which are very strong 🙁

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[rhesuspieces]

You should be fine. Some schools don't even specify that the science prof needs to have taught you in a course. For schools that do specify that, independent research for credit should count as a "course."

I used a letter from my PI as one of my science letters--I did thesis credits with her. Worked OK for me.

 

[chiapet874]

Some schools will not accept a PI's letter as a replacement for a science professor. Generally, they want to see 2 science profs (who actually taught you a class directly) and 1 non-science prof (again- someone who taught a class you were in). Your PI can count as an supplement letter.

 

[bdvz]

Does anyone else have opinions about this? Or does anyone know which schools will not accept a PI's letter even if they taught you in an "independent study" type course and are a science professor? Thanks 😀

 

[vc7777]

Please keep in mind the intention of the letters. The 'oft quoted "2 science and 1 non-science" letters should be from faculty who had interacted with you in a learning/academic environment. Adcoms want to see letters that can attest to your behavior in this setting.

A research PI LOR is a strong and useful letter that can be used to prove you have abilities to generate hypothesis, work in multidisciplinary teams, and frankly even take orders in a structured workplace. This is a valuable letter to have (especially when required - at schools like mine). However, do not confuse this with a science professor LOR.

Furthermore, it sounds like you have several LORs from 4 or 5 other professors that will be combined into a committee letter. This by itself should satisfy most adcoms (although you may want to double check with particular schools).

Best of luck

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[vc7777]

Does anyone else have opinions about this? Or does anyone know which schools will not accept a PI's letter even if they taught you in an "independent study" type course and are a science professor? Thanks 😀

Having it show up on a transcript doesn't magically make it an academic experience, IMHO. That is, unless there was some didactic or small group work more akin a traditional lecture or class then this is still a research LOR, and not one of the core science letters.

Having said that - an overworked adcom may not realize your letter isn't from someone who taught you in a class setting. It may be fine and dandy and get you an interview.

On the other hand, they may quibble about it further down the line when they more closely consider your application - after it is too late for you to get another LOR.

If I were you, I would try and acquire aother science professor LOR as well. But that's my two cents. Take it with a grain of salt.

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[medbunny56]

@gyngyn do you know the answer to this question? if an LOR from a research PI in which you have units for research on the transcript (Pass grade) counts as a science faculty letter?