LOR from Professors - MSW

[esp.msw]

So, I didn't take the time to really build relationships with any of my professors in undergrad . I was on a quarter system, weeks went by really fast and I just went through the motions. It wasn't until my last quarter that I realized, dangit, I really need a professors' LOR! 

 

Anyway, I took some additional classes at my local community college after graduating and received A's, would a program look down on my application if my letters are from professors from classes I took AFTER graduation and at community college?

 

Do they want letters from professors from your undergraduate studies or will any professor suffice? Thanks! 

[Kristopher]

I would check with the school. I don't think a University would care if it came from a class after undergrad. In fact, it could help and show how you tried to further your studies after undergrad and before grad school.

[peachypie]

Though I worked between UG and my application, I did not have any LORs from my undergrad professors.  I wanted someone who could speak to my research (however I am in biological sciences so we typically built relationships with professors we worked with in laboratory).  However, I think the way you need to look at is, who can best give you a recommendation for the program you are applying to.  Were these courses relevant to what you are hoping to pursue in graduate school?  Do the professors have insights into your ability to be a part of the subject matter you are going to study?  If so, definitely have them write you a letter.  Your requirements for selecting LOR writers should be there ability to speak about you personally and to the work you can or have done, as well as the relevance of what they are involved in being part of your future direction.  if hte course was for trig and you are applying for social work it doesn't really shine for a LOR, but if its on interpersonal relationships and psych then maybe so!  Also consider if you are involved in work (work supervisors often when in your field are great because they know working knowledge of the field) or any volunteer or other programs you may have been involved in.  Best of luck!

[pdwilks]

I have to say, really give your professors something to work with, like resume, copy of the SOP so they see who you are. Perhaps even a letter detailing how you know them, class, grade etc.

 

I had three professors write my first application LOR and I saw only one (tried to be brave and go without looking). The one I did see scared the crap out of me because it was one of those basic Hi, I recommend this person. Kind of made me a bit miffed because I knew that professor, took several classes with him, did well in each and spoke to him about the LOR's and provided the above mentioned items.

 

On my second application I saw two of the three letters and I was pleasantly surprised how glowing they were, one was two pages detailing out my internship and what I wanted to do with my degree, something we had spoken about.  Two of the letters were from my internship and one from a professor who I requested from the first time. (she wrote a similar letter for that one though I didn't see it til later). 

 

What I'm saying is take some time to talk to the LOR people, refresh there memories, make nice with them so they can write more than " I recommend so and so for the MSW program".  If you can get away with sending in an extra one do it. I really think because I had an extra one on the first application it helped.    I was accepted into both programs with my letters.

[esp.msw]

Thank you all for your responses.

I suppose I was specifically seeking an answer on how much weight a CC instructor's LOR would hold against a professor who didn't know me too well in my undergrad.

 

Has anyone sent letters from instructors from classes taken after graduation (ie. community colleges)?