letters of rec

**joetheplumber** · 01-23-2009, 08:31 PM

I have a couple questions about recs that I was hopeing somebody could help me out with. I'm not applying until next year but I'm just starting to think ahead about my recs.

1. Is a letter from a former employer (w/ mba) completely worthless? Would it be better to have a letter from a prof whose class you aced? Either one would be my third letter.

2. How much does it matter if a prof got their phd at the school you are applying to? What if they used to work there?

3. I will have been out of ugrad for a few years when I apply....is it ok if I get a rec from by advvisor there?

4. Is there an unwritten rule regarding how many letters it is ok to ask for?

**longshot** · 01-23-2009, 08:58 PM

Employer letters are generally looked down upon unless you did some kind of research or displayed quantitative skills on the job that would be applicable in a PhD program. As far as the letter writers having a connection with the program you're applying to, I certainly don't see how it can hurt. Chances are somebody at the school either knows the professor or has heard of him, so that will probably help.

As far as the number of letters, I just had my recommenders write one generic letter and then I requested like 15 copies. That's probably not the best way to do it, but so far I'm the only one here with an admit

Most schools have a form for the recommendations, but I ignored them and just sent a copy of the generic letter. If you're specifically targeting a few schools and your professor has connections there, or if you know your recommenders like you more than mine do, then certainly ask them to tailor your letters if you like.

All I can say is that I completely ignored both online recommendation systems and school-specific forms and got away with it. I feel that's the way to go bc it's easy on your recommenders and you can send the letters anywhere once you get them in your hands.

**joetheplumber** · 01-23-2009, 09:25 PM

wow...i never really knew that just sending the letters would be an option...did anybody else do that?

**Jason Bourne** · 01-23-2009, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by joetheplumber

wow...i never really knew that just sending the letters would be an option...did anybody else do that?

I did that for some schools, sending just the letter by email. I'm not sure if this is a good way, but so far those schools did accept them.

**UnknownPhD** · 01-24-2009, 06:14 PM

Actually, some schools do not accept emailed letters...U need to read through their sites on the requirement on letters.

**PhDCPA** · 01-24-2009, 06:26 PM

I only applied to one school that didn't use an online rec system. I didn't bother with the forms; I just had my references send the usual letter to that school. I haven't heard anything back yet so I don't know if it mattered.

**longshot** · 01-24-2009, 08:35 PM

let me clarify, I didn't email anything. I collected sealed letter of recommendation's from my recommenders and then put 3 in a packet, stuck a schools address on it, and dropped it in the mail.