REUs: Seeking Advice on Letters of Rec & Personal Statements

[carboy79]

So firstly, I am at my first semester at my new university (although I am not a freshman), and the only faculty member I have had any relationship with is my TA for my lab I took this semester. The REU's I'm applying to require a letter of rec, so my question is should I attempt to get a letter from a professor that I've talked to maybe 3 times, or would it be better to get this graduate student to write a letter for me, but it would speak very positively about my lab skills??

My second issue is that one REU I am applying to doesn't ask you to send any personal statement or anything like that, but I really want to include a little paragraph describing my situation because I think it would help my chances. Is this appropriate to include? or would it just piss them off a little that I took it upon myself to add more to my application?

Thanks for responses!

 

[Vanadium 50]

I would get a letter from someone at your old university then.

 

[carboy79]

I would get a letter from someone at your old university then.

I can't, not only did I not take any science courses at my previous university, but my old professors wouldn't be able to pick me out of a line up

 

[G01]

Any professors in related subjects that could possibly help you out? For instance, a letter from a math professor for a physics REU is not a problem, even though a physics professor is preferable.

 

[carboy79]

Any professors in related subjects that could possibly help you out? For instance, a letter from a math professor for a physics REU is not a problem, even though a physics professor is preferable.

I could ask a physics professor like i said earlier... I just feel a little awkward asking. I've been to his office hours like twice. The thing that I have going for me with him though is that i got special permission from him to take this class because I didn't have the pre-requisite, and I'm acing the class. Still though, we don't have any sort of a personal relationship... I don't know if its even appropriate to ask.

 

[G01]

I could ask a physics professor like i said earlier... I just feel a little awkward asking. I've been to his office hours like twice. The thing that I have going for me with him though is that i got special permission from him to take this class because I didn't have the pre-requisite, and I'm acing the class. Still though, we don't have any sort of a personal relationship... I don't know if its even appropriate to ask.

Don't worry about asking your professor for a letter. Writing rec letters is part of a professor's job. Professors write letters for students they don't know well all the time. It's still better than no letter.

On the topic of your TA: The graduate student may know you better, however, a graduate student is not a faculty member, even if they are a TA. You can include the TA's letter if you wish. (It couldn't hurt.) Be aware that it probably won't be given much weight. Thus, you should also have a letter from a faculty member (read: professor).

 

[carboy79]

Don't worry about asking your professor for a letter. Writing rec letters is part of a professor's job. Professors write letters for students they don't know well all the time. It's still better than no letter.

On the topic of your TA: The graduate student may know you better, however, a graduate student is not a faculty member, even if they are a TA. You can include the TA's letter if you wish. (It couldn't hurt.) Be aware that it probably won't be given much weight. Thus, you should also have a letter from a faculty member (read: professor).

Thanks a lot, I guess I'll just gather the courage and ask him. Do you have any advice on my 2nd question?

 

[G01]

Do you have any advice on my 2nd question?

No one is going to reject your application because you sent an extra paragraph stating your interest or unique circumstances.

That said, don't go overboard:

It's good to point out if you have a unique educational background or personal history.

Beyond that focus it on why you want to go to that REU; Mention specific professors or projects you'd like to work on if possible.

Don't waste time talking about how awesome their department is or talking about high school sports, high school science clubs or honor societies, or other irrelevant stuff.

 

[carboy79]

Sorry more questions... My first bachelors degree is in Political Science. When applying should i send these transcripts? Also should I list this in my CV?