<p>A friend of mine wants to go to grad school to study a subject totally different from the one he studied in undergrad and wants to know if he will need, in addition to all the typical requirements, letters of recommendation in order to be considered for acceptance at a grad school. His problem is, he graduated from college over 4 years ago, and never got to know any of his college professors. He is also not sure his supervisor will be able to help with a letter of recommendation since he underperforms at his job, is not a good fit, and wants do go in a whole different direction. (He wants to leave his job at a bank and go work at a lab or something like that.)</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p> hread</p>
<p>not even a tier 3/4 school?</p>
<p>…,no</p>
<p>Perhaps he should try to get a job in a lab now, do a great job, and get a letter of rec then.</p>
<p>Go online and check out the Graduate Admission’s requirements at most colleges. They want GRE scores, college transcripts, writing samples (depending on major), Statement of Purpose, resume, AND written recommendations. Without the whole package, forget about it. I have yet to research a Graduate School that does not require written recommendations.</p>
<p>You would probably get better advice in the grad school forum.</p>
<p>Just a thought: He could consider taking one or two classes in the field he wants to pursue before applying to graduate school, especially given that he studied a different undergraduate major. He could do that on a part-time basis while holding a job, or maybe even just audit a class with the permission of the instructor to save money. This would give him a chance to meet professors who might be able to write a letter of recommendation. </p>
<p>That being said, there are usually a number of graduate schools in each field that welcome motivated applicants who might not typically be considered for admission elsewhere. I think his best bet might be to contact several departments and meet with the faculty to discuss his situation, well ahead of the application deadline.</p>
<p>The above poster makes a good point. Suggest to your friend that he take a couple of classes at the local college while he works at a part-time job. If he excels in the classes and can prove himself to the professors by his strong class participation–taking advantage of office hours (to establish a professor/student relationship)-- and earning good grades, he could ask them to write the recommendations.</p>
<p>There is no way.</p>