Science LOR Question

[prettyslick]

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had couple of questions regarding LORs:

1. I had a class with a professor who taught this required capstone/seminar class (2 credits) which is required for ALL BIO majors at my school. Got an A in this class. This same professor I did research with for credit (2 credits - got an A). I think if I asked him to write me an LOR, he would write me a strong LOR (I think). My question is - would this be considered as a professor who taught me a "science" course? since I listed above the class he taught was more of a seminar type class + did research with for credit. I know adcoms want to see LOR from a science prof who taught you a class. Do they prefer a more traditional/lecture style class to get an LOR from?

2. One of the schools I am considering applying to requires an LOR from Physics professor. I took Physics 1 and 2 and got B's in both. Now, they were taught by two different professors. Although, I got a B in Physics, I am pretty sure my Physics 1 professor will write me a "decent" LOR. Would it be ok to ask an LOR from a Physics professor who gave me a B? or should I try to take another Physics course (shoot for A and get an LOR from a new Physics professor) since I definitely need an LOR from a Physics professor because its required for the school I am applying to. My school does not have a committee and thus would need individual LORs.

Thanks everyone for help!

Thanks

 

[BigJuicyWart]

1. I would try to get a letter from a traditional, lecture style class.

2. I would not retake physics. If you submit 4-5 LORs, one mediocre LOR is not really going to kill you.

My best friend is a student adcom member at our school and told me that LORs are basically a "check in the block." It's only the super good ones or super bad ones (<5% of all LORs) that really make much of a difference.

 

[prettyslick]

1. I would try to get a letter from a traditional, lecture style class.

2. I would not retake physics. If you submit 4-5 LORs, one mediocre LOR is not really going to kill you.

My best friend is a student adcom member at our school and told me that LORs are basically a "check in the block." It's only the super good ones or super bad ones (<5% of all LORs) that really make much of a difference.

I see. Thanks. I would love for other people to share to get different inputs.

BTW, how does one become a "student adcom member"? Just out of curiosity...

 

[prettyslick]

bump

 

[146233]

I agree with BigJuicyWart on both counts. Besides, if the school requires a letter from a Physics professor, what choice do you have? I would not recommend retaking physics to try and go from a B to an A.

And student members of admissions committees are usually picked from volunteers. You'll find out how your school does it when you get there. Good luck!