Question regarding letters of recommendation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the timing and appropriateness of requesting letters of recommendation (LOR) from professors for graduate school applications. Participants explore the nuances of when to ask for these letters, the quality of the letters, and the importance of having a diverse set of recommenders.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether to ask a professor for a letter immediately after a course or closer to the application date.
  • Another participant emphasizes that letters that are generic and lack detail are not valuable for applications.
  • It is suggested that asking for a letter when applying for grad school, but well ahead of deadlines, is generally more effective.
  • A participant raises a concern about the necessity of having a less substantive LOR as a third letter if the first two come from research professors.
  • Another participant notes that the value of a third LOR may depend on the competitiveness of other applicants' letters.
  • A participant expresses a plan to inform a professor at the end of the term about the intention to request a LOR in the future, highlighting their existing relationships with other professors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the timing of requests for LORs and the significance of the content of those letters. There is no consensus on the best approach, as opinions vary on the importance of having a third LOR from a professor with less direct engagement.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying degrees of connection with professors and the potential impact of competitors' letters on the application process, indicating that the discussion is influenced by individual circumstances and definitions of "substantive" recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for graduate school applications, particularly those seeking advice on letters of recommendation and their timing.

sEsposito
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I was just wondering if one should ask a professor for a letter of recommendation right after the course finishes or when you're ready to apply to grad schools... The only LOR that I've gotten was after a course that I took just before I transferred to a different school, so this example is not indicative of the current situation.
 
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Letters of recommendation containing little more than "X was in my class and did really well" are not worth including in an application. Do you have any other connection to the professor?
 
It's generally more desirable for a letter of reference to be specific and so it would make more sense to ask for one when you're applying for grad school (yet well ahead of the deadline). There's no reason that you couldn't approach a professor after a class, let him or her know that you're going to be applying for graduate school in the coming year and ask if he or she would be willing to write a reference letter for you when the time comes.
 
Andy Resnick said:
Letters of recommendation containing little more than "X was in my class and did really well" are not worth including in an application.

how much does it matter if you just need a professor like that for your 3rd LOR, because your first two came from professors you did research with?
 
creepypasta13 said:
how much does it matter if you just need a professor like that for your 3rd LOR, because your first two came from professors you did research with?

I guess that depends if your competitors have a 3rd LOR with something substantive.
 
Thanks, everyone. I think it's best if I do what Choppy suggests, and at the end of the term mention that I'll be hoping to get a LOR when the time comes.

Also, this question is in regard to a professor that is teaching a class I'm in. I've worked with two other professors outside of coursework, and to be honest I plan on working with some more before grad school. I was just wondering for a kind of just in case LOR.
 

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