chilito_verde

Epidemiology is definitely more research-based than other public health disciplines so a letter from this prof might be a good idea anyway. Why not ask both? You never know who could decline for whatever reason, and I am sure having more than three LoRs wouldn't hurt.

Also, I figure if there was a misstep on my part, it's best that I know about it so as to not repeat it in the future.

I thanked them for their help in the past. This person encouraged me to submit a shortened version of my thesis as a part of a book that was eventually published. They also asked me to present my findings at two different conferences post-graduation, and invited me to a public health conference so that I could learn more about the field. I definitely was not expecting the response I got. Asking other professors (which I am doing anyway) will not make my application as strong, since my major was in a foreign language. (I chose to write my thesis under the social sciences department for my minor.) My thesis project was what propelled me to work in the public health field.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I sent the advisor an email politely asking for their reasons in declining my request and thanking them for their help in the past. I also pointed out that they were the only professor that could speak to my research skills and public health knowledge. This whole situation came out of left field. I am feeling pretty pessimistic at this point. My top choice school's website states- "if you have been out of school for an extended period, recommenders should include a supervisor or someone with whom you have conducted research- an individual who can touch upon your intellectual abilities and research skills- especially if in the practice of public health." This professor was the only person fitting this description.

One of my recommenders told me that she thinks my thesis advisor is just being a "responsible researcher"; according to her, the prof hasn't seen me in three years and is just being cautious of vouching for someone whom they haven't seen in such a long time and cannot speak to my present-day abilities. This other recommender assured me that the lack of my thesis advisor's letter does not reflect poorly on me, but I find it hard to believe her. To my knowledge, there hasn't been an incident wherein I offended this prof or damaged our relationship and I am pretty annoyed at the fact that they did not even give me a reason why they couldn't write a letter- all these assumptions are driving me crazy! I have already drafted a second request for a LoR email in which I point out my advisor's crucial role in my career path and their unique position to speak to my research capabilities. I avoided the apologetic tone from my previous email and asked if a mid-January deadline gives them enough time to write one. I haven't sent it yet.

I am very tempted to write my thesis advisor again; however, I fear that this may be interpreted as my not respecting their decision and that they may refuse to do me any favors in the future because of this. How do I approach this without sounding entitled or demanding? Would I be burning a bridge?

I have been working for a community clinic in the last few years. Two of my letters are from professional references but I also need one from an academic reference. I am hoping that the others will be strong enough to compensate, but it is scary to think of how much one person could potentially affect my chances of getting in.

I am afraid to come across as demanding and possibly burn a bridge that I may need in the future. At first I was worried that I had given this prof too little time (6 weeks, but I received a response after 2 weeks) and my request had an apologetic tone-- I prefaced my request by saying, " I know you must be busy with your current students and research..." and ended with an " if you are unable to do this I understand" as a way to be polite and undemanding; now I think I just gave an easy 'out'.... the prof's response was: "I can't provide you with a letter at this time. Good luck." I responded with a "thank you for your time and thanks again for all your help in the past." I haven't seen this person for 3 years so I can't think of something I did that could have damaged our relationship. Either way, I feel like it may be better to move on rather than dwell on it, but I don't know how (or if) there is a way to do damage control for this.

Yeah, it definitely seems that way. This prof was actually very enthusiastic about me while I was a student (even going as far as getting me published) and was the person who encouraged me to pursue a career in public health in the first place! Too bad there is no way to really show that in my application.

What kind of program are you applying to? This might help a little in terms of what admissions is looking for. With the info you have provided, I am leaning towards the former boss; (s)he may have something different to add that may appeal to the admissions committee, whereas a "did well in class" letter won't tell them anything they don't already know from your application.

Hi all, I am applying for MPH programs for fall 2013 and I am concerned about the fact that my advisor for my undergraduate thesis (regarding Latina health) declined to write me an LoR (this person did not provide a reason as to why). My backup LoR is coming from my thesis reader who didn't really work with me closely. I am afraid that not having a letter from my thesis advisor will be a red flag to the admissions committee, and that the reader will not be able to speak to the extent of my research abilities like my advisor would have. The reader wants some pointers on what to write, which is understandable since it has been several years since I was a student. I know it is a good idea to name one's mentors and influences in the statement of purpose, but I am also worried that this will call extra attention to the fact that this person is not endorsing me in my application. Thoughts or suggestions?