<p>So all three years i've been so busy (working 40 hours a week) that it makes almost impossible for me to do anything outside of class; hence I never really have a conversation with any of my professors. Grad school applications are coming in a few months and I am sort of freaking out. I need 3, and I cannot think of one. I regret for burning so many great bridges, I didn't do anything bad, just nothing good either. I got all A's in my in major classes, is that enough reason for them to give me somewhat a decent LOR? I definitely going to talk to at least 1 professor next semester (last semester before grad school apps due).</p>
<p>I’m wondering the same thing. </p>
<p>I have one professor who would likely write me a solid letter, he’s written me recommendations for internships, but I still need two more. Thing is I’ve never met this professor who has written me letters so I always feel odd asking. I took 4-5 online course with said professor, but we’ve never met face-to-face. I know he’ll write me a decent lettter though so I always ask and he says yes. </p>
<p>This summer I’m doing an internship starting in July so more than likely I can get a good letter from them, which will make two LOL </p>
<p>For my third letter I’m not sure who to ask. Last summer I did a field research program (somewhat like an internship). The program was headed by a well known/respected professor (published in National Geographic). Howver, we never got the chance to talk most of the interaction was with his field assistance (MA and Ph.D students) so can’t ask him to write a letter - perhaps one of the field assistance could write me one??? Then theres this other professor who everyone dislikes, he’s kind of an ■■■■■■■, but I’ve always gotten A’s in his courses. I want to ask him since he’s also well respected but I never talk to him since he’s bipolar. One day he’ll be really nice other days he’s a complete ■■■■■■■! Needless to say this guy probably wouldn’t be the best. I’ve thought about asking our department advisor but aside from a few office meetings I don’t know her either. Also like you I work full-time so pretty much during the semester I’m either at work or school with no breaks. My freetime is spent reading and writing papers LOL </p>
<p>You can certainly ask professors with whom you have only had courses. The risk is that the letter will be generic. So how can you fix that? Go talk to the professors and present them your resume and discuss your plans with them as you ask them for a reference. If they say yes, then at least they will have a bit more context than simply your grades. if you have a faculty academic advisor, that is a good person to ask. Again, give allo your LOR writers as much information about yourselves as possible. Even though you work, you need to make time to meet the professors face to face.</p>
<p>Hi you have to develop the guts to go knock on their doors and talk to them. You may be be pleasantly surprised ! . I don’t see how you have “burned bridges”- you’ve just been shy. Many many people are shy. If you got As it is likely that you stand out to them. They just don’t know “you” they know your student number. Good luck!</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>Yea, I will definitely try to ask some old professors. I understand that I need to speak face to face with them which is fine, actually ot coulf help them remember me because I always sit within 3-4 front rows. Thanks for your advice</p>
<p>When I was in college 30 years ago I was EXACTLY in your spot. i never went to office hours my last couple years of college, just did my work and did farily well in classes. So I didn’t have a relationship with any recent professors. But I HAD to have a reference for my job search. So I screwed up my courage and went to see a professor who gave me an A in a class where I thought I was going to get a lower grade. I was awkward and embarrassed to ask, but he could not have been more gracious and kind about my request. He asked me a few questions about my career ambitions (and even laughed and told me I could go further and higher than I thought of myself, which has turned out to be true!). Looking back, I know that writing LORs is part of a professor’s job, and there is no issue with asking. So you just need to do it. Good luck!</p>