Some questions about LoRs...

[PCxX]

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I'm officially beginning my premed track this coming fall. I'm not entirely sure about how to go about getting LoRs, so I have a few questions:

1. What letters are usually required?

2. Do they mind if I get one in a science class unrelated to the premed track? (say in astronomy)

3. Do they mind if the class isn't taught by an actual professor but a PhD student?

As of now, I am about to finish my astronomy class with an A uncurved (75%+ gets you an A, so that's pretty high). The class is of about 120 people, but the instructor knows me by name and knows who I am beyond just another anonymous face in the class.

I'm certain she would be able to write me a strong rec, but I don't know if it the circumstances surrounding it (not being a premed course, being written so soon in my college career, it not being taught by a professor etc.) would make it not such a good idea.

Any input would be appreciated!

 

[PCxX]

Anyone?

 

[OhioDoc]

I'm officially beginning my premed track this coming fall. I'm not entirely sure about how to go about getting LoRs, so I have a few questions:

1. What letters are usually required?

2. Do they mind if I get one in a science class unrelated to the premed track? (say in astronomy)

3. Do they mind if the class isn't taught by an actual professor but a PhD student?

As of now, I am about to finish my astronomy class with an A uncurved (75%+ gets you an A, so that's pretty high). The class is of about 120 people, but the instructor knows me by name and knows who I am beyond just another anonymous face in the class.

I'm certain she would be able to write me a strong rec, but I don't know if it the circumstances surrounding it (not being a premed course, being written so soon in my college career, it not being taught by a professor etc.) would make it not such a good idea.

Any input would be appreciated!

1. It's a good idea to have 2 science (typically biology, chemistry, math , physics) and 1 non-science letter ready for your disposal. These requirements do vary from school to school, though. For example, Harvard requires a letter from anyone who has ever mentored your research. If your school has a premedical committee that writes a committee letter, you'll want to submit that as opposed to separate/individual letters

2. It's hard to say. I'd try to stick with Biology, chemistry, math, and physics (though astronomy may be classified as a physics course at your school). I'm sure you'll have many more science classes during the course of your collegiate career where you'll have ample opportunity to excel. It's also likely that you'll be a better student/applicant in a couple of years and thus get a better LOR.

3. Try to stick with courses that are taught by actual professors. I'm not sure how much adcoms care about rank (full prof/assoc prof/asst prof/grad student), but I think it probably matters to a certain extent.

Regardless, if you're just beginning your pre-med courses, it's definitely too early to start requesting letters. For now, just focus on being an excellent student and building solid relationships with your professors.