Argh - what to do?

[spasticbean]

Hello all! I'm in a bit of a pickle and hoped you would all lend me some of your wisdom.

A little background:

I'm a junior, history major/anthro minor, who has just transferred to a four-year college from a community college. I spent the summer in Turkey on a language immersion scholarship and it pretty much changed my academic and career goals. I am now set on Ottoman & Turkish studies. My new institution does not offer much in the way of Middle Eastern anything - in fact, only one course on Mid East Conflict this semester, no related languages - so I was all geared up to spend a semester in Istanbul this spring to take some related classes and continue my Turkish language studies.

The problem:

On the one hand, I think that doing this will give me a better chance of getting into a good grad program, considering how much my transcript will be lacking in anything related to the Middle East. Plus, I don't want all the Turkish I've learned to float away! On the other hand, this will leave me with really only one semester for my professors to get to know me before the senior year/application process begins.

Anyone else been in a similar situation? Is it possible to get strong LORs from one semester if I bust my ass to impress them? Which option do you think would be most important to grad admissions?

[joro]

One of my LOR is from a professor I had for only one semester, but then I also was his student grader the following semester. To cut a long story short, he referred to me as a genius in one of his classes and was more than willing to write me a LOR from just taking one semester with him. I say that if you can show potential or demonstrate your interest, then I think it should be possible.

EDIT:

Why not try to get a LOR from the professors in Istanbul?

[rising_star]

GO TO ISTANBUL! Keep in contact with professors you've had while you're gone. Make solid connections with professors while in Turkey. Use the combo to get letters.

[rainy_day]

GO TO ISTANBUL! Keep in contact with professors you've had while you're gone. Make solid connections with professors while in Turkey. Use the combo to get letters.

This! Also you can take classes in the Fall of your senior year with faculty members who you had in Fall of your junior year. They won't be writing your LoR until the middle-end of the semester, so you will have this time to remind them of how awesome you are.

Definitely keep in touch while in Istanbul! Write emails every month or so saying hello! This is very helpful--I've been out of undergrad for over 2 years now, but I am still close to my will-be letter writers, in part because I've dropped them periodic notes.

Also, I would recommend doing an independent study when you return from Istanbul. Those look really good on your transcript, will give you a way to get to know a professor better, and will allow you to do research in an area that is not available in your current department.

[spasticbean]

Thank you all for the advice! Go to Istanbul - that was the answer I wanted to hear!

So, time for a really stupid question. How does one build solid connections with professors? I tend to be very shy and always feel like I'm bugging profs when I see them outside of class. I didn't really even have "connections" with the teachers who wrote the LORs to get into my current school, I just took their classes several times and did really well in them. Any ideas for the socially retarded?

[tarski]

As long as they've scheduled an office hour, you're not bugging them if you show up . Just go and ask some questions, mention your Istanbul plans maybe. Typically my professors are bored sensless during their office hours and are very happy when someone decides to actually show up and talk.

[KieBelle]

I don't have much advice for you regarding the Istanbul issue (other than I agree with the other posters that OF COURSE you should go!), but just wanted to ask if you'd looked into the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey for grad school. Instruction is in English. I've done some research and it looks like a pretty good school. You should check it out if you haven't already!

[spasticbean]

I hadn't bothered looking at METU for grad - I don't know much about their liberal arts programs, but I understand they're pretty well respected as a tech school. I'm definitely looking abroad for my Masters though - Leiden, Bo?azi

[circumfession]

Definitely go to Istanbul. I lived in Athens and Istanbul for several months while studying abroad. Even though it's not at all related to my field, it was an incredible experience.

To address your questions:

1. Yes, you can ask for LoR's from your professors in Turkey, but do feel them out first. This really depends on the instituion that you'll be attending, but not all LoR's are considered equal. I had WONDERFUL professors in Greece...who did not have Ph.D's. Also, in some countries/cultures, the expected LoR is quite brief, which might disadvantage you if you're considering American graduate schools. In any case, this is definitely an option...just be aware of the "translation" issues.

2. To make an impression on your professors, go in during office hours. (But please DO have actual questions/points to discuss. Contrary to what others have said, many professors are quite busy and do not have time for idle conversation, even if they love their students. I'm a graduate TA who holds office hours...and I really do prefer students who come in with specific questions or issues). Make sure that your work is turned in on time. Turn in drafts before the deadine, and discuss them with your profs. Not only does this give them a chance to guide your work one-on-one, but you'll likely become a better thinker/writer...and it's another point in your favor.