A few days ago

cjtorresg

Whom should I ask for a letter of recommendation for grad school if I have been out of school for a few years?

I graduated from college a few years ago and am now in the process of applying to grad school. Most of my former professors have either retired or will probably not remember me, since it’s been so long since I was in their classes. What should I do for grad schools who ask for letters of recommendation from former professors? Should I cross my fingers and hope that my professors remember me? Do I basically ignore the instructions on the application and just send recommendations from my employer? Do I ask the grad school program what they suggest? I don’t want to seem like I have something to hide by asking or by ignoring their directions. And I don’t want to take my chances that the letter will say, “Don’t remember this student”. Any suggestions?

Top 7 Answers

A few days ago

Favorite Answer

That’s very strange, asking for letter from former professor. Most programs don’t dictate that for the very reasons you described. You should ask the grad school admissions office. Attach an explanation with your recommendation from your employer.

Include in your explanation that you feel the attached recommendation will give more insight into your character and abilities than one from a professor so long ago.

A few days ago

ngathile

Hi. I would recommend you to take a moment and try to make a brief list of PROFESSORS that will remember you. Such as a lab teacher, a tutor, counselor/advisor, …. although you’ve been out of school, the ones that you had a good student / teacher relationship will most likely will remember you. Also, work recommendations are also great directly or indirectly. If your job does not relate to what grad program you are applying, the least it will do is highlight your strengths as an individual which will clarify that you are a well rounded person.

PS.. in addition, a great way to get a recent letter of recommendation is to volunteer!! If you are a science student, try something small like a chairty event or blood bank. (it takes a few hours a month and earns you not only hands on experience but it could also give you that RECENT letter of recognition) since you are applying now, it will show that you are still giving back to the community.

If seeking a letter from a workplace, help your manager by what they should mention about you (being on time, strengths, teamplayer..) sometimes managers and etc. have a hard time writing a letter of rec. for an employee because it’s rare to be asked.

I hope this helped. Good Luck with your future endeavors.

5 years ago

You needn’t confine your search to academia, and in fact, it’s probably better if you don’t. The graduate schools are not really looking for evidence that you are a good psychology student. After all, they have your grades to show that. Rather, what they want to see is evidence that you will succeed in graduate school and later in life as a professional psychologist. The difference may seem subtle, but it’s significant. I’d suggest getting a letter from someone who has known you very well for a long time, perhaps even someone who watched you grow up and develop into the serious person you are. Perhaps your minister or rabbi, or maybe your doctor, or maybe a relative or family friend who holds an especially respected position in society.

A few days ago

s p

Lots of grad school students have taken time off. Yes, you should ask the GS program for their suggestions, and also make sure to address this issue on the application. I don’t see why an employer letter wouldn’t be okay for someone in your position.

You could also check with the professors who are still at the school. Did you happen to save any good papers they graded? You could send one of those to remind them of your good work.

A few days ago

ooooo

Chances are, many of your professors will remember you. Unless all you took were lectures full of 50+ students. They may not remember you perfectly, so when you ask them for recommendations, offer to send a CV, a copy of your purpose statement and anything else that might be useful for them (it might help them, for example, to have a copy of your transcript or a paper/project you wrote in their class). If they can’t do it, they’ll say so and you can move on to someone else. Don’t use your employer unless the job is relevant to your studies, and even then your other two (assuming you need three) should be from profs.

A few days ago

Dana A

I would see if there was a professor that you had more than one class with or who might remember you, or one you had a very good grade in class with. I’d then write the professor and remind him that you took this particular class and got an “A” or something like that.

You might also discuss your concerns with your chosen graduate school.

Good luck,

Dana

A few days ago

jess_ls04

I’d write to your former professors, and explain your situation.

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Whom should I ask for a letter of recommendation for grad school if I have been out of school for a few years?

Whom should I ask for a letter of recommendation for grad school if I have been out of school for a few years?

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