modularform Posted August 13, 2020 Share Posted August 13, 2020 Hi all! Hope you all are safe and healthy! I'm an undergrad Indian student currently pursuing a 5 year Integrated MS program in Pure Mathematics. I'm currently involved in a research project as part of my MS Thesis under the supervision of a Prof. at Penn State. Hopefully, we'll have 1-2 joint works published by the time I apply. He is very happy with my work so far and has agreed to be one of my recommenders for grad applications for PhD studies beginning Fall 2021. Penn State is one of my top choices and indeed, I wish him to be my advisor in future! So, is it possible for me to ask him for a reco for applying to Penn State, given the fact that he himself is a Prof. at Penn State? I'm feeling a bit awkward. I haven't yet submitted him my final list of preferred choices of universities. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PsyDuck90 Posted August 13, 2020 Share Posted August 13, 2020 Yeah, it's fine. In fact, it may give you a leg up depending on how much individual control faculty have vs a committee in making admissions decisions. I would maybe just inform the faculty member that he is your top choice and ask if he still feels comfortable with writing a letter. modularform 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modularform Posted August 13, 2020 Author Share Posted August 13, 2020 Thank you for your reply! Yeah sure, I shall do that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanS Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 Yes, that is fine and pretty common. Happens at our school every couple of years or so. Good luck! modularform 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modularform Posted August 14, 2020 Author Share Posted August 14, 2020 (edited) Thank you for your reply! My Prof. is one of the senior-most of the Department, has a very good reputation and is quite renowned. He said he'll be happy to put in a good word for my application to the admissions committee. So if he writes a reco for me too, will it provide me a slight edge over others? Edited August 14, 2020 by modularform Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanS Posted August 14, 2020 Share Posted August 14, 2020 If I understand correctly, are you referring to a second Penn State professor? If so, that won't be necessary. If he puts in a good word, that's all you need. You don't want to overweight your application packet with a bunch of internal recommendations. If instead you are still talking about the original professor you mentioned in your opening thread, yes a letter from him would be fine. modularform 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modularform Posted August 15, 2020 Author Share Posted August 15, 2020 Thanks! No, I'm not referring to a 2nd Prof. Yes, he's the Prof. I referred to in my original thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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