LOR for non traditional student

[abcd1]

Hello,

I just needed some advice on what kind of lors should i get for applying to biology graduate programs.

I initially did my bachelors in business but was always more interested in biology. After my bachelors I attended part time biology courses for 2 years along with my job and appeared for gre subject tests in biology and biochemistry (over 80% in both). Now i need three lors but most people i have worked with have nothing to do with biology.

My professors from business school would write excellent letters for me but would a letter from a finance or business professor really make sense? Similarly my boss at my current job is willing to write a letter but he is a banker and my job at the bank has absolutely nothing to do with biology.

Now i might be able to get at least one letter from some teacher of the bio courses i attended but none of them really know me very well and neither is the college very well known.

So now i am confused if i should get the letters from my business school professors and my boss or from the bio teachers,

Also if i do get the letters from business professors / bankers any advice on what i should ask them to focus on because my work with them is pretty irrelevant to the program i am applying to.

Thanks

[TheFez]

My opinion ...

while LORs in your intended field are most desirable, it is better to have really strong letters than weak ones as weak letters actually sort of count against you. That is they do more harm than good. Good, credible, LORs demonstrate that the professor knows you well beyond your performance in class and can discuss your character, ability, interests, weaknesses, etc.

Provided the LOR is from an academic who can talk about your abilities to do original work, succeed in a graduate program, etc. you shouldn't be too concerned about the fact they are from another field.

If you could come up with even on strong biology letter and two business letters you could be fine. The letters from business profs could address your success but also your desire to change fields. You should talk at length with professors before they write letters and discuss what they might say about you, and some of your concerns. Most good recommenders will want to be helpful and understanding.

You can't do much about the situation that you have no strong recommenders in your field - though that is an unfortunate reality and does actually demonstrate a hole in your preparation for a biology graduate program. But if your LORs and SOP along with GRE and GPA make a good package - and if you select the right program with a good fit - you could be successful.