Grad School Recommendation

["George F. Hayhoe" <george -at- GHAYHOE -dot- COM>]

Corinne Backer asked for advice because the graduate program
she's interested in applying to requires a letter of
recommendation from an undergraduate professor and she's
been out of school "for roughly forever."

My guess is that the program has set this requirement to
gain insight about your capabilities that are not reflected
in your grades, especially because of grade inflation
virtually everywhere. They want to know about your ability
to analyze complex ideas critically and not just spout back
information you've gleaned from textbooks, lectures, and
class discussions; your ability to work and think
independently; the quality of your writing and participation
in discussions; your timeliness in meeting deadlines; your
ability to juggle your academic responsibilities with the
other demands of your life.

Just as with employment references, it's really important
that such letters be from someone who has worked closely
with you over an extended period of time, and the reference
should also be fairly current.

I'd suggest that you contact the director of the graduate
program, explain your situation, and ask whether a letter
from a current or former manager who knows you and your work
well might be substituted. My guess is that the program
director will be more flexible about this requirement than
you might think.

--George Hayhoe (george -at- ghayhoe -dot- com)

George Hayhoe Associates
Voice: +1 (803) 642-2156
Fax: +1 (803) 642-9325
http://www.ghayhoe.com

Winner
APEX '99 Grand Award for Publication Excellence

Awards of Distinguished Technical Communication
South Carolina/Carolina Foothills STC Chapters
1998-99 Technical Publications Competition

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