Reference Letters for Graduate Studies Application

[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!

[Sr. Mints]

I think you'd be surprised what and who some professors remember. I prefer to sit quietly in class and just take it all in without contributing much, but one of my professors was (seemed?) delighted that I was going to grad school, and told me she always looked forward to reading my work. I didn't even think she knew who I was. That's not always the case, mind, and I can certainly see where you're coming from.

Also, I received a reference from an instructor at SAIT. Classes were smaller and I think you get to know the instructors better than in a class of ~80 people at university. If that's an option for you . . .

Edit: also, maybe email the prof and ask if and when's a good time for you to stop by and talk to them about a reference and your plans to go to grad school. Skip the picture, skip the email sales pitch. In-person goes a lot farther, I think

[troutman]

My great legal history professor always recommended that you ask for "support", not a "letter". I'm not sure why, but I suppose there is a certain etiquette expected. Maybe this way you better recognize the value provided.

[billybob123]

What field of study are you asking about? I'm in the biosciences field and this is a regular thing that comes up. Professors generally will tell you if they can't write you a reference. It helps to ask if they want a current CV. In my field, it's easier if you have undergrad lab experience and that prof writes you one of your references. I've found in biosciences that the reference letters for graduate school are a simple requirement - the PI with whom you will work is often more interested in talking to you directly and whoever supervised your research project.

Good luck.

Oh, and if it's in and of the non-applied sciences, think wisely whether you actually want (and need) to do graduate school.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by billybob123

What field of study are you asking about? I'm in the biosciences field and this is a regular thing that comes up. Professors generally will tell you if they can't write you a reference. It helps to ask if they want a current CV. In my field, it's easier if you have undergrad lab experience and that prof writes you one of your references. I've found in biosciences that the reference letters for graduate school are a simple requirement - the PI with whom you will work is often more interested in talking to you directly and whoever supervised your research project.

Good luck.

Oh, and if it's in and of the non-applied sciences, think wisely whether you actually want (and need) to do graduate school.

Good advice.. at this point in the game it may help to tell them about what you're doing now (cv), and what you're hoping to accomplish. Professors are generally inquisitive people, so even if they don't remember you there's a chance they'd still support your endeavours. Gl

[FiftyBelow]

Thank you for the responses so far. Unfortunately, setting up an appointment with professors just isn't possible as they're out of province... otherwise I totally would. To answer some of the questions above, I'm applying for a Masters in public administration and masters in international relations (latter is preferred). I completed a BA in political science and after some temp work, I secured a position with the GoA.

Ideally, my long term goals are to work for the public service/NGOs/IGOs in an international policy development role. After looking through various internal postings in the GoA and in various organizations, it became clear to me that a masters is a must. The strength of my application will probably come from professional references since I have a pretty strong reputation for my writing (minister briefing notes, research, ARs, constituent correspondence etc).

However, every school requires at least 1 academic reference. Most require 2. I'll definitely try to discuss my career goals and what I've been up. I think some might be a little surprised with the international focus of my desired graduate studies given that I just focused on general political science in undergrad. Given that my work experience and undergrad weren't really IR centric, I'm sure they'll want me to explain where that that ambition comes from? In all honesty, it's something that I've just gradually developed. I've always been interested in security studies/diplomacy on the side and definitely enjoyed such related classes in undergrad. However, it never occurred to me that I should take IR as a focus. It wasn't until I started seeing firsthand the application of policy in the government that I realized I'd love to be in a policy development role but in an international focus. As such, the IR masters just makes so much sense.

[VO #23]

Originally Posted by FiftyBelow

Thank you for the responses so far. Unfortunately, setting up an appointment with professors just isn't possible as they're out of province... otherwise I totally would. To answer some of the questions above, I'm applying for a Masters in public administration and masters in international relations (latter is preferred). I completed a BA in political science and after some temp work, I secured a position with the GoA.

Ideally, my long term goals are to work for the public service/NGOs/IGOs in an international policy development role. After looking through various internal postings in the GoA and in various organizations, it became clear to me that a masters is a must. The strength of my application will probably come from professional references since I have a pretty strong reputation for my writing (minister briefing notes, research, ARs, constituent correspondence etc).

However, every school requires at least 1 academic reference. Most require 2. I'll definitely try to discuss my career goals and what I've been up. I think some might be a little surprised with the international focus of my desired graduate studies given that I just focused on general political science in undergrad. Given that my work experience and undergrad weren't really IR centric, I'm sure they'll want me to explain where that that ambition comes from? In all honesty, it's something that I've just gradually developed. I've always been interested in security studies/diplomacy on the side and definitely enjoyed such related classes in undergrad. However, it never occurred to me that I should take IR as a focus. It wasn't until I started seeing firsthand the application of policy in the government that I realized I'd love to be in a policy development role but in an international focus. As such, the IR masters just makes so much sense.

Do you have language skills? Those are very, very important for the types of jobs you'll be applying for - I did a master's in IR awhile ago and remember that being one of the key issues with the job search.

Best of luck with your apps. The coursework is really, really interesting.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by VO #23

Do you have language skills? .

I am guessing the op is a very cunning linguist......

[fatso]

Sounds like you are on the right track in prepping your materials for referees. I would remind you to give them as much time as possible to prepare the reference letter, but it seems like you have that covered.

One bit of advice is to scrutinize very closely the response of a potential referee to your request to write a letter. Often people, including professors, won't say 'no' to something and will end up doing it half-heartedly. You want someone who wants to write you a letter or, if you can't find that, at least someone who is up to the task. I've heard lots of stories of professors who don't say no to the request, but don't do a great job on the letter either.

With that in mind, you want to make sure the request leaves a very easy out for the professor to say no or that you can excuse them from the task if they say yes but seem iffy on doing so. Perhaps the way to do this is to make multiple inquiries for "support" as troutman put it, then use the ones that seem best (and let the others know asap that you are grateful for their willingness to help but won't trouble them at this time)?

Good luck!