Science LOR Question

[AyeMandaPanda]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello Everyone,

I am currently in my last year of college at my undergrad institution. I have ideas lined up for my letters of recommendation, but after reading something on reddit I am now thinking I might need to reconsider my letter writers. I am under the understanding that it is customary to have 3 letters of recommendation minimum with 2 being science professors and 1 being non-science. My current two science letters were planned to be a pair of professors that I work on a research team with. 1 of them I had for my Organic chem 1 and 2 classes, but the second I've never had as an instructor (he does teach chem 1 at the school but I didn't take him). Should I look for an alternative second science letter due to the lack of enrollment in any of his classes, or is it ok to use him either way? Also, if I received credit for doing the research work with him (like a class I sign up for that grants me credit hours with him being listed as the instructor) could that work for the requirement? I've gotten close to both of these professors and really do not want to loose one of them as a LOR, but he does not teach any classes I can take at this point, nor do I really have time in my degree for that class with my graduation coming up this spring. Knowing now if I need to find another science source would be much better than later on, so any help is appreciated as always.

Thank You

 

[Isoval]

Your current plan of action is completely fine.

Your relationship with the professors is far more powerful than whether or not you took classes with them, and, generally speaking, letters from a PI tend to be some of the best letters most people will have as they have the opportunity to experience your unadulterated work ethic, critical thinking, and your drive.

The worst letters (that aren’t outright denouncing the applicant) are letters that come from people who choose a professor with whom they took a 300-person class and has little recollection of who they are.

So, in short, keep doing what you’re doing.

Personally, I submitted five letters.
1 - a professor with whom I took a class x1 semester and TAed x4 semesters
2 - my PI with whom I’d done research for two years
3 - a general studies dean with whom I’d worked to establish new student events
4 - a communications professor whom I’d regularly visited in office for all four years of college
5 - a charge nurse with whom I’d met during my time volunteering in a hospital.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

It is a consensus but you need to check all the requirements for each school you apply to. Some may require 3 letters for example. You never know but don't find out by surprise after you submit your application.