idrev Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I know grad schools usually need three recommendation letters, and I think I have a good three from my department lined up (I haven't asked yet though!). However, I could also add a 4th one, as the professor offered to write me one (more as a character reference though, and not really speaking to academics/research) - is that okay and not overkill? Some more info: the 4th recommender is outside of my university (and outside of my field), but he is a fairly recent Nobel Laureate and is a well-respected researcher in his field! Thanks very much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eigen Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 How do you know this person? What can they speak to about you? A big name is good, but it needs to be someone that has known you professionally and can speak to some aspect of your abilities. A big name that hasn't interacted with you professionally just seems like name dropping. Especially if they're outside your field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idrev Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 Well I actually invited, hosted him for a visit at my school, and organized his entire schedule - I think he was touched by all that I did for him and so he told me that I shouldn't hesitate to ask him for a recommendation to speak about my character. He isn't in the exact field that I'm applying for grad school (ChemE), but he is a winner of a Chemistry Nobel Prize, and my second major is in chemistry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eigen Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I wouldn't say he has had enough to contact with you to be able to write a wot hail letter, personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idrev Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 Even if I spent basically over a year in contact with him and spent the entirety of his visit with him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eigen Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I would still say no. Has this person read any of your work? Given you feedback on your work? Have you worked on a research project with them? If not, then they aren't in a position to write you a good letter. Even if they thought you were amazing, they have nothing substantive to write about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idrev Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 Hmm...sounds good - thanks again Eigen! I might still keep it as a "just in case option" as my gpa is a bit on the lower end of the spectrum. So I'll see where things end up going - appreciate your insight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eigen Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 Or use it for schools that need or allow a 4th letter. Better for your.career would be capitalizing off of your relationship with this person by staying in touch and trying to build something more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idrev Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 Will do! And yes, I am still in touch with him - I plan to visit him whenever I'm in the area. Thanks again for your advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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