Strong LORs make up for low mcat/gpa?

[ericado]

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Do you think strong letters of rec can make up for a low mcat/gpa? Sometimes, I wonder how much emphasis is placed on Letters of Rec!

 

[MikeyLu2010]

not to be pessimistic..but I think the majority of students have fairly strong LOR...at least..most of the "what are my chances thread" almost always include ..good EC awesome LOR in there somewhere...then again..im only a premed..and do not know exactly wat the adcoms look for..i am also interested in this..my LOR's are pretty darn strong too...and i also have low gpa/mcat =/

 

[SOUNDMAN]

No I don't think they'll help you. Unless they have some connection to the school itself.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

not to be pessimistic..but I think the majority of students have fairly strong LOR...at least..most of the "what are my chances thread" almost always include ..good EC awesome LOR in there somewhere...then again..im only a premed..and do not know exactly wat the adcoms look for..i am also interested in this..my LOR's are pretty darn strong too...and i also have low gpa/mcat =/

that's true -- i don't think i've ever read a single what are my chances thread where the posted didn't state that his/her lor's were strong.

 

[Nate]

You need to have a foundation before you can build a house. You need a foundation (MCAT, GPA) before you can build an application (LORs, Experiences, Interview). However, if you mean low as in lower than average but not non-competitively low or low as in a bit low but with some really extenuating circumstance, yes I think it can help. When you say strong LOR I assume you mean strong in content and a good author. The author is most important and yes if that author is an alumnus or faculty of the school then I think it is even better.

 

[dr.z]

No I don't think they'll help you. Unless they have some connection to the school itself.

I don't think it helps you that much. I assume most applicants have good LOR.

 

[DD214_DOC]

A great LOR that says more than just how you fared in a class can create an expectation of you. It's still up to you to meet that expectation. They should confirm what your grades and MCAT demonstrate, not contradict them.