letters of recommendation

[larry83]

I'm applying to masters programs and have already sent everything in except for my letters of recommendation. My problem is that every school I'm applying to requires three letters. I only know two professors well enough to write me letters. I go to a very large school and these are the only two professors that know me well enough to write a recommendation. What do you think schools would do if I only sent them two letters instead of the required three? Or should I just ask a professor at my school who doesn't really know me well? It's been a while since I have had a job or any volunteer work so asking an employer is out of the question. I saved the hardest part of the application process for the end and now it seems as though I may not be able to complete it.

[History_Nerd]

You should do whatever it takes to complete the requirements on this one and send three letters. Most schools see so many applications that they won't even take a second look at incomplete applications. You might be able to have a Dean or head of one of the departments you worked with as an undergraduate write you a letter. Whatever you do - make sure to give your third letter writer a copy of your resume or CV, especially if they don't know you very well.

[larry83]

thank you

I figured I should try to get a third person. Maybe I'll just ask one of the professors that I am currently taking. I can stop by their office a few times before I ask for letters of rec. to discuss a paper or something.

[History_Nerd]

thank you

I figured I should try to get a third person. Maybe I'll just ask one of the professors that I am currently taking. I can stop by their office a few times before I ask for letters of rec. to discuss a paper or something.

That's a good idea. A lot of profs just sit in their office hours doing their own research - and would be happy to talk with students if they would come to visit. Anyway, drop by a few times, make sure to tell them you are getting ready to apply to graduate programs and maybe let them know that you've worked closely with two other profs in the department and are seeking a third letter, etc. etc.

Good luck!

[jennesy]

Do visit the prof during office hours! (Seriously...I'm a TA and the only time I have students come in is when there is a paper due or something. Visit when it's not paper-panic-time and your prof will remember.)

You really should submit 3 letters of rec. if they ask for 3. If you have 2 strong letters from profs who know you well (and have connections at the schools you're applying to) and one from someone who you haven't worked with much (someone in administration, leader of a group/research program you were in, etc.) you should be ok.

I'm also wondering about my recs. I'm applying to Soc/Interdisciplinary programs. I have one prof who knows me really well (4 years of research in his lab) but he's in the Psych dept. I have one in Soc who doesn't know me that well but I had 2 small seminar classes with him. Another is a prof who I had one small class with where I did a huge research project in my area. She's in a completely different area. So...my letters are coming from all over the place. Last time I applied I had my Psych prof, someone who I had a research job with (he was a dept. head from a different department and didn't know me, I worked with his grad student very closely - I think she wrote the letter) and another Psych prof who didn't know me too well (just had one class with him, but I'm interested in his type of research and he knows the people I applied to work with). So, I don't feel like my letters were very strong last time. Hopefully these will be much better.

When are your deadlines? Best of luck!