Clay Made

Well this person clearly seems like a troll. I mean mentioning they did "equally bad" on UG/and PG and then look for full funding from HKS at that?! How did you even get onto a solid Masters with such a dismal GPA?

If you've read my last post, I was having huge trouble trying to obtain the requisite number of recommendations. I have two locked but needed a third. From my last position, I tried to get a recommendation but the guy I was working under has since left and I have no contact details for him. The number I had, he did not respond to! Anyway, I thought having all LOR from professors maybe an issue however after being assured by some other posters that they are doing the same, I began to approach more people. My professor, who was my thesis advisor, seems iffy at best. I sent him my material and he was very nonchalant about reviewing and then writing the letter. Hence, leaving me to think that it may be some random, generic letter, which would suck. So I asked another professor to cover my tracks, and she responded within 24 hours. However, she said she is very busy but would be happy to review a letter I write, and for her to edit in any way that may be necessary. Yay, right? Has anyone ever done this? What were the results? I have no idea how to go about this, and I think I would just write a letter that would be too good, if you follow me. Anyone with reassuring thoughts?

Anyone aware of the reputation of this school? I have heard good things from people about Toronto in general but a little concerned I couldnt find any info from previous applicants anywhere! Is anyone considering applying?

Excuse this post if its been asked before, but what is the usual procedure behind adding future work experience onto your resume? I have three very relevant and prestigious internships (one beginning next week) over this year and as I am applying to MA in IR programs, I think they are definitely relevant and I want the admissions teams to be aware of them. But I dont want to sound or look overconfident, and seeing as I havent actually completed anything in them as of yet, how would I phrase their inclusion, if at all? Anyone else had this issue? Or any feedback would be helpful!

Thank you! Good to hear someone came out well in a similar situation. His nonchalance worried me a little. Anyone have any tips on how to suss out what he may write in my recommendation without outright asking him?!

Yep, will do again. I tried initially but he did not respond. I think I will try him again in a few weeks.

@fuzzylogician, I think he will write me the recommendation, after all he has agreed to it. The point that concerned me was his nonchalance. A generic letter could spell trouble for my application.

Yeah, but generally he has been pretty good at replying to emails from me. Hopefully, I can arrange a meeting with him and not be forced to abandon this recommendation.

I'm particularly keen on this recommendation (from the professor who has failed to reply to me) because he is both alumni and current adjunct at one of the prominent universities I am applying to.

Answers for this are usually in the FAQ's of respective programs. I think some allow it, but if there's no extra space on the online application, you can perhaps mail it.

As I've mentioned, I've sent several emails, being as clear as possible. I think the best course of action would be persistent in trying to arrange a meeting. Unless anyone else has suggestions??

No its definitely clear. I am pretty worried, that he just has a template for references and fills in the blanks.

Tried about 5 times since August. Havent heard from even once. If it was my first effort I would understand but 5 emails, and no reply seems like he has no intention of writing it. Thats fine though, but at least he could respond telling me as much. I even gave him an out in my last mail, asking him whether he feels comfortable providing me with a recommendation. Well he was my advisor for my thesis. We got on reasonably well. I got a great mark and I published the work in the end so that should be enough. But that was 18 months ago so I wanted to give him a refresher as to my ability and where I am at currently. Yeah, I would prefer him to be more engaged but you're right. I tried to arrange a meeting with him but he didnt respond. Do you reckon its worth me persisting with this reference? I think I need two solid recommendations from professors.

I've narrowed down my list for recommendations and have been set for my applications. I had one recommender nor get back to me so I guess that is out. Unprofessional to the extreme to not even respond, but that's his prerogative. Basically, one of my recommenders sent me a very peculiar email. He moved from one university to another recently, so I have been giving him some breathing space before I bombard him with requests to write my letters. I tried a few time but didnt get a response so bided my time. I had sent him all the relevant material several weeks ago. So I asked him today if he has reviewed the material I sent (resume, list of universities, writing samples, etc) for my recommendation. This is his response: "Afraid I haven't had time as yet. I am sure they are interesting, but why do you need me to read them?" Should I be worried about the strength of this LOR?

Thats awesome! Congratulations.

I am too. Hopefully, the GRE score works out well. Anyone with any idea as to how the new scores correspond with old ones?

How did you do?

Think I would be better suited for applying to Fall admission too. Also not my first choice. Looking to apply to: Harvard SAIS SIPA Chicago CIR/MBA Maxwell Georgetown SFS

I didnt know SIPA, HKS took the GMAT in lieu of the GRE.

Not sure many are aware of the program http://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/prospective-students/entry-criteria I wasnt even and I went to Oxford for my undergraduate! Anyone aware of the reputation of the program?

As title says. If the person is in the same job as you, same level etc. Would that be OK to ask?

Having the same issue right now. I emailed a few weeks ago. Thought the same about having a rapport. I simply emailed again asking whether he has had a chance to read my previous email. I will wait until the end of the month to prevent being annoying and allow the semester beginning to slide away.

I provided my resume, a list of schools and their deadlines, writing samples and my SOP. Best to provide a comprehensive overview of yourself to get the best reference possible.

All three of my academic references ought to be very good and they seem very enthusiastic. I am still a little concerned. Did you guys read your recommendations prior to submitting, i.e. tick the box asking to see it. I have another back up option from a professor, who said to me to write my own reference and he will submit it but I dont really feel comfortable doing this. Another reference academic hasnt responded to me as of yet, despite me sending several emails.

Verbal is pretty bad for a MPP/IR sort of program.