Letter of Rec 2 years after doing research with a prof?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hercuflea
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Research Years
AI Thread Summary
When applying for PhD programs after a two-year gap since a summer REU in a plasma physics lab, it's important to consider whether the professor will remember the applicant. While there are concerns about memory retention, it is suggested that the applicant proactively remind the professor by providing highlights of their experience, a CV or resume, and possibly a brief bio summarizing their work during the REU. This approach can help the professor recall relevant details and write a more substantial recommendation letter. Additionally, the professor may still have copies of previous letters, which can aid in refreshing their memory.
Hercuflea
Messages
593
Reaction score
49
By the time I apply for PhD's, it will have been 2 years since I did my REU over the summer in a plasma physics lab. Do you think the Prof will still remember me at all and/or be able to write a letter for me? He has already written me letters for other stuff so I know he'd probably be willing to write one, but after 2 years I don't know if he'll even remember enough about me to write anything substantial.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Then you should remind him! Give him the highlights of your experience and send him your CV/resume. Also, he should have a copy of the old letters still, he can use those to refresh his memory.
 
ModusPwnd said:
Then you should remind him! Give him the highlights of your experience and send him your CV/resume. Also, he should have a copy of the old letters still, he can use those to refresh his memory.

Thanks, I will definitely do that. Maybe I can write up a little bio about the summer and what I did to refresh his memory.
 

Thread 'Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory'

TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
View full post »

Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
View full post »

Similar threads

Admissions How Can I Overcome Limited Research Experience for Grad School in Physics?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions How good do recommendation letters for Master's programs have to be?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Other Recommended work for an undergrad (internships, research, etc.)
Replies
6
Views
2K
Other Name omitted from Professor's research paper- What should I do?
Replies
25
Views
5K
Other Requesting a letter of recommendation from a Research Advisor
Replies
4
Views
2K
Writing Your Own Rec Letter: Pros & Cons
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admissions Comments on my physics PhD applicant profile
Replies
4
Views
3K
Looking for physics internships requiring one letter of recommendation
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions Should I apply to Physics PhD programs?
2
Replies
63
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top