YIKEES!! REC's

[CityGal]

CHECKLIST / UPDATE:

SoP: All major revisions completed. The only thing left to do is look over the paper for typos.
CV: Done
Application Forms: Not much to do there besides fill in my name. It should only take about an hour or two to complete. Should I do the paper or online version of the application?
REC’s: UGH! AHHHH yanking my hair out. Over the summer I got two archaeologists to agree to give me rec’s so about a few weeks ago I called them on the favor. NOT ONE of them has replied to my email. UGH What do I do? I asked one of my old professors for the rec and she said OK, but I haven’t heard from her in two weeks. God I really hope she doesn’t forget. I emailed one of the archaeologists again and another old professor (just in case) and NO ONE has replied! HELP!

Last year I had a professor and my boss give me rec’s and well that didn’t help much. What should I do? One of the schools said that if I get a professor and one of the archaeologists to give me rec’s that she saw no reason for me not to get accepted.

Is there anything I am missing? So stressful….my November deadline is approaching. YIKES!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[AshleyJordan]

Call or email to follow up. My recommendations (who absolutely loved me) nearly forgot to write my letters for grad school. Absent-minded professors. Followup with them. It happens.

[MollyMe]

Follow up...call them or see them in person.

[Deni81]

I found a friendly call or email to remind the person of the rec letter to be effective.

[CityGal]

I emailed the archaeologist twice already and he lives in Italy so calling him is not that economical.

[allie1105]

I was in your shoes...and its soooo annoying! You have to follow up daily - like be annoying - so they can just get their act together and do it. How did your SoP turn out?

[CityGal]

I was in your shoes...and its soooo annoying! You have to follow up daily - like be annoying - so they can just get their act together and do it. How did your SoP turn out?


I don't want to be too annoying that they won't do it at all. The SoP came out OK. I am debating whether I should ask my writing professor to go over it and tell me what he thinks. I am also debating on whether to ask the writing professor for a rec. The class I am taking is only from September til the end of November. Hmm...I guess I could. Although I believe my rec's should come from anthropologists...that way I sort of have a better chance- I guess.

[weary]

I don't want to be too annoying that they won't do it at all. The SoP came out OK. I am debating whether I should ask my writing professor to go over it and tell me what he thinks. I am also debating on whether to ask the writing professor for a rec. The class I am taking is only from September til the end of November. Hmm...I guess I could. Although I believe my rec's should come from anthropologists...that way I sort of have a better chance- I guess.

i think having a writer's eyes go over it would be extremely beneficial.

also, anthro profs for rec's, yes...but having a well-rounded pool of rec's might not be such a bad thing either. your major's important, but so is the complete 'person' you present to the schools. think about how the request for SOPs always say something like, "this is our chance to get to know you beyond test score and grades". they of course want to know why you picked your major and feel you will be successful in it...but adding something personal/with personality usually helps one stand out.

good luck!

[CityGal]

i think having a writer's eyes go over it would be extremely beneficial.

also, anthro profs for rec's, yes...but having a well-rounded pool of rec's might not be such a bad thing either. your major's important, but so is the complete 'person' you present to the schools. think about how the request for SOPs always say something like, "this is our chance to get to know you beyond test score and grades". they of course want to know why you picked your major and feel you will be successful in it...but adding something personal/with personality usually helps one stand out.

good luck!

Thanks. Should I dig for other professors instead of the anthro ones? The schools only require two references and I am having that anthro professor give me one, the archaeologists if they ever get back to me, and an added one from a former boss. Should I stick to two only?

[CityGal]

Um....so I asked my writing professor if he could look over my SoP and he replied with a 'I tend not to do stuff like that if it is not course related. If you want something like a writing coach (something like that), I can 'look over' your stuff on a pay something.' Ugh! That's like not so nice...although I understand the fee and all. Now I am a bit discouraged to ask him to give me a rec. He might charge me for it. haha. Although professors should do that....haha....the better you want it to sound the more money you have to dish out.

[weary]

Um....so I asked my writing professor if he could look over my SoP and he replied with a 'I tend not to do stuff like that if it is not course related. If you want something like a writing coach (something like that), I can 'look over' your stuff on a pay something.' Ugh! That's like not so nice...although I understand the fee and all. Now I am a bit discouraged to ask him to give me a rec. He might charge me for it. haha. Although professors should do that....haha....the better you want it to sound the more money you have to dish out.

um, i almost find that offensive. i don't think you should bother asking this particular one for a rec.

and

Thanks. Should I dig for other professors instead of the anthro ones? The schools only require two references and I am having that anthro professor give me one, the archaeologists if they ever get back to me, and an added one from a former boss. Should I stick to two only?

i don't think instead. i would say in addition to, but it already sounds like you have enough. i think you should keep after them for the recs. the former boss is fine too if he/she obliges. but i wouldn't worry about having more than 2 if that's what you wind up with. good problem to have, IMO. :)