LOR madness!

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm looking for some advice on asking for letters. I graduated from a top LAC, but unfortunately didn't form any long-lasting bonds with any of my profs, or at least those that stuck around- I got to know visiting and now-retired faculty much better than the tenured faculty (including my own adviser). I will also be waiting a year or so before I apply for graduate school, as I'm in the humanities and need to finish foreign language acquisition before I can delve into a graduate program.</p>

<p>So, is it better to track down and request a letter from a prof I knew for a semester and felt close with, or get letters from the tenured faculty who I didn't "connect" with as well but ostensibly know me better? Also, is it appropriate to contact them now to confirm that they can write letters for next year?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I think one of your LORs should definitely be from your advisor, since they have the most intimate experience with your work. I would also think it would be best to get LORs from those who you feel will represent you best… so if that means a glowing letter from a retired professor vs. a cookie cutter letter from a current prof maybe. I’m no expert though. I would contact retired professors now to ensure they will still be able to write you a letter in a year.</p>