What really constitutes a DWIC letter?

[cunninlynguist]

The general consensus seems to be that 'did-well-in-class' letters are underwhelming and to be avoided, if possible. However, what are the actual components of a DWIC LOR? If the professor simply refers to your grade and doesn't provide useful details - possibly because they don't remember you, and are only prompted by the grade - then it's clearly not a strong letter. Is there any exception? For PhD applicants, I imagine a DWIC letter would be a death knell given the inability to speak on research potential, but is it more acceptable for Masters applicants (if appropriately detailed and laudatory)?

Additionally, would anyone be receptive to looking over a letter of recommendation that may fall under the DWIC category? I'd really appreciate any insight into whether or not it'd be a viable option as a LOR; it's an actual copy of the letter provided to the student with all names and affiliations blurred out. Let me know.

[fuzzylogician]

A DWIC letter is as you say, one that only talks about your grade/class performance and doesn't add much about your general abilities as a scholar. They reflect the fact that the writer doesn't know the student too well and/or doesn't have anything insightful to say about their research potential. From what I read, it's acceptable to have an ok letter as your third letter, provided that your first two are strong, if you don't have any other options. I imagine it's also less harmful to have a DWIC letter for an MA than for a PhD, because by definition you have less experience, hence less to write about. In general I don't think it's the kiss of death to have one DWIC letter, but it's probably not a good sign if all of your letter writers can't say anything more about you than the grade you got in their class.

[cunninlynguist]

A DWIC letter is as you say, one that only talks about your grade/class performance and doesn't add much about your general abilities as a scholar. They reflect the fact that the writer doesn't know the student too well and/or doesn't have anything insightful to say about their research potential. From what I read, it's acceptable to have an ok letter as your third letter, provided that your first two are strong, if you don't have any other options. I imagine it's also less harmful to have a DWIC letter for an MA than for a PhD, because by definition you have less experience, hence less to write about. In general I don't think it's the kiss of death to have one DWIC letter, but it's probably not a good sign if all of your letter writers can't say anything more about you than the grade you got in their class.

Thanks for the response - everything you said makes a lot of sense. Basically, for those applying for an MA, one DWIC letter (especially if it's specific and complimentary) shouldn't be a big deal. But if you're pursuing a research-heavy PhD, any semblance of a DWIC letter would be a red flag.

And I'd still like to get some opinions on the LOR I have a copy of to assess its usefulness. If anyone's interested, just send me a PM.

Edited June 30, 2011 by cunninlynguist