Jump to content

selbstzweck

Members
  • Posts

    1
  • Joined

  • Last visited

selbstzweck's Achievements

Decaf

Decaf (2/10)

0

Reputation

  1. Hi to all of you in this insane time. I hope everyone is hanging in there, especially those trying to figure out how to prepare to start next semester amidst all of this. I’m applying to PhDs in the fall and I’m beginning to get my materials together. I have a question about recommenders that I’m concerned about, and would be curious to hear others’ thoughts. I’m graduating from an MFA program this semester, and I’m in the fortunate position to have letters of rec from two famous, well-regarded writer-critics. However, neither of them have PhDs, nor do they do academic research, per se; nonetheless, they’re names anyone on an ad comm will know. They are concerned that their LORs will only go so far, given that the letters need to show readiness to do PhD-level research, from people who do such research, and that I need another letter that will endorse that. First, I think that's true that I'll need someone with a doctorate, but I’m wondering if letters from two people without PhDs might in fact count against me, and if that third letter will need to overcome more skepticism as a result. Do people have any thoughts on that? Second, I’m trying to decide who should fill this gap. I have undergrad literature professors who I know would gladly write a letter of rec, but I’m also 6 years out of undergrad at this point. Would it be wise to choose one of them, given that? I have a literature professor from my MFA program who has a PhD; I could turn to him instead, but he knows me less well, and is primarily known as an artist, rather than an academic. I’m worried that using his letter would be another question mark. But I also worry that a letter from a professor I haven’t worked with in 6 years might be equally concerning, albeit for different reasons. Would also just be curious to hear if others have questions/concerns/thoughts re: their choices of recommenders!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use