Reference Letter "Leniencey"

[DrScrub]

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Hi guys,

I had a quick question about reference letters. On a lot of schools' websites, they say to get reference letters from 1 bio prof, 1 physics prof, 1 non-science prof etc.. (or some other combination).

I was just wondering, if you don't get letters from these exact people, will it adversely affect your application, or is it fine as long as you get a letter from a professor who taught you, and can speak well of you.

I'm asking this because, I asked one of my non-science profs for a letter, and she said no, because she didn't know how to write reference letters; and I also asked my physics prof, and he said he doesn't have time, and to ask him about a letter sometime in August (which is way toooo late!)

Thanks!!!

 

[joyfulcynic]

First of all, you might try pressing the non-science prof you mentioned a bit more, and providing her with a template for a strong letter to see if that gives her an idea of what to do. If nothing else it will stop her from giving a canned excuse of "I don't know how."

Second:
The science letters can also come from engineering professors. I know this for a fact because this is what I did. However, obviously this may not work for you. In general though, I think you might have a hard time skirting the requirement for science professor LORs unless there are clear and understandable reasons why you would have trouble acquiring them (took the classes many years ago, professors died... etc.).

 

[DrScrub]

First of all, you might try pressing the non-science prof you mentioned a bit more, and providing her with a template for a strong letter to see if that gives her an idea of what to do. If nothing else it will stop her from giving a canned excuse of "I don't know how."

Second:
The science letters can also come from engineering professors. I know this for a fact because this is what I did. However, obviously this may not work for you. In general though, I think you might have a hard time skirting the requirement for science professor LORs unless there are clear and understandable reasons why you would have trouble acquiring them (took the classes many years ago, professors died... etc.).

I got 2 letters from science profs, but I was mainly worried about the science prof, because she said no again. So if I had letters from my science profs, and someone else, would all of the schools still accept these?

 

[TurkDorian]

I also had a similar question 😛

 

[infinitessimal]

I remember reading a thread where someone had that same question for a particular school, and ended up calling the admissions office. They told him/her that they understand it is sometimes not possible to request all the suggested letters, and not getting a specific professor will not rule out their application. So if you know the school in question, your best bet is to make sure by giving them a call. I think that will supersede any of our musings.

 

[justAstudent]

I remember reading a thread where someone had that same question for a particular school, and ended up calling the admissions office. They told him/her that they understand it is sometimes not possible to request all the suggested letters, and not getting a specific professor will not rule out their application. So if you know the school in question, your best bet is to make sure by giving them a call. I think that will supersede any of our musings.

Some schools also allow you to explain why you don't have the required letters, but that didn't happen too often in my experience. I would try to get the letters if at all possible just to avoid the headache.

 

[scarletgirl777]

First of all, you might try pressing the non-science prof you mentioned a bit more, and providing her with a template for a strong letter to see if that gives her an idea of what to do. If nothing else it will stop her from giving a canned excuse of "I don't know how."

Second:
The science letters can also come from engineering professors. I know this for a fact because this is what I did. However, obviously this may not work for you. In general though, I think you might have a hard time skirting the requirement for science professor LORs unless there are clear and understandable reasons why you would have trouble acquiring them (took the classes many years ago, professors died... etc.).

Any time someone says they don't want to give you a letter, pretty much do not press it no matter what reason they give you. Chances are that it will be a weak letter, and a weak or lukewarm letter will be a red flag--since you picked your letter writers, all of these letters should be glowing. One school asked me to give a letter for every single research experience I had and I did not do that and got in, but I would think something like not meeting the bare minimum of letters and not being able to find the 1 or 2 science letters you need for a complete application would be a problem. You can also ask TAs to write you letters and have faculty members cosign them or even adjust them and sign them on your own if your other options are large lecture classes where the professor does not know you as well personally.

 

[nemo123]

It would be best to call the school directly and asking about LOR requirements. I know that Einstein told me that all applicants who were science majors were required to get a letter from a faculty member in their department regardless of whether the applicant is getting a committee LOR.

 

[joyfulcynic]

On second thought, scarletgirl777 is probably right. She's just not that into you :/ and you don't want a lukewarm letter.

 

[pietachok]

First of all, you might try pressing the non-science prof you mentioned a bit more, and providing her with a template for a strong letter to see if that gives her an idea of what to do. If nothing else it will stop her from giving a canned excuse of "I don't know how."

Second:
The science letters can also come from engineering professors. I know this for a fact because this is what I did. However, obviously this may not work for you. In general though, I think you might have a hard time skirting the requirement for science professor LORs unless there are clear and understandable reasons why you would have trouble acquiring them (took the classes many years ago, professors died... etc.).

When someone really wants to write you a LOR but isn't familiar with the content/format of med school LORs, they'll ask you for a sample or information about it rather than telling you "No. I don't know how." This is an answer from someone who doesn't want to write it for whatever reason. You don't want a letter from someone who was that disinterested in writing one for you.