science LOR from a TA?

[rkaz]

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Hi all. I was wondering if it is acceptable to get a science LOR from a teaching assistant?

I am in a situation where I graduated with my bachelor's degree in 2004, and then did an MPH degree afterwards. Now I'm applying to med school, but am having a LOT of difficulty finding science instructors to write my LOR as hardly any remember me much... as it's been 4 years since I've taken science courses. (I already have excellent LORs from my non-science professors and clinical supervisors).

I found one science professor who said she'll write me a letter if I am in a pinch, but that she would suggest I find someone else as she only vaguely remembers me (and I had her class in my final year, and had her twice as a professor). So unless I want to seek out professors from 2000-2002 who I think would hardly remember me, I'm not sure what to do.

There is one of my TAs who I think does remember me fairly well, as I met with her for several occasions to get homework assistance and tutoring. Would it be fine to get her to write my science LOR? (In fact, I think she's graduated with her PhD now... so she'd be Dr. XXX"). I have heard of cases in which the TA wrote the letter and got the course instructor to sign the letter as someone to 'second' it... but I don't know if I could do this as I'm sure the professor doesn't remember me at all. (Plus I remember he said he'd ony write letters for 'A' students, and I got a 'B' in that upper level science class).

Thoughts??

 

[Lukkie]

TAs are not faculty so they can't really write LORs. however, what usually happens in this type of situation (where the professor doesn't know you too well due to large class size or a number of other factors, and your main contact is the TA which you see regularly) is, the TA writes the actual letter and the professor signs it on their letterhead. ask the professor the TA serves if this is acceptable.

 

[SirGecko]

I had a professor that would include the TA's comments in our letters if we asked and the TA had something to say. As for an entire letter written by the TA... I'd say only if the professor will put their name on there too. (and even then I'd call some schools to check)

 

[RoyBasch]

TAs are not faculty so they can't really write LORs. however, what usually happens in this type of situation (where the professor doesn't know you too well due to large class size or a number of other factors, and your main contact is the TA which you see regularly) is, the TA writes the actual letter and the professor signs it on their letterhead. ask the professor the TA serves if this is acceptable.

👍 I believe this is the correct protocol make sure both the TA and professor are on the same page.
-Roy

 

[thoffen]

Common topic. Search is your friend.

 

[rkaz]

Thanks so much for all your advice! I'll contact the course instructor and the schools to see if this is possible.