Only 2 references, where to apply?

[tootired]

Hi everone (it's my first post). I am trying to apply for a PhD position, but unfortuantely I have only 2 reference letters. (I am an international students and this whole reference letter thing is not common in my country) I was hoping it would not have been a big problem, but it turns out it is a HUGE problem and every university requires at least 3 letters. Since application deadlines are (ususally) on the 15th of Dec, it also seems like it is way too late to look for any other possible source of reference letters.

So do you know any US university with a good Computer Science PhD program which accepts applications with only 2 reference letters?

Thanks

[fuzzylogician]

Question: is it possible for you to obtain a "just ok" letter? If you have two good ones, a third letter, even if no more than a "did well in class" type letter, should still be fine and will allow you to apply to all those departments that want 3 letters. 

[TakeruK]

I'd second fuzzy's advice. Many North American applicants will have an "okay" 3rd letter. If you can't find anyone to even write a very short letter, you should consider contacting the schools and explaining your situation.

[lemma]

I was really worried about not having enough references (I worried about this for about three years, no joke). I found that the people I reached out to were very receptive, especially once I explained the situation I was in to them. In your shoes, I would sit down and write a list of everyone possible to ask from class and research settings (even relevant work experience if you have to). If you email people to reach out, I would attach a copy of your resume for their reference, because in my experience this can be a very useful tool for professors to use to fill out a letter.

[tootired]

9 hours ago, fuzzylogician said:

Question: is it possible for you to obtain a "just ok" letter? If you have two good ones, a third letter, even if no more than a "did well in class" type letter, should still be fine and will allow you to apply to all those departments that want 3 letters. 

Thank you for the suggestion. Unfortunately it's time I'm missing now. Since the deadline is approaching fast, I don't think I can get one of my professor to write even an ok letter in time. I will try anyway, however I would really like to have a backup plan if that doesn't work.

[BelgianWill]

I would suggest getting a third letter from someone who is not a professor. Maybe your supervisor at an internship or other job (provided it's somewhat relevant to the studies you are pursuing), or a research assistant you worked with, someone who knows you well and will be willing to write more of a character reference letter, but still related to CS.

[cabbysaurus]

Northwestern requires only two letters. I think there are some smaller state schools that do as well.

[José Neto]

George Mason requires only two as well.

[tootired]

Sorry, I finally could get the third reference letter and forgot about the post. I ended up applying to a few universities and luckily got some offers.

[TakeruK]

1 hour ago, tootired said:

Sorry, I finally could get the third reference letter and forgot about the post. I ended up applying to a few universities and luckily got some offers.

Yay! Always nice to hear updates and especially nice when it's good news