Worried about letters of recommendation

[minervamoon]

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I'm in my final semester as an undergrad hoping to apply to medical schools this June. My current GPA is 3.67, sGPA 3.44 or thereabouts. It's possible I can raise both those numbers slightly by the end of the semester, but the science courses I'm in are pretty hairy, and it's even possible that my sGPA, most importantly, will go down to about 3.40. 🙁

Since I have to take a year off before med school anyway, I was researching applications to SMPs so that I could boost my record before I actually entered med school. But my problem is those blasted science letters of recommendation.

I figured I had until the end of the semester to get at least one of my science professors from this semester on board, but apparently most of the SMPs require two letters from science faculty anyway. These are the current letters I have:

(1) Non-Science (Ancient Greek) - known me since my first semester, very well known academically (tenured), have kept well in touch over the years, and I did very well in all of my classes with him
(2) Research Advisor - will have done three semesters by the time I graduate, also highly regarded, and she has stated she will write me a fabulous letter since I got awards two semesters running while on her group
(3) (Unofficial) Internship Advisor - had her in a class, but couldn't officially register with her to intern, so I'm just voluntarily working with her interns on her research/activities at the moment (mostly physical activity adaptations with disabled children), highly regarded, also promised a great letter
(4) Physician - I shadowed a plastic surgeon for several weeks, so he's a back-up if necessary

All of those letters are guaranteed stellar. Not just mediocre, but wonderful. But I have a feeling that won't get me ANYWHERE if I can't muster up some science letters as well!

The one recourse I have is a Biology TA (he has his Ph.D.) who I had in a small lab setting so he got to know me pretty well, and he might be able to write me a letter that's either signed or cosigned by the head of the department. Is that terrible? Both my Bio and Orgo TAs thought highly of me, and know me better than any of the actual professors did, but apparently it's worth nothing because they're just Ph.D. students. Would it look bad if I had TWO TA letters (albeit cosigned)?

Otherwise, how common is it for professors who only knew you marginally to write a letter for you? In Biochemistry, for instance, I sat in the front row every day and was engaging, but only went to office hours a couple of times because I'd essentially have to skip another class to be able to make them. The professor's kind of absent-minded, though, and I doubt he has a strong impression of me. If I asked him if he would write for me, what kind of response would I get?

I know I should have gotten to know my science professors, and now it's screwing me over.

I did read on some med school websites that one of the science letters can actually be a science or research letter, and of course I have a research letter already. Is that common, or will I have to scrounge for those schools?

 

[Sammich117]

I don't know of any way to avoid the science letter requirements, so I'd say at least try those professors you mentioned. They probably get that quite frequently since I'm sure not everyone who applies makes great connections with professors.

 

[deleted212936]

It's OK to ask professor in a course you got a B. If you go to his office hours a lot, ask him for a LoR.

If you don't get to know your professors, you can give them your resume, your personal statement, and maybe sit down to talk with them about your goals, then ask, "Could you write me a strong letter of recommendation?" and see their reaction. If they hesitate, then go ask others.

 

[tennisball80]

If you were going to apply DO schools, a letter from a DO physician is necessary.

 

[Catalystik]

You do not need an SMP. An SMP is for a low GPA, decent MCAT person. Your cGPA is fine. If you want to look better, get straight As this last semester and boost your BCPM GPA.

Getting a TA letter from someone who knows you very well and will write glowing words about you is fine, especially if cosigned by the Professor. One of those and a PI letter should cover most of your bases. Get an extra just in case one school is hard core about wanting two academic science letters.

I'd try the Biochem professor, as follows. Make an appoinment to discuss your career goals. Bring a transcript, CV, and copy of your personal statement, and maybe a photo. Start by reminding him of your participation in his class, maybe referring to an incident or two to jog his memory. Present your material, chat so he can get to know you. Then ask if he feels he could write you a strong letter based on the materials you'll leave with him and your conversation. If he says no, you're done. If he says yes, you're good. At my school where the lectures all have >300 people and no one gets a chance to know their professor well, this approach works well. Theoretically, he should want to be helpful as it casts glory on the school should you be accepted.