Research Necessary for LOR?

[Frank22]

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My question is whether I should definitely look to do research and then procure a letter of recommendation, or is it just as fine to get an A in a science class and ask that professor for a letter of recommendation? I would really rather not do BS research just to get a LOR (better time spent elsewhere, such as maintaining a 4.0 or studying for the DAT).

 

[stomatology]

I don't see why it wouldn't be "fine to get an A in a science class and ask that professor for a letter of recommendation." That's how most people get most of their recommendations.

Having said that, you will want to get to know the professor and have the professor get to know you in order to have them be able to write you a strong letter. Go to their office hours, talk to them about things in lecture you found interesting, etc. Making that personal connection can have a big difference in the LOR game.

You certainly should not be doing research if you feel that it is BS you do just to get a LOR or checking a box off somewhere. I think that time is better spent studying or on activities you have a passion about.

 

[Frank22]

I don't see why it wouldn't be "fine to get an A in a science class and ask that professor for a letter of recommendation." That's how most people get most of their recommendations.

Having said that, you will want to get to know the professor and have the professor get to know you in order to have them be able to write you a strong letter. Go to their office hours, talk to them about things in lecture you found interesting, etc. Making that personal connection can have a big difference in the LOR game.

You certainly should not be doing research if you feel that it is BS you do just to get a LOR or checking a box off somewhere. I think that time is better spent studying or on activities you have a passion about.

Thank you!

 

[Papasmurf1234]

I agree with the person above. However, I will say that being in a research environment (actual research, not some dish washing job) will allow your professor to know you really well, given that your professor is actually involved and not just puts you with a grad student.

 

[stomatology]

I agree with the person above. However, I will say that being in a research environment (actual research, not some dish washing job) will allow your professor to know you really well, given that your professor is actually involved and not just puts you with a grad student.

Of course the professor will be involved with any research conducted within his/her lab on some level, but it is exceedingly common for undergraduates to be paired with either post-docs or graduate students to serve as their mentor and the primary person they communicate with about their research. The only exception I can think of off the top of my head is if the lab is very small and there are no post-docs or graduate students.

I don't see anything wrong with this system. One can still get to know their research advisor/professor very well, but it does require some effort, just like getting to know a professor one is taking a class with requires some effort.