wellameliablack

I'm applying to 7 MA and PhD programs for Sociology and Criminology. I've got one LOR for certain (a professor in a different department, but a really strong relationship), and I'm fairly certain I'll ask the supervisor from my internship last semester (a prof at one of the schools I'm applying to, and a good relationship, but not someone I had a class with). My question now is how do I chose who else to ask for my third letter? Option 1: There's a professor whose class I'm taking right now, who knows and likes me (I think) but I won't have actually received a final grade by the time some of the applications are due (and this is my first class with her). I think she'd say yes, but would it be a good idea? (there are actually 2 new profs I have this semester I'd consider asking, she's just higher-ranking in the department) Option 2: A professor I've had for 2 or 3 classes, but teaches hundreds of students each semester. He discussed grad school with me last semester and encouraged me to go. He even said he'd write me a rec letter when we discussed it, but I've seen him many times since then and he doesn't seem to remember me. I could just remind him of our conversation and ask, and he might say yes, but would it really be that good? Not sure how much he could write about me if he doesn't remember my name lol Option 3: A professor who I took last semester, got an A, and discussed grad school a couple times/talked after class and stuff. We never had a super close relationship or anything, but I could drop by a couple times or email and he'd likely remember me. He seems really nice, and might say yes, but again, not sure just how personable it'd be Note: my earliest apps are due Dec 1, but most are Jan/Feb so I've got a little bit of time to work on following up with profs from previous classes. I ust don't want to wait last minute to ask anyone. would love some advice on who to ask!!

I see that almost a full year has passed (and I hope you got into a great program!) but I am replying because I'm curious what you decided. I'm also debating asking a prof whose class I'm currently taking. Would love to know what you did, or if anyone else can chime in.

The University of Arkansas currently only has an MA program for Sociology, though they've been trying to get a PhD program for a while, and it is almost guaranteed to provide funding. (They advertise 90% of students are funded, but it's more like 99.9%.) The program is actually pretty good, but the trade off is having to live in Arkansas. Most students at the program have a focus/specialization in criminology, too. -an undergrad