Recommendation letters; advice please?

Question

I'm interested in applying to NYU for an MA program and would like to have a former professor of mine write me a letter because she received her PhD from NYU. The only thing that concerns me is that I had her for an Art History course, and I am interested in applying for an MA in a different field -- English Lit. Do you think I should ask her, or should I stick only with those professors whom I have had for English Literature classes? (None of those Professors whom I have had for English Lit classes attended NYU).

Answer 1

Grad programs usually require three letters of recommendation. If the first two are from English lit professors, I see absolutely no problem with asking for the third from an Art History professor.

This is done all the time.

Graduate admissions committees are looking for letters that testify to the academic abilities of the candidate. If your Art History professor can do this, then you should definitely solicit a letter from her.

However --- her NYU degree will make no difference. Having a recommender from the same institution will only matter if that person holds a degree from the same *department* to which you are applying.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

I would ask her. Even though she is in a different academic discipline from the one which you are persuing, she is an alumnus of their school. That can only be a feather in your cap, but she needs to make a point of mentioning that fact in the letter or the chances that her name will be recognized are slim.