Should I take a science class my PI teaches to double a research/science LOR? Please help!

[mono-aware]

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Hi,

This is my first time on SDN so please bear with me. I am considering applying in the 2020 cycle and realized that I have less than a year to solidify my LOR's (I didn't build strong relationships with a lot of STEM professors). I have the option to take a biochem class that my current PI (I've been in lab for 2 years now) teaches or to take another biochem class that better prepares me for the MCAT. The class my PI teaches is more chemistry based, and would not be as useful for the MCAT.

I was wondering if anyone can help me with which class to choose for potential LOR's. Do most medical schools require/expect a research LOR? If so, would it be better for me to take a biochem class my PI doesn't teach and ask him for just a research rec (so find 2 science classes and 1 humanity class)? Or would it be better to take his class and have him write a rec that testifies to my academics and research? I am worried that if I do the latter, I will have forgone a chance for my PI to talk about my research if there is a research LOR required for medical schools (it's one of my main ECs). I guess another thing I'm asking is, is it common for medical schools to expect a separate research LOR or not as common?

I have until tomorrow to decide since classes start! Please help :/

Thanks!

 

[DNAJB6]

Hi,

This is my first time on SDN so please bear with me. I am considering applying in the 2020 cycle and realized that I have less than a year to solidify my LOR's (I didn't build strong relationships with a lot of STEM professors). I have the option to take a biochem class that my current PI (I've been in lab for 2 years now) teaches or to take another biochem class that better prepares me for the MCAT. The class my PI teaches is more chemistry based, and would not be as useful for the MCAT.

I was wondering if anyone can help me with which class to choose for potential LOR's. Do most medical schools require/expect a research LOR? If so, would it be better for me to take a biochem class my PI doesn't teach and ask him for just a research rec (so find 2 science classes and 1 humanity class)? Or would it be better to take his class and have him write a rec that testifies to my academics and research? I am worried that if I do the latter, I will have forgone a chance for my PI to talk about my research if there is a research LOR required for medical schools (it's one of my main ECs). I guess another thing I'm asking is, is it common for medical schools to expect a separate research LOR or not as common?

I have until tomorrow to decide since classes start! Please help :/

Thanks!

Take the course with your PI. Ask the other professor if you can sit in his/her class and explain the situation if you can fit it into your schedule. I think a PI/science professor LOR is strong as it allows the evaluator to analyze you from several perspectives/situations.

 

[Engrailed]

Hi,

This is my first time on SDN so please bear with me. I am considering applying in the 2020 cycle and realized that I have less than a year to solidify my LOR's (I didn't build strong relationships with a lot of STEM professors). I have the option to take a biochem class that my current PI (I've been in lab for 2 years now) teaches or to take another biochem class that better prepares me for the MCAT. The class my PI teaches is more chemistry based, and would not be as useful for the MCAT.

I was wondering if anyone can help me with which class to choose for potential LOR's. Do most medical schools require/expect a research LOR? If so, would it be better for me to take a biochem class my PI doesn't teach and ask him for just a research rec (so find 2 science classes and 1 humanity class)? Or would it be better to take his class and have him write a rec that testifies to my academics and research? I am worried that if I do the latter, I will have forgone a chance for my PI to talk about my research if there is a research LOR required for medical schools (it's one of my main ECs). I guess another thing I'm asking is, is it common for medical schools to expect a separate research LOR or not as common?

I have until tomorrow to decide since classes start! Please help :/

Thanks!

Just from reading the title, my answer/non-expert opinion is YES! Go for it. Seems like a great way to get a strong LOR plus know your PI better

 

[907914]

A PI letter by itself will useually already be a strong optional letter, if you take their class then it can be the required science letter and can be even stronger. I would caution, however, if the PI is not a good instructor and you have not yet developed self studying skills, GPA protection may be more important (particularly if it is a prereq).