Recommendation Letters for Grad School?

Question

I will be graduating soon with a BA but have been recently thinking of attending graduate school. The problem is I don't "know" very many of my former professors. I was thinking of taking a class this fall (after I graduate) as a post-bach student, with a professor who I really liked and had a while ago. Do you think this would be a good idea, so that I can reestablish a relationship with her, and so that when I ask her for a recommendation letter she will be willing to write me one? In other words, do you think grad schools will think it's odd that I took a class after I graduated?
I have no idea....help!!

Answer 1

First, you don't need to "know" your former professors. You only have to have done very well in their classes. Just email them, reminding them of the classes you took with them, telling them what you wrote term papers on, and then ask either to make an appointment (if you are nearby), or ask directly if they'd be able to write you a supportive letter.

Note the phrasing: Able To Write You A Supportive Letter.

This gives them the ability to decline if their letter would not be supportive, or if they don't feel able to write about you for some reason.

Second, if you decide to take the class, graduate admissions committees would not really wonder why. They'd just assume you were trying to improve your status as a good candidate. But that is ONLY if you are taking a class specifically in your intended field of study. If the class she offers is NOT in your field, we'd be scratching our heads over that one, and wondering if you really know what you wish to study in grad school.

And while other answerers mentioned that they got letters from employers, coworkers, and advisors, while these sources are appropriate for law school and business school, this is not appropriate for graduate programs in the humanities or social sciences, unless your employment was directly related to your field of study (working on an archaeological dig for an anthropology applicant, working as a counselor for a social work applicant, etc.).

We'd much prefer to receive letters from professors who have had you in class and who thus have witnessed your ability to engage in scholarly discussion; who have graded your papers and who thus can testify to your analytical abilities, writing abilities, and your familiarity and facility with theory and method in your chosen field of study.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

Hey, If you wish to attend Graduate School, the forms in which you must supply your letters of recommendation vary. If you are goind to attend in Fall 2009, you should have your letters of recommendation by now, as your applications should be well on there way to the Universities. Some Graduate programs do allow an applicant to submit their applications via the internet, which also forces your professors to submit them this way as well. Be aware, however that many schools still do not utilize this method of application submissions. Many programs mandate you mail your applications the traditional way, via "snail mail". They do this because they have forms that the professor must fill out assessing you as a student and canidate. Depending on the University, they will either indicate whether you should inform your professors to mail the recommendations separately, or in your packet, sealed envelope with their signature. Do give your professors notice on writing them, because many have much work to do and easily forget and simply will not submit them when you ask. Make sure you contact the University about a week after to make sure your application is whole, many Graduate Admissions Offices misplace things with in the influx of mail and will NOT call or e-mail you if your application is incomplete. I cannot stress this enough!! Remember you need them more then they need you. If you're applying in 2010, then I suggest you do not ask for the letters just yet, as they are dated and Admissions Officers/Assistants might look at this and question why the delay in submission. Hope this helps!! Take Care!!

Answer 3

I am considering going to grad school myself; however, as far as letters go, if you know your school advisor you can get them to write you one just as well as a professor would. Everyone does not get to know their professors, but just in case you do not, if you had outstanding grades in their classes or did something that would stand out, then you will probably be able to get a letter. If you do not meet any of these, then I would take the class this summer and make sure the first day you touch basis with the teacher and make sure she/he knows you b/c you can take up to 12 hrs. (I think) at post-grad!

Answer 4

Why not consider using your academic advisor as a reference? That person is going to be more familiar with your educational performance. If your only taking class to re-establish a relationship with your professor, I would reconsider. Why pay for a class for that reason when you could take a class that will be a means to a degree? In other words, wait until you get into your master's program :)

When I applied for my master's program, I didn't even use an educational reference. I used a coworker, a supervisor and a judge (I work closely with the courts in my job). I got in with no problems! :) Good luck!!

Answer 5

Probably, but if you're planning to go to grad school, you really should have done some original work or research in your field by now. Don't you have a research advisor you can ask? That's what most people do.

Answer 6

It's a great idea especially if you are doing something related to what you plan to study in graduate school. But even if it's not graduate schools would look at it favorably.

Answer 7

Actually, I think that's a really good idea! Go for it and good luck.