Why is temple so anal?

[stooges287]

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Temple's LOR requirements are 2 science letters, like any other school. What I want to know is, why they are totally uncompromising on that (I have one engin, one science). Out of the 24 schools I've applied to, I've called each one about this issue and only temple has essentially said it will be a major issue in your application. What gives?

 

[Haemulon]

Temple's LOR requirements are 2 science letters, like any other school. What I want to know is, why they are totally uncompromising on that (I have one engin, one science). Out of the 24 schools I've applied to, I've called each one about this issue and only temple has essentially said it will be a major issue in your application. What gives?

It is what it is. Rather than fight it, it's probably easier just to try and get the LOR's that they require. You did the right thing by calling and asking, but looks like your stuck with the requirement. I remember a few schools that were more strict than Temple. One comes to mind that wanted 3 science LOR's, with one specifically being Biology, one Chemistry, and one Physics. Talk about a pain! The way around this was to have a pre-med committee letter (thank goodness my school had one!).

 

[stooges287]

Yeah, I mean there's really not much I can do. I can't get any science letters that won't be completely generic (in other words, talking to professors I haven't talked to before). I think what I'm going to do is write an explanation for my engineering letter... something the secretary said might fly.

 

[coralfangs]

they dont think engineering is science?

 

[jae9970]

im pretty sure the letters you get from engineering professors will count as science letters

can anyone confirm this though?

 

[rup47]

Stooges, I pmed you a contact at Temple that may be able to better answer your question, good luck.

Also, Temple's a great school and have found the administration to be helpful and understanding for the most part.

 

[jae9970]

It is what it is. Rather than fight it, it's probably easier just to try and get the LOR's that they require. You did the right thing by calling and asking, but looks like your stuck with the requirement. I remember a few schools that were more strict than Temple. One comes to mind that wanted 3 science LOR's, with one specifically being Biology, one Chemistry, and one Physics. Talk about a pain! The way around this was to have a pre-med committee letter (thank goodness my school had one!).

i was reading the instruction and i wasnt very clear about this... so if i have the pre-med committee letter composed and sent to Temple, i dont have to worry about the requirement? My LoRs are all from engineering classes, which i thought were considered science

 

[Lshapley]

i was reading the instruction and i wasnt very clear about this... so if i have the pre-med committee letter composed and sent to Temple, i dont have to worry about the requirement? My LoRs are all from engineering classes, which i thought were considered science

Don't know about Temple, per se, but that is the case with most schools it seems. Committee letter trumps all!

 

[stooges287]

i was reading the instruction and i wasnt very clear about this... so if i have the pre-med committee letter composed and sent to Temple, i dont have to worry about the requirement? My LoRs are all from engineering classes, which i thought were considered science

So the deal is, some schools will accept engineering LORs as science LORs. Others will require you to write a little blurb about why you have an engineering LOR instead of a science one (and still accept it). Very few will not accept one (Why would they turn down an applicant just because of a LOR? You can still apply to the school, but will probably be at a disadvantage). But the key is, for EVERY school you apply to, CALL or otherwise contact their admissions office on the issue. Do not assume that what holds for one schools holds for the rest, and this idea holds for the admissions process in general. So in summary, do not assume engineering LORs will count as science. I hope that helps.

 

[searun]

Look, engineering is applied science, not pure science. There is a difference between pure and applied. So if the med school wants pure science, you have got to give them pure science, not applied. Frankly, this is why I hang out with literature majors on Friday night. Sometimes you have to be pure not applied.

 

[viciouz]

Damn... So my research science letter wont work huh? I was goign to call them and ask them about it tomorrow.

 

[jae9970]

Look, engineering is applied science, not pure science. There is a difference between pure and applied. So if the med school wants pure science, you have got to give them pure science, not applied. Frankly, this is why I hang out with literature majors on Friday night. Sometimes you have to be pure not applied.

so which schools' secondary applications specifically ask for LoRs from "pure" sciences, as you call it?

just curious.

 

[Surf Rx]

Damn... So my research science letter wont work huh? I was goign to call them and ask them about it tomorrow.

I would like to know what they say about research science letters as well.