Science LOR question

[llee8820]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi, I have a quick question about LOR for Med Schools. I know
that most Med Schools require 2 science faculty letters, but I was
wondering if I ask my supervisor at my undergrad research, does she
count as one? She is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, actually she might be a retired professor,but technically I haven't taken any classes with her. I've just been doing research in her lab for the past few years so she knows me well. Does it matter if she no longer teaches? And does anyone know if her LOR will count as science for MD and DO schools?
Thanks for the help!

 

[rmadell]

I'm pretty sure those 2 required ones have to be from a teacher that you actually took a class from and who graded you. They know you as a student. But, I think it is pretty standard to also have letters from the people you do research with, as they know a lot about your work ethic, etc. I would definitely get a LOR from them, but I don't think it could be used as one of the required 2 science professor letters.

 

[AdamS]

From my experience, it varies by school - check out the websites of the schools you will be applying to. If this topic isn't addressed or if it is in a gray area, just call the admissions office -- often times, they are known to be very nice and helpful.

Just a note, if your school offers them, many medical schools like committee letters. (Some medical schools state that if your school offers one, get one.) At my school, the committee had certain requirements for the individual letters (you must have someone from this category, optionally from this category, etc.), and research mentors/supervisors was a distinct category...

Hope this helps... Good luck!

 

[BlueElmo]

It should be from two professors who taught you in a course. The research letter would be a supplementary letter.

 

[bravofleet4]

you need 2 teachers. period. you know why? b/c they don't tell you the specifics up front, so you apply to all these schools and find out you can't have a complete app at some of them just b/c one of the science LOR's is from a PI but who you didn't actually get a class with. Then you realize that you're already out of the running unless you make a last minute dash for a LOR, so your app gets delayed by another month while you make last minute e-mails and phone calls!!!

Seriously, happened to me...

 

[Appless]

call each school. I had a similar issue and called each school i applied to. Some said a science research LOR would count as a science letters, others said no it doesnt count. In general to avoid hiccups it should be 2 letters from teachers who you took classes with. If this is not possible, call each school before applying as some schools are very strict with LORs and you will just be wasting money applying to them.