Quick Question about rec letters

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>thanks for taking the time to read this.</p>

<p>Basically, I am currently a junior who plans on applying to Ivy-level schools next year and doing pre-med. My question is, I know they ask for two letters of recommendation but:</p>

<p>A) Can I include an extra letter from my research mentor? I know the word 'research' gets tossed about alot these days, but I worked with two professors. With the first, I helped test a drug developed by our lab that may see commercial uses in the future against a variety of neurological disorders (basically, it prevents the cells from dying following brain trauma).</p>

<p>My second mentor, who I'll be working with next year, has been acknowledged as "one of the top two experts in his field in the world" - it is also neurology-related. Both of these mentors also work closely with each other. So my question is, should I include one letter from both, one from each, or one from just one of them?</p>

<p>B) I feel like my science capabilities are better shown in the labs I worked in than in class. In that regard, if I plan on doing pre-med, is it critical to have a science-related teacher rec?</p>

<p>C) If it's not, then would two humanities-related recs be ok?</p>

<p>D) (Sorry this is so long :P) say I decide to send one humanities, one science and one mentor rec. If I'm editor-in-chief of the paper, would a rec from the advisor (who's also one of my teachers) be overkill? The reason I ask is b/c a lot of the work I did on the paper was "above and beyond" past years, and I think really demonstrated a commitment.</p>

<p>Thank you!!</p>

2

<p>Yes, I think it would be overkill. IMO, you’re better off sending a copy of some of your work if that’s applicable. If you’re editor-in-chief, it is assumed that you are working hard on the paper.</p>

<p>As far as your second mentor, Harvard doesn’t really care if you’ve worked with someone famous or an expert. You should get your recommendations from someone who will write about you in the best light possible. It’s about you - not the recommendation writer.</p>

3

<p>Our school’s GC suggested no more than one extra letter, but consider it “extra” ie., shouldn’t affect your choice of teacher LOR.</p>

4

<p>^^^
+
An extra letter should provide a new perspective for the reader.</p>