Requesting recommendations from old professors 3 years ago

[Guest criminologist]

So I am applying to PhD programs next term and I am considering requesting recommendations from professors whose classes I took in undergrad and did very well ( was one of the few in the course to get an A). They were all upper level research method/theory courses in my major and I am pretty sure the teacher(s) remembers me because they made a lot of good comments about my academic performance. Problem is I only had one class with the teachers I am thinking about requesting a rec letter from. Also at the time I was not really considering grad school in the future at all so I didn't discuss with them in privately my plans for grad school or anything. The class I took was about 2.5-3 years ago. I am at a different school for my masters now but it is professionally oriented and I am trying to get at least 1 letter from each institution preferably most of them from undergrad. Is it reasonable to ask them for recommendation to a PhD program? Thanks for any replies. 

Edited March 29, 2013 by gz390

[midnight]

Three years ago shouldn't be an issue at all, and professors tend to remember strong students. It helps if you can provide them with samples of your work from their classes.

 

I requested LORs from professors that I had six years ago with no problem; they seemed more than happy to help me. I scanned a few papers and tests for them, reminded them of a departmental award that I received, and asked if they wanted to see my SOP and CV.

[gingersnapsback]

I agree with what midnight said: professors are usually more than happy to write LORs for students even if it's been years. If  possible, I'd try to go see them in person (Skype is good, too!); if not, send them a few samples of your work from their class. Usually, if you were a strong student, they'll remember you. Also, giving them your SOP, resume, and anything else you include in your application can be helpful to them as well. (Basically reiterated exactly what midnight said, but that was all good advice!)

 

Good luck!

[shadowclaw]

Glad to see this question here. I haven't even started my master's program yet, and I'm already thinking ahead to next summer/fall when I will be applying to PhD programs. When that time comes around, I will only have had at most two classes with any professor at my new school. I will be doing field work for my thesis next spring and summer, and the nature of the work will require us to work together a lot, so I imagine I will be able to get a good LOR from him. However, I am less sure about letters from other professors. However, I know I could get two strong LORs from my undergraduate professors that I worked closely with (in fact, they wrote LORs this past year for me). I was wondering if LORs from undergrad professors would be appropriate considering I will have started graduate work, but from the responses of others, it seems to be ok.

[fleurdelivres]

I requested letters from professors whose classes I took ten years ago. My mother decided to get another masters in her 40s and asked professors from more than 20 years ago, who were happy to write for her. No big deal.

Edited August 16, 2013 by fleurdelivres

[Guest criminologist]

I requested letters from professors whose classes I took ten years ago. My mother decided to get another masters in her 40s and asked professors from more than 20 years ago, who were happy to write for her. No big deal.

 

Wow, that long and they still remember you

 

 

Glad to see this question here. I haven't even started my master's program yet, and I'm already thinking ahead to next summer/fall when I will be applying to PhD programs. When that time comes around, I will only have had at most two classes with any professor at my new school. I will be doing field work for my thesis next spring and summer, and the nature of the work will require us to work together a lot, so I imagine I will be able to get a good LOR from him. However, I am less sure about letters from other professors. However, I know I could get two strong LORs from my undergraduate professors that I worked closely with (in fact, they wrote LORs this past year for me). I was wondering if LORs from undergrad professors would be appropriate considering I will have started graduate work, but from the responses of others, it seems to be ok.

 

Problem is I did not really "work closely" with my professors or anything, just went to class every day, paid attention, got A's on all the tests and papers. I didn't do research with them or anything since I wasn't considering grad school a the time. I don't think there was an opportunity either. I hope that is good enough to get a decent letter. I don't need to letters to be amazing or anything since my other qualifications should make up for any deficiencies 

 

Thanks for all the replies