Going to the well too many times

[poliorkein]

A bit of a backstory:

I graduated with a BA in History last year but wanting to dedicate myself to the Classics field (having no prior knowledge of Latin or Greek), I applied to various post-bacc programs in Classics despite the fact that most of them required at least intermediate knowledge of the two languages. I was summarily rejected because of this deficiency. I took an intensive Latin summer course and am at another university as a post-grad non-degree student currently studying first year Greek and second year Latin. I'm looking to apply again to post-bacc programs (where I'd be able to get _some_ financial aid) but here's my problem and where letters of recommendation kick in:

Last year I applied with a letter of recommendation from the one Classics professor in my university's department with whom I have a very strong rapport with [hereafter named Dr. X], as well as another history professor who I felt could attest to my academic strengths.

This year, I've asked Dr. X to write a letter of recommendation for my applications to Post-Bacc programs once again. He said he was impressed with my pursuit of a classics degree and he would be happy to support me again, which was great and meant a lot to me. Having said that, I fully intend on applying for graduate schools for Fall 2013 at the end of this year while I'm doing my Post-Bacc aaaand I'd really love to have his letter of recommendation again for that. But, if you're keeping track, that will be the third time I'd be asking for his letter and maybe I'm pushing my luck a bit? Love to hear some thoughts about this.

[Pitangus]

I used to dread asking for recommendation letters so I understand this thought.

Really though, if you have a good relationship with a professor then s/he will want to see you succeed. Besides, once a professor recommends you the first time s/he will already have a letter that can be tweaked as needed and sent out again, so future letters will not require the same time commitment.

One of my professors has recommended me for an undergrad fellowship program, REU programs, and now graduate programs. I also listed this professor as a reference when I was applying for post-bacc field assistantships. I have received plenty of (actually mostly) rejections throughout, but my professor is still always happy to hear from me and help me.

Just be honest and share your plans. Once you hear from your post-bacc programs, thank him again for writing for you and let him know how much you appreciate his support as you work your way towards graduate school. That way when it comes time to ask for letters again he'll know your plans and be expecting the request.

[purpledinosaur]

^ true story. I have asked one of my professors for so many recommendations now, and although I too am nervous about bugging him too much, I know that he just wants to help me succeed and he is happy to write me letters! So don't worry, it's a part of their job to do this kind of thing.

[modernity]

I think if you explain to them how you've improved and why you think you have a better chance of succeeding this time, and how much you want it - they might just see you as driven, and appreciate that.

[ltodd]

I had to ask my 3 writers for 14 letters a piece! About to ask them for their 15th here soon for something else.

Students typically think this is a much larger burden than professors do. It is part of their job, their in academia to help students. Just be very thankful and appreciative and I'm sure he will be glad to help again.

Edited February 25, 2012 by ltodd

[coonskee]

Another way to spin it: If he's already written two letters for you, the third will be easy! He'll be able to refer back to the other two for the "backbone" of the letter, and then tack on a paragraph or whatever about your next accomplishment. Don't worry about it - as long as you get along well, he's not going to stop wanting to write a letter for you. Unless you kill his firstborn child or something in the meantime. You might have some trouble then.

[CarlieE]

I'll just add my voice to the choir...

I have a few professors whom I've asked for LORs for various things: fellowships, scholarships and now, grad school. One of them basically said once he did my first letter, he just needs to see an updated CV (if there's anything new) and he can plug it right in in about 3 minutes. So I agree, if they really are supportive of you, they'll be happy to write (yet another) LOR. Good Luck!

[poliorkein]

Thank you so much for all the feedback! I really appreciate it. I have, more or less, done as Pitangus said and shared my plans with my professor and of course I will thank him for the help once the process is over. Thank you to everyone who replied for your time.

[Cici Beanz]

This application season I got letters from two professory who helped me get into the exact same program a few years ago. I ended up being accepted and then backing out for personal reasons pretty late in the game. I had figured that my chances of ever being able to look them in the eye again-let alone get references from them- were shot to hell. As it turns out, though, once I got up the nerve to tucl my tail between my legs and ask them again, I managed to convince them that I was 100% dedicated this time around, and they actually ended up supporting me MORE fully than they had the first time around!

I think that you have an advantage over me too, in that any wandering off course that you did was through no fault of your own. Your goal has been the same, so I don't think they will be even surprised, let alone put off, by the fact that you will continue to need their support as you move up the ladder. In addition, though, remember that you will likely meet at least one awesome professor in your post-bac program who could also be a resource for the future. All in all I think you've got your head on straight and as long as you articulate yourself as well to your referees as you did here on the forum you should be good to go! Best of luck to you.

[Sigaba]

It is part of their job, they're in academia to help students.

With respect, I disagree. The fact that this BB, and others like it, exist indicate that many--if most--established academics are disinterested in (if not hostile to) mentoring undergraduates, if not also graduate students. Moreover, as this sensibility is increasingly pronounced, it seems unlikely that the Powers That Be consider this type of support to be part of the job.

These two points aside, I recommend that aspiring graduate students put aside their concerns that they're going to the well once too often. Just make sure that you manage your relationships with professors who write you LoRs with respect. (This includes asking for LoRs in a timely fashion, keeping them informed of your progress, giving suitable expressions of thanks, and sincerely demonstrating interest in their well being.)

(As you go along and earn the confidence of professors, you will hear a wide range of opinions about mentoring. Depending upon your frame of mind, you'll find some viewpoints admirable and others disappointing--if not outright deplorable. The bottom line is that a tenured professor will have his or her agenda and if you don't agree, it is your problem, not his or hers. The best you can do is to keep your mouth shut--what is said behind closed doors must remain behind closed doors--and to conduct yourself according to your own vision of your profession.)

[hbeels]

It's always worth trying, especially if you get along well and you know you have a god reccomendation from them. While, as Sigaba pointed out, it's not their job per se, it appears as if this professor wants to your succeed. If you're worried about it, tell him that--"I know I've asked you for reccomendations before, and I was wondering if you'd be willing to write just one more as I apply to X, Y, and Z next fall."

[kaykaykay]

I was afraid of this until one of my professors told me that if he agreed to write a recommendation letter for a student he would adjust/resend it as many times they needed it without any thought.

I realized it might be actually less bothersome for everyone to ask 1 prof for 15 letters than 15 profs for one letter each.Writing recommendation letters is not the primary job of a professor , but once they put all the time and energy into writing your letter they can probably tailor it to your various applications quite easily.

I would only worry that the place where you apply next would want to have some fresher recommendation. Just try to get some fresh ones too if you can...