Questions About Referrals for Physics REUs (for Undergrads)

[Ascendant0]

I'm trying to figure out the optimal way to apply for REUs for this coming summer under my circumstances. In short, I obtained my AA at a state college back in 2014. Solid 4.0, graduated Summa Cum Laude, multiple honors, and was even commencement speaker at my graduation ceremony. The problem there of course is that it was all 10 years ago now. While I did just restart on my third year at a local university, this fall was only my first semester here. Most of the semester was me struggling to brush up on old material I didn't have the time to prior to starting, while learning new material on top of that, so I wasn't able to maintain my 4.0.

With that said, one of the REUs I'm looking at requires two referees. The professors at my current college have only known me for one semester, and there wasn't any that I had an opportunity to work with outside of class (other than office hours here and there). So, I don't think any of them know me well enough to ask them for a referral. I don't know to what extent a professor should know you to where asking for one is appropriate?

I do have one from my prior college from back in 2014, my physics professor, who I reached out to and asked if he would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. Because of everything I did back then, he actually remembers me quite clearly, and said he'd be more than happy to. The only other professor that was there teaching science (chemistry) has since passed away, and my math teacher from there has since retired and I have no way to reach. Chemistry and physics were the only two science-specific courses I took there. Since I was president of both the local and national honor's societies at the college, I was considering asking the faculty that oversaw our honor's society for a reference, as they knew me very well too. But, I'm assuming I'd want a reference that can vouch for something involving math or science, right?

I need that third reference, but I'm not sure the best route under my circumstances? Ask one of my newer professors that don't know me well and where I wasn't a top-performer this semester, or asking faculty at a college that knew me 10 years ago (but all knew me very well and with a 4.0)? To add, I got a B+ in two classes (Math Methods in Physics and Modern Physics), an A- in another (Stellar Astronomy), and an A+ in one (Intermediate Lab). The lab I don't think is an option, as the professor was rarely ever there; two TAs supervised the lab. And with those grades, I also feel like I didn't do well enough for them to want to refer me either. I'm confident I can pick my grades back up now that I'm caught up, but I feel this is a rough circumstance to try and get referrals. At the same time, this coming summer is the only opportunity I'll have to get an REU under my belt before grad school, and most the deadlines are end of January, beginning of February. So, I don't have much time left to put all this together.

I know this is all a lot to take in, and it's still the tip of the iceberg. I tried to keep it relevant to circumstances that will be a factor. So, what would you suggest? Reach out to professors from my old college that were outside of STEM, maybe the professor that supervised the honor's society I ran? Or, ask one of the professors I got the B+ or A- in?

 

[Choppy]

For what it's worth, if you're in the middle of your undergraduate program, the people reading these letters aren't going to be looking for a reference based on years of dedicated lab work. You're an undergraduate student seeking your first experience in research. Most reference letters from people in that situation will be from professors who they took a class with.
You have one from a physics professor who knew you and remembers you from ten years ago--that's awesome. For the other two, I'd be more inclined to seek references from people in the field, even if your relationship is based on a single course. If they're willing to act as a reference, provide them with a CV and transcripts, so that they'll have a better picture of you academically.

 

[Ascendant0]

For what it's worth, if you're in the middle of your undergraduate program, the people reading these letters aren't going to be looking for a reference based on years of dedicated lab work. You're an undergraduate student seeking your first experience in research. Most reference letters from people in that situation will be from professors who they took a class with.
You have one from a physics professor who knew you and remembers you from ten years ago--that's awesome. For the other two, I'd be more inclined to seek references from people in the field, even if your relationship is based on a single course. If they're willing to act as a reference, provide them with a CV and transcripts, so that they'll have a better picture of you academically.

That sounds great, thank you so much. I'm going to compile that stuff together now to try and get it out to them before the weekend. I'm going to try all three of the professors I had for classes this semester (other than lab, since we only saw him in class maybe 4 times total the entire semester).

 

[Ascendant0]

For what it's worth, if you're in the middle of your undergraduate program, the people reading these letters aren't going to be looking for a reference based on years of dedicated lab work. You're an undergraduate student seeking your first experience in research. Most reference letters from people in that situation will be from professors who they took a class with.
You have one from a physics professor who knew you and remembers you from ten years ago--that's awesome. For the other two, I'd be more inclined to seek references from people in the field, even if your relationship is based on a single course. If they're willing to act as a reference, provide them with a CV and transcripts, so that they'll have a better picture of you academically.

Do you by any chance know if it would be a good idea to contact my professors I had classes with last semester now during break, or wait until the next semester starts (which for us is Jan 13th)?

A part of me wants to reach out now, before they get tied up with ongoing classes again. But at the same time, I'm not even sure if they're actively checking emails currently, and I'm concerned it might get lost in their emails by the time they come back.

So, should I send the emails now, wait until closer to the semester, or wait until after the semester starts?

 

[Choppy]

When it comes to reference letter requests, sooner is usually better in my experience.

Just don't assume they'll be able to get to them over the holidays. If you don't hear anything, you can always follow up once the semester starts.