How to ask for a letter of recommendation from a prof you haven't had in a while?

[B-612]

Hi everyone,

 

My undergraduate majors were English, writing, philosophy and religion. At first I thought I was interested in pursing religion, so I completed an M.Div. course at Vanderbilt. However, despite my interest in religion, I kept coming back to English literature and composition. A large number of my classes were even focused on religious and philosophical literature: Flannery O'Connor, Albert Camus, etc. and I also took courses on writing about religion. 

 

I've decided to pursue some English PhDs and MFA programs (joint as well) and I've been encouraged by friends who've gone that way to rely heavily on English professors from undergrad rather than religion professors from divinity school.

 

The only problem is that I graduated in 2008, so my classes with some of these professors were some time ago. I've already got the blessing from one with whom I've kept in touch. Another, my advisor, has long since left my undergrad to return home to Montana but we are still in touch on Facebook and like each others' baseball and literature statuses, so we're not completely estranged.

 

I'm terribly shy and horrible at asking for help. Does anyone know how best to broach the topic of asking for a letter of reference? Should I, in my opening e-mail, include the classes I took for him and my departmental GPA to remind him of my standing in the English program?

[Ciarrai300]

Hi,

 

I had the same problem as you.  I graduated in 2008 and hadn't had any contact with my undergrad professors since then.  I just sent a simple email asking them how they were and then saying that I was applying to graduate school and was hoping they'd write a rec.  I added that if they didn't remember me or didn't feel comfortable writing the letter as it had been too long that would be fine.  I also offered to send my SOP and my resume and any other documents they might find helpful.  The profs said yes and asked for the sop and resume.  

 

I'd leave out GPA but you could probably mention a class or two you had with him to jog his memory.  I was super nervous as well but you'll feel 100 times better once you've sent the email.  Actually, that's a lie.  You'll feel 100 times better after you've gotten a response.

[B-612]

Hi, Ciarrai300. Thanks for your advice! Here's an update: I asked my prof and it's a go. He remembered me well and was ecstatic to hear I was returning to the English world. Just a really good guy in general.

[Ciarrai300]

congrats!