How to respond to this?

[Zelda311]

Hi everyone,

I'm applying to a masters program at my undergraduate school but have been out of school for 3 years. I know I have two really strong recommendations from a recent employer and a professor that I had a travel course with as an undergrad. The third recommendation is slightly challenging. I emailed the one other professor who I think would know me best and also teaches a class that is relevant to the program I am applying to. She said that she would be happy to do it but that three years is a long time (obviously I have not been in contact... oops) and would it be in my best interest to find a more current reference? I wasn't really expecting that but I'm pretty sure I would still like the recommendation if she is willing to provide it, which it sounds like she is. My other recommendations are more current and I don't have anyone else to ask. Also as a side note, she is involved with the program I am applying to so I'm not sure if that was a good or bad thing to ask her but oh well, can't do anything about that now. So what would be a proper response in this situation?

[Zelda311]

Also, I forgot to mention in the ask letter that I graduated in spring 2010, the year that I took her class. So maybe that has something to do with it and I need to remind her of that.... Thoughts?

[Instigate]

If she said she would write one then she should be ok with it. Just tell her that her class was the most recent academic performance you have and that the other two writers are from employment which is recent, but you think that an academic assessment is important. Also, if she is in the program her letter would be weighted a lot - if it is great you are almost in, if it is bad then you are almost out.

[CarlieE]

I agree it should be OK to take her up on her offer for a LOR even if it isn't as recent as one might prefer, but - just for perspective - she might be telling you to find someone else because she might not remember your performance as well as she would like (to write you a stellar LOR). 

 

2010 was a few years ago, and in the meantime she probably has had a lot of students. Unless you were especially memorable, perhaps she doesn't feel she "knows" you as well to recommend you strongly. It's like this: if you went to a restaurant once, a few years ago, you might remember it, but you can't say very much about the exact dish you ate or exactly how good the service was. You might be able to say you liked it, and that you'd go again, but that's about it. It's the same thing for professors: they can't - and we shouldn't expect them to - remember fine details about us when we only had a small amount of contact with them. Perhaps you might help jog her memory by sending her a copy of the paper you wrote for her - especially if it earned a A grade or good comments. 

 

If you have another professor, I think you should try asking them as well - even if it's not in your field or department as they might provide a strong LOR which indicates your drive and ability as a student in general. I know most applications ask for 3 LORs but often leave room for 1 or 2 more; I say fill up ALL the slots for LORs if you can. Unless one is a negative LOR, more can't hurt you (but do order them appropriately, in order of importance or relevance.)

[helmetedhamster]

Just tell her that her class was the most recent academic performance you have and that the other two writers are from employment which is recent, but you think that an academic assessment is important.

 

I would do this, but also ask her if she'd like you to send her some of the assignments you wrote for her class or meet her during office hours (if that's possible) to catch up before she writes the recommendation. Seeing you in person might help her remember your academic performance. Or, if you can't meet with her, is there something memorable about you that you could subtly mention in an email? For example, I broke my ankle halfway through a semester...I'm sure some of my professors don't remember my name but would remember me as "that girl on crutches."