No letter from undergrad adviser, need recommender from new program.

[obrera]

Hey everyone.

I am required to submit three letters for all of my applications to PhD programs in English Literature (four programs). I have two recommenders from my undergraduate institution, both of which have written me glowing letters in the past (for my MA and various scholarships) and are happy to do it again. However, my undergraduate thesis adviser had declined to write me letters this round. This is because the applications are online, unlike the previous apps, and he is blind. He has a really hard time navigating all the application webpages, and after the first letter, he made it clear that it was too much. Will it look bad if my undergrad thesis adviser is not one of my recommenders? Should I note why somewhere in my application?

That brings me to my second question: I am in a one-year course-based MA program, and I would like to get a letter from one of my professors from this term. However, so does everyone else, so they are ostensibly being asked for up to 13 letters each. Further, I haven't received any grades back. Should I wait until they have had time to review my final papers in their classes and then ask depending on the grade/comments I receive? I'm just wondering if that is cutting it too close for a Jan. 15 deadline. How do I go about asking a professor who hasn't known me for very long to provide a LOR?

Thanks in advance.

[DarwinAG]

I understand that your professor is blind. I would have come up with ways that made it easy for him (e.g. calling your programs to see if they would make an exception for his condition to send it through snail mail). I am sure they would have made an exception if the request is framed properly. I actually think not having his letter will hurt you since he plays such an intricate role in your academic progress.

Perhaps it is different for English, but as a psychology researcher, I usually never ask a professor who has only seen my work in class for one semester. They really can't comment on much other than how I did in class. Since it is sort of your last resort, I would just be direct and honest. Tell them your situation, and ask politely if they think they have had a good enough exposure to your work to write you a strong letter of reccommendation. Emphasize that you understand it is a bit unorthodox and that you would completely understand if they don't feel comfortable. You want to give them an out.