Slight issue with Non-science LOR

[maxx52188]

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Hey everyone,

So im starting to line up who I want to write my LORs for me and i'm having a difficult time setting up my non-science LOR. Unfortunately I took all my general ed before I knew I was a pre-med and now I'm an Exercise Physiology major. I now have two options;

1) Ill be taking second semester english in spring of 2012 but ill be applying June 2012. Would it be too short of notice and/or rude to ask for a LOR from that professor coming so close to the application cycle?

2) Last semester I took a class in my upper division requirements called "Sports Epidemiology." Would that be considered a non-science class, even though its from the Kinesiology department?

Now if you answer yes, I have another question; the course was ENTIRELY taught by a TA but he and I developed a great relationship. ASSUMING THIS IS CONSIDERED A NON-SCIENCE CLASS would you suggest getting a LOR directly from him, or asking him to write one under the PhD?

Thanks!

 

[Forca Barca]

LOR's from TA's are not recommended. Some schools might accept it if a PHD co-sign it but it depends on the school again.

I think month and a half is a good period of time to build a reationship with your eng prof.

Now you can always go back to your previous professors of non-science, I'm sure they will remember you and they can look your grades up too

 

[jab8220]

The TA can write the letter but make sure it is primarily from the PhD.

 

[paul411]

The goal of letters of recommendation is for adcoms to hear about how good a student you are from someone who has the experience and credibility to make this judgement. With that in mind, letters from TA's carry little weight.

Some advice from LizzyM:

Cosigning isn't much help. Do try to get letters from people who earned their doctorate more than 10 years ago and who have been teaching since then...

Source

If you already have two other strong letters from senior faculty and this is a third letter, a cosigned letter might pass. But if you can avoid it, avoid it.

 

[nysw]

1) Ill be taking second semester english in spring of 2012 but ill be applying June 2012. Would it be too short of notice and/or rude to ask for a LOR from that professor coming so close to the application cycle?

No, just ask before finals start. If you ask in April/May, give them 4-6 weeks. This is usually enough time.
Besides, your application will probably have you chill for a bit anyway due to course verification.