Would you ask for recommendation from online instructor?

[Deepa100]

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Hi,
I plan to do the rest of the course work of 2-3 classes online. I just finished biochem online and did well. I had a lot of email communication with the professor and I am thinking about asking him for a meeting. I would like to explain my goals and background and ask for a recommendation letter. Is it a good idea?

 

[Law2Doc]

Hi,
I plan to do the rest of the course work of 2-3 classes online. I just finished biochem online and did well. I had a lot of email communication with the professor and I am thinking about asking him for a meeting. I would like to explain my goals and background and ask for a recommendation letter. Is it a good idea?

Well, the best recommendations come from folks who actually know you, but if that's the best you got, then I guess that's fine, so long as you have a face to face meeting. Don't be too surprised if he says he doesn't know you well enough to write one though.

 

[gman33]

A lot of schools don't like online classes to begin with. Some may not even accept them if it's in a prereq class. Make sure the schools you are applying to will accept these classes before you get a LOR from this prof.

If they do, then just make sure the prof can write you a STRONG LOR. A weak LOR is worse than no letter at all.

 

[Beast11]

Hi,
I plan to do the rest of the course work of 2-3 classes online. I just finished biochem online and did well. I had a lot of email communication with the professor and I am thinking about asking him for a meeting. I would like to explain my goals and background and ask for a recommendation letter. Is it a good idea?

If you read several other posts on this thread, you see a consensus that online classes (in this day and age) look a little funny and might be a red flag to adcoms. I personally would not recommend a letter because that would highlight this unusual circumstance. Consider this: The average of that biochem class might have been close to an A if it was completely open book/notes (as opposed to Cs in most upper level sci. courses at "hard" 4 year universities), which a professor writing a letter would probably note, and thus hurt your chances. Also, the professor couldn't comment on some interpersonal skills from online. If your school has a pre-med committee, then getting the online professor might be OK since the committee chair would presumably never deep six a competitive candidate by noting the online status, but otherwise-why take the chance?

 

[medhacker]

Forget the general consensus!

Why?

Because it is mostly coming from people who have no personal experience with applying with a significant amount of undergrad online work and successfully treading the medical school application process.

It has been done in the past (which I can personally testify to), and I suspect it can also be done in the present (and future). Not all schools will be online non-trad friendly, but many (if not the majority) will. One's best bet is to schedule a personal (or phone) meeting with a person in the school (not secretary) involved in admission decisions, and present your case to them - take it from there.

Just like for traditional brick/mortal schools, there are many factors that will make or break one's application. The school you attend, the grades, your LORs your extracurricular activities, "MCAT", et cetera, et cetera...Fax mentis incendium gloria cultum, et cetera, et cetera...Memo bis punitor delicatum.

And OP, to answer your question, Law2Doc, in my opinion gave you the best advice. If she/he (professor) does want to give you the letter, make sure it's a strong one that highlights as many of your positives as possible. If she/he (professor) teaches in a graduate program, it would serve you well if she/he states [in the letter] she/he would be more than glad to have you at her/his program should you not wish to pursue a medical education.

Let me know if you need more help. 🙂

 

[Deepa100]

Thanks, all! Somehow I feel like recommendations is the only area I have no control over. I guess I will just have to trust the professors and not get nervous.

 

[Blade28]

It's not a bad idea to ask if they can write you a strong letter. Hopefully they'll answer honestly.