Should I include this letter of recommendation?

[rhms98]

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Currently, I have four letters (2 PI, 2 professor). The 2 PI letters are extremely strong, but I am now having concerns about the professor letter from a high-level math course I took. I had a great working relationship with him, and he told me I was a top student in the course, and he was happy to write me the letter. However, I am worried that the conventions for letters of rec may be different for med school compared to what he normally writes (his field is computational math), and could potentially include a weakness or not be "glowing." I would not be surprised if I'm the first student he's ever had to write a medical school recommendation letter for. I've heard of some letter writers offering a "balanced" perspective rather than effusive praise, and I could see him doing this. I can't think of any reason I've given him to include a weakness, but is it fair to be concerned about a non-exceptional letter from him simply due to his field?
For context, I am applying to many T20s because I am a high-stat applicant, and leaving his letter out would leave me with 3 strong letters - it fits the minimum at many schools, but is this enough to be competitive for top schools?

 

[Goro]

Give him the AMCAS template for LORs, and ask him "can you write me a strong LOR for my med school app?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

So you have a choice. If you need this professor's letter, talk about what this let should say and encourage them to talk with your prehealth team about the AAMC letters brochure or guidelines. Work collaboratively within their comfort level in writing a "confidential" letter. Understand this won't be finished tomorrow.

The other option is: defer to the other two strong science letters you have.

 

[rhms98]

Give him the AMCAS template for LORs, and ask him "can you write me a strong LOR for my med school app?

Sorry, should've specified in the post, but this letter's been written already, just not assigned to schools. Luckily I've done both those things, and he was very enthusiastic. I am certain the letter will overall be positive, but I am worried for the case he might provide a "balanced" perspective with strengths and weaknesses.

 

[rhms98]

So you have a choice. If you need this professor's letter, talk about what this let should say and encourage them to talk with your prehealth team about the AAMC letters brochure or guidelines. Work collaboratively within their comfort level in writing a "confidential" letter. Understand this won't be finished tomorrow.

The other option is: defer to the other two strong science letters you have.

I do have this letter in hand already, and I did provide him with the AAMC guidelines. In the case that I don't use this letter, would it be detrimental to only send 3 letters (2 PI, 1 science prof)? These are very strong, but I think 3 letters would be low for t20s. I am concerned that even one negative comment in an overall positive letter for this 4th professor would sink my app

 

[Goro]

I do have this letter in hand already, and I did provide him with the AAMC guidelines. In the case that I don't use this letter, would it be detrimental to only send 3 letters (2 PI, 1 science prof)? These are very strong, but I think 3 letters would be low for t20s. I am concerned that even one negative comment in an overall positive letter for this 4th professor would sink my app

Please have mercy on those of us who have to read these things. More is not always better. We have already told you not to use this LOR, and we're not going to tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear.