[FiftyBelow]

Hello CP,

There are likely many members in the community who have completed graduate studies or are currently members of faculty so I thought this would be an excellent place to ask some questions. Specifically, I'm hoping that I can get some advice for obtaining academic reference letters.

Most of the programs I'm applying for require at least 2 academic references. Admittedly, this is probably the hardest part of the application process for me. I graduated in 2012 so its been over 2 years. Moreover, most of the relevant professors that taught me did so in 2009/2010 since I was eager to get such classes completed. To make things more challenging, I was never the kind of student who really spoke up often in lectures or visited office hours. I still managed to do well, but I doubt a lot of these professors will remember anything substantial other than my position on the grading scale.

In my email requests to the professors I plan to include all of my written assignments, a photo, transcripts, resume and a blurb about why I've decided to pursue grad studies. Is there anything else that I can include to help the professor write a more substantial letter?

What kind of letters are the admission committees expecting? Surely, they understand that some applicants have not seen their professors for a significant number of years? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!