poliscijunkie Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Hi all Ok so I am in, and done the semester so now I have to think about how to properly thank my profs. I am kinda confused, I am by no means wanting to give them a present, but it is between the email verses thank you card. Any input? The LOR were for MA programs, (3 profs in total) 2 I had one class each with (one was much more helpful than the other) and the third I have had a class and an additional year of independent research class ( all these classes were seminars). this last prof has been particularly helpful in providing me with grad advice, comments, etc. I also may be hitting them all up again for other LOR (law school) within the next few months... thoughts!?? i know all of you are probs going thru this same dilemma. Would a simple email thank you be considered disrespectful?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poppet Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Personally, I would say "absolutely," but a lot of people seem to think it's sufficient. I don't. LOR's take a lot of time to write and the professors are investing their time and energy into your future, risking their reputation, and investing in you. I think at the very least, it is worth a hand-written card -- ESPECIALLY if you plan to ask them for references in the future! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordanami Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 I am in the same position. I asked last year to get into my master's program, again this year as I was trying to jump into a doctoral, but I didn't get in so I will be asking them again for next year, as I will reapply to doc after finishing the master's. Last year I just sent out a thank you email, but this year I will send a small gift, some chocolates or something, in addition. I think it would be nice to receive something little like that if I were in their position. I know they are busy and writing a letter/filling out eval forms for different schools, takes time and energy for them to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crutch Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 I am in the same position. I asked last year to get into my master's program, again this year as I was trying to jump into a doctoral, but I didn't get in so I will be asking them again for next year, as I will reapply to doc after finishing the master's. Last year I just sent out a thank you email, but this year I will send a small gift, some chocolates or something, in addition. I think it would be nice to receive something little like that if I were in their position. I know they are busy and writing a letter/filling out eval forms for different schools, takes time and energy for them to do. I've decided to send a coffee mug (from the school I'll be attending in the fall) to my four referees. I know it's kind of cheesy, but this is the fourth time they've submitted letters for me; they submitted letters for my master's course, for a PhD at the school where I got my master's (I ended up turning down the offer), for PhD programs the following year, and again this year for PhD programs (I didn't get in anywhere last year). I didn't send any gifts before, but since they've stuck with me for four years, I feel like they might appreciate something, even if it is small and somewhat goofy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everygirl Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Would a simple email thank you be considered disrespectful?? Normally, no. But I would try to hand write a card in your situation, as you're going to them again for more letters. I was in the 'gifts for my LOR professors' camp, but if it was inappropriate in my situation (if I didn't know one of them well), I would've gone with a card rather than an email. A card is just so much more thoughtful without being overwrought with emotion, methinks. BUT: When I gave my gifts out, I included a typed note. My handwriting is horrifying. Something to think about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnsworth Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Personally, I stopped by their offices and took them a little gift (roughly $10 each maybe a little less) and told them the news. I know that is not possible for a lot of people but if the LOR writers are within a reasonable distance then telling them personally is a nice touch. It was also nice for me to be able to tell them. If they are too far to drive to, then a "Thank You" card with a hand written message would be good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliscijunkie Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 thanks for all your comments ! I am going to go with a thank you card Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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