Who should I ask for a Letter of Recommendation to get into Grad School?

Question

I graduated from college a year ago with a degree in psychology, and I'm applying to grad school soon. Most schools require 3 letters, and I know I can get two solid letters (one from boss, one from research professor). I don't even really speak to any other professor. Any other professor I ask now would hardly know me. What should I do?? Should I still ask a random professor even if he/she does not know me very well? What other options do I have? Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

This would depend on what kind of school you went to as an undergrad. If you were at a small school, they would assume that if you were any good as a student, most of your professors would have known you. If you went to a huge school, that is, of course, less likely, and you can more easily get away with using other references.

If you use non-academic references, they should at least be people who have gone through an education similar to that which you are seeking. In other words, if you know any people who have the degree you are pursuing in grad school, you can use them, because they can speak to your ability to manage the workload, which they would understand.

Answer 2

I agree with the above and would also like to comment that it is always better to get a recommendation from someone who knows you over asking someone that would not be able to write you a more personal, meaningful recommendation. I've read that while a dean of a department with a national reputation would be an excellent recommendation, it would help you much more to get one from someone with less clout that actually had something to say about - you.

Good luck! I'm just writing my personal statements right now, and working towards grad school - so I know how you feel.

Also, remember to try and think about extra people that you might ask in case someone cannot fulfill your request. And also make the writer's life easier by providing stamped envelopes, addresses, your CV or resume or transcripts, copies of your papers, etc. anything to give them a break and make sure that they write you the best recommendation possible and get it turned in on time. Also, depending on what school you went to for undergrad, you may have to start an account with a school service that will maintain and "route" your letters for you -- as you will sign off on ever being able to read them.

So, ask people that you know would have good things to say about you, and ask people that know you that's the best advice that I can give you.

Answer 3

hi. i might propose you to take a 2nd and attempt to make a short record of PROFESSORS which will undergo in strategies you. which comprise a lab instructor, a prepare, counselor/consultant, .... in spite of the certainty which you have been out of school, those which you had a solid student / instructor relationship will maximum possibly will undergo in strategies you. additionally, paintings concepts additionally are great rapidly or in a roundabout way. if your job would not relate to what grad application you're making use of, the least it relatively is going to do is spotlight your strengths as somebody which will make sparkling which you're a nicely rounded individual. playstation .. besides, a great thank you to get a cutting-edge letter of advice is to volunteer!! once you're a technological information student, attempt some thing small like a chairty adventure or blood economic employer. (it takes some hours a month and earns you no longer in simple terms palms on adventure in spite of the indisputable fact that it may additionally grant you with that cutting-edge letter of acceptance) considering which you're making use of now, it relatively is going to instruct which you're nevertheless giving lower back to the community. If in seek of a letter from a place of work, help your supervisor via what they ought to indicate approximately you (being on time, strengths, teamplayer..) especially situations managers and etc. have a no longer uncomplicated time writing a letter of rec. for an worker because of the fact it relatively is uncommon to be asked. i'm hoping this helped. solid success with your destiny endeavors.