<p>My situation is the following: I completed 2 years of college and then dropped out for mostly personal reasons and also to pursue a business opportunity. This happened 3 years ago. Now I am trying to apply as transfer or freshman to one of the top 5 engineering programs. I have no way of getting any rec letters from my profs as I was never really friends with anyone, just got good grades and did the work. Do you think asking my employer (president of a large, small business :D) would be something to consider? Also, I have a friend who is an engineer with a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech. He is actually the one encouraging me to go back to school. Should I ask him for a reference letter? I was kinda thinking that Ph.D's reference should have a good weight, but I am not sure.</p>
<p>How can you apply as a “freshman”? If you do not disclose prior university level work in your application, and this is later discovered, you can be prosecuted for fraud, and those charges ratchet up pretty quickly if you received ANY aid from government or school.</p>
<p>I cant apply as freshmen. I have already realized that. I guess a better way of making my point is to say that I dont really care how many of my existing credits transfer as I am willing to do as many classes as needed. I will start finding out from colleges as we get closer to fall. Everyone seems to be on vacations these days. ;)</p>
<p>you should def get a letter from your employer, im fairly sure those are accepted, and if they arent, then you can probably include it as supplemental material
good luck! :)</p>
<p>You’re planning on applying without having taken any courses for the past three years? I’d recommend taking at least a couple classes at your local community college. Make connections with professors and get to work on establishing yourself as an involved, dedicated student.</p>
<p>Yes, I think a rec letter from an employer can be a huge asset. As to the validity of it in the admissions process, contact the school directly. I’m sure that most programs would love to see a glowing letter from a boss. Some may be less enthusiastic.</p>
<p>The general rule with rec letters written by friends: Don’t ever, ever, ever do it. Sure, it sounds like your friend is well-qualified to identify and speak to your talent. However, from the position of the admissions office, they’re getting a letter from someone who may not have the correct perspective when attempting to compose an objective testament to your abilities. From my understanding, these sorts of letters are generally disregarded - assuming your friend isn’t also the governor of whatever state this school is in, or a multi-million dollar donor.</p>
<p>Lastly, I wouldn’t give up hope on contacting old profs. Call the registrar at your old college, tell them your situation, and they’ll almost instantly be able to tell you the names, contact info, and status (are they still there full-time, part-time, etc) of your old professors. They may’ve recognized your abilities years ago - give them a ring.</p>
<p>Thank you. The friend I mentioned is more of a professional friend rather than a beer buddy, an acquiantance so to speak. I will see if I can contact one of my former profs and get a letter. Also, how many letters should an applicant provide?</p>
I will see if I can contact one of my former profs and get a letter. Also, how many letters should an applicant provide?</p>