Letter of recommendatio-current prof.

  • Thread starter Thread starter jaska22
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of obtaining letters of recommendation for graduate school, particularly for a student who has recently transferred and lacks close relationships with professors. The scope includes personal experiences, strategies for approaching professors, and considerations regarding GRE preparation and research opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that professors understand the situation and may provide a positive letter if the student performs well in class, even if they have not previously worked together.
  • Another participant advises that a strong GRE score could be crucial and recommends considering a year of research to enhance the student's profile.
  • The original poster expresses concern about being quiet in class and worries that professors may not remember them, but acknowledges the need to engage more actively.
  • The original poster also mentions a desire to pursue research in experimental physics but has struggled to find time, indicating that their decision may depend on GRE performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that obtaining letters from professors who have not previously worked with the student is possible, but there are differing opinions on the effectiveness of such letters compared to those from professors with whom the student has a closer relationship. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of relying on professors for recommendations without prior engagement and the potential impact of GRE scores on graduate school applications. There is also an acknowledgment of personal circumstances affecting the student's academic planning.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for graduate school applications, particularly those transitioning from community colleges or with limited relationships with faculty, may find this discussion relevant.

jaska22
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone,

I will be needing letters of recommendation for grad school towards the end of next semester. I transferred from community college and don't have such close relationship with physics professors at my university. I did good (A's) in all classes but I didn't have any of the profesors twice.

I will be doing my research the last semester Spring '10 and it will be too late then for grad school admission. I even thought of making a break after undergrad for one semester because I have too much going on with my personal life (too many obligations) that I haven't started to study for GRE's yet.

So, my question: If I do well in the classes I am about to take in fall, would it be ok to ask professors for letters of recomendation before the end of semester even if I will be having those professors for the first time?

I just feel it would be better because they will have a fresh idea of what kind of student I am.

Thanks,
Jaska
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes. Profs understand that. If you spoke up in their class and you did well they'll supply a token positivel letter. (Of course that will never be as good as a recommendation from a prof you've actually worked with but still)
 
Unless you do stellar on the GRE, you should maybe consider spending a year doing research somewhere it would increase your profile greatly.
 
That is my problem mostly since I am so quiet that I never speak up in class even though I know material and do well in class but I don't think they remember me since I am so quiet. But I'll try more now since I really need it.

Also about research I planned to do it earlier because I wanted to go into experimental physics and wanted to see how I do in lab but couldn't find time. So if needed maybe I'll stay and do some research. I guess it will depend on GRE's and how I do on them as well.

Thanks both on reply
Jaska
 

Similar threads

Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Other Trying to find research opportunities but I am doing something wrong
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Admissions Who should I pick for my third letter of recommendation?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Questions About Referrals for Physics REUs (for Undergrads)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Should I submit 860 PGRE?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions Can a non-academic write a strong letter of recommendation for grad school?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions How Can I Overcome Limited Research Experience for Grad School in Physics?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Programs Cal Poly SLO vs a UCSB Physics Undergrad
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Admissions Asking for letter of recommendation from current professor?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Schools Can I recover from this poor performance in my 5th semester?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K