LOR & LW Etiquette

[a_sort_of_fractious_angel]

Hey, all - apologies if this topic has been discussed before (I looked through a few pages in the forum and didn't see any super recent titles like this.) Are there any tips or tricks on reaching out to potential LWs after you've been out of school for a brief period of time?

FWIW, I plan to ask 3 former professors from my MA program (I graduated in 2016) to be LWs for this upcoming round of applications. Two wrote for me when I applied during my second year, and all three are really nice folk, so I don't anticipate them having totally forgotten who I am. I plan to reach out September 1ish with a polished application ready for nuanced critiques - I am hopeful that an early (and hopefully strong) "reintroduction" will reflect well on the time I've taken off and give us time to reconnect. While I'm out of state from the program, I'm not super far and I figure if I get "OKs" from all three, I'll negotiate the "can we talk via phone or I can come down for the day to discuss my application materials" aspects.  

I'd appreciate any advice on the process, however, since I feel a little weird and awkward and kind of queasy about it since I'm no longer a current student. 

Also, a related concern -  do any of you recommend or advise against asking the more pointed "can you write me a strong letter" approach? I've always assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that if a professor doesn't feel comfortable writing strongly on your behalf, they just won't write. Should I clarify for a "strong" letter, however, and if so, should I open with that in my introductory email? That seems a little aggressive, but what do I know.

Thanks in advance

[Concordia]

If you want to give a few good excusesf, you could say "do you remember my work well enough to recommend me to [Fabulous University X]?"

[a_sort_of_fractious_angel]

1 hour ago, Concordia said:

If you want to give a few good excusesf, you could say "do you remember my work well enough to recommend me to [Fabulous University X]?"

Thank you! That's a more low key approach - I appreciate it! 

[jackdacjson]

Hey!

 

I just wanted to chime in with something that I always try to remember. Part of what professors are paid to do, a literal expectation of their academic profession, is write letters of recommendation for students and for former students. And just about every professor I've met or heard of is aware of this responsibility and accepts it, in large part because they would not be where they are without the numerous letters their own mentors and teachers provided. There is absolutely nothing wrong or even abnormal about asking for a letter after a gap of several years. I know that probably doesn't lessen the anxiety, but I hope it helps to know that you're in the clear.

[jackdacjson]

20 hours ago, a_sort_of_fractious_angel said:

Also, a related concern -  do any of you recommend or advise against asking the more pointed "can you write me a strong letter" approach? I've always assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that if a professor doesn't feel comfortable writing strongly on your behalf, they just won't write. Should I clarify for a "strong" letter, however, and if so, should I open with that in my introductory email? That seems a little aggressive, but what do I know.

I just saw this^ after I posted my reply. I've wondered about that as well. I asked one professor what he thought about asking for strong letters, and he said that anyone who doesn't warn you they can't write a strong letter or somehow otherwise get out of writing one at all is a pretty terrible person. But I tend, nonetheless, to lean toward asking "Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation as I apply to grad schools?" Just in case. But asking, as a_sort_of_fractious_angel suggests, if they remember your work well enough is also a clever round about way of doing it. 

Good luck!

[a_sort_of_fractious_angel]

3 hours ago, jackdacjson said:

I just saw this^ after I posted my reply. I've wondered about that as well. I asked one professor what he thought about asking for strong letters, and he said that anyone who doesn't warn you they can't write a strong letter or somehow otherwise get out of writing one at all is a pretty terrible person. But I tend, nonetheless, to lean toward asking "Can you write me a strong letter of recommendation as I apply to grad schools?" Just in case. But asking, as a_sort_of_fractious_angel suggests, if they remember your work well enough is also a clever round about way of doing it. 

Good luck!

Hello, and thank you! You're absolutely right - it's part of their job and some percentage of them likely enjoy helping out. And your second point makes sense, too - it's always better to ask! Most importantly, congrats, @jackdacjson, on your acceptance to Michigan! I have a dear friend there now in the English program - I'm sure Michigan has answered all your questions, but if you find yourself wanting to know more, shoot me a PM and I can get you in contact.

Thanks again!