Huge dilemma about LoRs

[blueplanters]

Hello

 

I have a dilemma about LoRs that is making me wonder if I should apply to grad school at all. 

 

I am applying for Masters programs in Computer Science at a few Canadian universities. I am a few years out of school. Most places require 3 LoRs and here is the problem:

 

I am on my second job after getting my BS. I have three co-workers from my first job who graciously agreed to give me an LoR. The original plan was to use two of them. From my undergrad, I got in touch with someone I did research with for a semester. But for the past 2 months I have not heard back from him. Not even an acknowledgement of my request on various media, including facebook (where he seems to be semi-active). It made me sad because he has put my name on his website as someone he had advised and the research came up with a decent result that was presented. But with deadlines coming up fast, I have to make a decision here. 

 

 

There was another person during my undergrad who I did some research with but I work with him now in a startup (he is my boss). I haven't told them that I am applying to universities because I don't want them to think I am about to bail. So I cannot ask him for a recommendation letter

 

 

Some universities need at least 2 academic letters. I currently have 0. It might be too late to start the conversation with another professor, considering the deadlines and holiday season. 

 

 

Is it even worth applying anymore? Can I apply with all professional references and give some sort of explanation in the personal statement? Should I wait for my main academic reference to some how magically show up? I have a deadline on December 15. The rest are in Feb and March so I might have time to engage another professor.

 

 

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[eragon]

As you said , most universities ask for atleast oneLOR from a professor. So my advise would be to check with the university about the LOR requirement. If its okay for them to send LORs from your employees.

 

In the meantime, try contacting your profs for LORs. Usually canadian universities have a deadline either January or later. SO you have time to contact them and apply for 2015

Edited November 30, 2014 by eragon