Which is better 2 strong LOR or 2 strong + 1 mediocre LOR's
Which is better 2 strong LOR or 2 strong + 1 mediocre LOR's
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You need "strong" for every letter lol. What kind of question is this.
If I were you, I would try to get a letter from a dentist that you have shadowed to replace a "mediocre" letter.
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You'all want a letter from a dentist if you want to cover all your bases. A couple schools require them.
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If I remember correctly, I believe most schools required 2 science professors, 1 non-science professor, and 1 from a dentist. Each school is different. Some state you need 1 biochemistry, 1 other science and 1 humanities professor, plus 1 additional letter from a dentist, for example.
In my opinion, its best to get 3 profs and 1 dentist. And when in doubt, get science professors to write them.
In my opinion, its best to get 3 profs and 1 dentist. And when in doubt, get science professors to write them.
I'm trying make my application appear in the best of light. In order to apply to Columbia, you are required 3 science LOR. This would require me to submit 2 strong LOR's mixed with one mediocre LOR. I don't know how detrimental this LOR could be, assuming I have competitive GPA, DAT, and interview.
The majority of other schools that are also my reach schools require only 2 LOR's, but I'm paranoid that if I also submit my mediocre LOR (total of 3 LOR), my chances could be reduced.
Now that I'm writing all this out, I'm realizing how paranoid I am.
🙂
The majority of other schools that are also my reach schools require only 2 LOR's, but I'm paranoid that if I also submit my mediocre LOR (total of 3 LOR), my chances could be reduced.
Now that I'm writing all this out, I'm realizing how paranoid I am.
🙂
"Good" and "Poor" is very relative.
According to Dr. Lisabetta Divita [http://studentdoctor.net/2010/03/the-art-of-obtaining-a-stellar-letter-of-recommendation/] a poor LOR is the following:
"Jared Smith is a very diligent student who will make a great pharmacist. He studies well and is involved with the track team. I recommend him for pharmacy school because he knows how to be a good student.
I was Jared's freshman chemistry professor and he always sat in the front row. He was very attentive and taking notes well. He performed well on my exams— achieving a A- on the first general chemistry exam and an A on my final exam. I would want him to be my pharmacist in the future……"
Dr. Divita comments, "This is considered a poor letter because it is obviously a professor who does not know Jared as an individual. He only knows Jared in the classroom."
According to the same doctor, a good LOR is the following: "Anna Kline is a delight to have in my class. I have taught her organic chemistry, molecular cell biology and served as her mentor with various biology research projects involving the human immunodeficiency virus since her freshman year at State University. We have co-authored papers jointly and she is a very diligent premedical student who puts her all into her work. She spent her weekends working in the lab, devising techniques and developing ideas that I, myself, never thought possible. I see Anna as being an individual at the forefront of medicine, never backing down when challenges arise.
Anna also volunteers at the local free clinic. She frequently tells me and the other lab staff about her various touching patient stories. For instance, a man presented with trouble breathing, chest pain and sweating and Anna tells the story of entering the scene calmly, giving this man aspirin and seeking the help of those around her. Anna is intelligent but is also very humanistic. I highly recommend her for admission into medical school. She will become the ideal physician who takes care of people just like she takes care of her family members……"
The doctor comments, "This is a strong letter because this professor knows Anna inside and outside the classroom. He knows of her specific characteristics and can describe them concretely."
Is this also your interpretation of a good and bad LOR?
It is my opinion that the "bad" LOR as described by Dr. Divita, is actually good or sufficiently satisfactory but not excellent. It would be a B+ sort to speak.
I
iralex801
LORs are just another hoop to jump through. Just make sure it doesn't say anything bad and it probably won't matter that much.
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Really? I thought the majority of dental schools DO NOT require a non-science professor LOR, in addition to 2 science professor LOR's and a extracurricular LOR. Obviously every school is different... some schools DO require 1 science and 1 non science while others require 3 science (Columbia) but that's the minority of dental schools, no? Can anyone clear this up.. do most schools require a non-science professor LOR?
