LOR?

[Flux2]

Is it a disadvantage compared to other applicants to have LOR from research advisers whose subject of field is different/unrelated to the department you are applying to?

For example, LOR from biology professors when applying to applied physics(bio. conc).

or LOR from physic professors when applying to BME or biology.

[aberrant]

Is it a disadvantage compared to other applicants to have LOR from research advisers whose subject of field is different/unrelated to the department you are applying to?

For example, LOR from biology professors when applying to applied physics(bio. conc).

or LOR from physic professors when applying to BME or biology.

 

I would say it may only be true if this LOR from "outside the field" (w.r.t. the admission committee) is not well known, then they may have to put extra effort to evaluate the value of this LOR.

 

It cannot hurt you if you are applying to applied physics(bio. conc) and getting a LOR from someone who is extremely big (internationally known) in biology, thought (for example).

[thegirldetective]

I think the hierarchy is something like: research advisor in your field > research advisor in another field of science > professor in your field > professor in another field of science. With the exception that super big names can trump, as aberrent said.

[microarray]

Another important thing to think about is how well they know you ie character and how successful you'll be in graduate school.

[obaka]

If it's just one or two (out of the typical 3) LORs, it's definitely no big deal; they just needed to be able to speak to your dedication, intelligence, yadda yadda. If it's all of your LORs, it might raise some eyebrows mainly because it probably means you don't have much experience in your desired field. Probably still fine as long as you can back up your interests in your SOP.

Edited January 27, 2014 by obaka