importance of LORs

Graduate School
1

<p>I know, I know, the whole package matters, but I'm really worried about this. I've been in the same lab so far in undergrad (this is my third summer, did two years, one volunteering and the other a second year research project). I will do my thesis somewhere else - but when my then supervisor writes my LOR, she would only have known me for about 2 month or so. Classes in my university are GIGANTIC, and my favorite classes have been team-taught - like 1 prof doing 4-5 lectures. I've thought about taking a seminar in the fall, but none seem great, but this is my only option it seems. I'm worried about where to get my 3rd LOR, as I've worked with generally grad students or on my own in my current lab. </p>

<p>I know my LOR from my current supervisor will be good, I'm getting co-authorship on two papers currently in prep (one that will definitely be in submission by time of application, but I'm like 4th or 5th author, behavioural neuroscience = a million and one names) and on at least on SfN poster this fall... but I think my other two will be :/. Should my situation be reason to panic? I am pretty worried. My GPA is 3.91, subject GRE 96%ile, haven't done general GRE yet. I'm an international student (Canada) << why I'm worried. I don't want to waste time applying to schools where I have NO chance whatsoever.</p>

2

<p>Relax. Your gpa (presuming it is on a 4.0 scale) and subject GRE are great, I would presume you should have at least acceptable general gre’s. You have great research experience with pubs and a strong LOR to back it up. Make an effort with your thesis advisor to make a strong start, try to find some professor who can speak well of you, and then make sure you touch on the situation in your SOP. You should still be in a strong position, and if you are picking appropriate PI’s I would not set any particular school out of reach.</p>

3

<p>If I had your stats–the gpa, the gre score, and the publications on the way-- I would feel so confident. I’d just take it easy and get wasted now and again.</p>

4

<p>Maybe you could take an independent study/reading course or something? (for the third LOR)</p>

5

<p>@ sarbruis. i don’t think we have reading courses and the independent study courses are weird here, i don’t really get them. i think i found a seminar i can take that’s more or less related and interesting. </p>

<p>thanks for the replies.</p>