<p>Hi, I'm going to be apply to grad school for Urban Planning this winter. Most programs require 3 letters of recommendations. The problem is I go to a very large school and most of my professors barely know my name. The people I'd be most comfortable writing my letters of recommendation are: my professor for my study abroad program, my supervisor for my department of transportation internship this past summer, and my supervisor for my on campus student job. </p>
<p>Are any of these people appropriate people to write a grad school letter of recommendation? I could find professors at my school who would be willing to do it, but I can't imagine their letters would be particularly strong as they on't know me very well.</p>
<p>Always ask full professors if you can. Show them your old essays and tell them why you chose THEM. Lie. Tell them they were your favorite professors. Tell them you love their research and teaching styles.</p>
<p>I definitely agree with the essay idea- bring copies of your best work for each professor (graded), so that they have something to specifically draw from and remember you by. I personally applied to a program in UD’s School of Public Policy and Administration with 2 recommendations letters from full professors, and one from a work supervisor, which was fine. My professors didn’t teach me in anything related to the field I was applying to. Your best guide on who to ask is to look at which people the school you are applying to asks for.</p>
<p>One of the programs I’m looking at says the letters should by from people who “know [my] academic or professional work well.” The other one says two professors and one employer is best.
Does my study abroad Professor make a good choice? He has a PhD and knows my work better than anyone. </p>
<p>Also, I’m considering asking a professor I’m doing a two credit independent study for. I’ve never had a “real” class with her and her technical title is “research scientist” rather than professor. However, She does teach courses here. Would she be an ok choice?</p>