Comments | applyingtograd: LOR Opinions Desired

mysticblossom in applyingtograd

LOR Opinions Desired

Oct 14, 2009 18:46

Right-y-o. I've got a bunch of schools I will be applying to, and have been working on applications and such. One of my top choices is University of Florida, and I recently sat down with one of the deans of my college to chat about grad school in general, but it turns out he actually did his doctorate at Florida as well (in a different subject, ( Read more... )

letter of recommendation, creative writing

Comments 8

ravenword October 15 2009, 01:02:32 UTC

I don't mean to be a downer, but... what department are you considering at UF? The state government is having a budget crisis for the ages (not as bad as California, but bad) and they slashed funding for the university this year. If things stay bad, entire departments will be on the chopping block. The "worst case scenario" planned to eliminate philosophy, geology, and religion graduate programs (among others) if the cuts were really bad. I couldn't find the most recent news, but it looks like most programs have been spared... for now. Some of the top faculty are fleeing like rats from a sinking ship.

This may not apply to you if your department of interest is doing well financially. But... I would ask someone you can trust (look up current grad students in the department?) for more information about this.

mysticblossom October 15 2009, 01:05:31 UTC

Thanks. I'm looking into the creative writing program, and I check the website pretty frequently because I'm such a nerd, so I would hope any changes would be posted there. I would think the program is small and old enough that it wouldn't get cut. It has a good reputation and the graduates have good publishing track records. But I will definitely make sure of its security before I apply.

ravenword October 15 2009, 01:12:11 UTC

I wouldn't put too much faith in the websites. They're unlikely to publicize their problems, and sometimes these things can happen so suddenly that they are unable to give much warning. Philosophy students were scrambling to apply to other schools last year. Many of them moved elsewhere. This year, they still have a program, but for how long? I think it would be in your best interest to talk to actual students or faculty who are there now to get a sense of the climate. Good luck.

mysticblossom October 15 2009, 01:22:17 UTC

I did some searches and it is evident the school is struggling. But the writing program, like most, is very competitive, so while I will continue to look into the financial situation, my application is my number one priority :)

homericlaughter October 15 2009, 01:55:11 UTC

In my experience, letters from alumni and alumnae (particularly ones with a history of donation or a capacity to donate) do have a peculiar power over a committee at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, it can sometimes go either way. (Though, that's true of all LOR's. You never know if your recommender got drunk and made an ass of himself at the last major conference, or who applied for the same job as a recommender and now resents her, etc.)

There's probably no harm in asking him if he could write a strong letter of recommendation on your behalf as an optional third letter. But I wonder if it's necessary to make it that official. Why not ask the Dean, in the context of a conversation similar to the one you've had, if any of the faculty currently there were also there when he attended? Find out if he has any friends and if he does, casually ask him to put in a good word for you.

mysticblossom October 15 2009, 03:53:59 UTC

Hmm, it's probably worth asking, though when I say he went a long time ago, I mean 1962, so I doubt that his old professors are still there, lol. Still, I don't think more conversations with him about the school would hurt. Thanks for the advice!

homericlaughter October 15 2009, 03:56:36 UTC

Haha, well you never know. There could be a Professor Emeritus or two still alive. :)

homericlaughter February 8 2010, 04:17:30 UTC

Speaking as an alum, I can tell you that the MFA program has excellent funding and is in absolutely no danger of being cut. Have no fears on this subject :)

In terms of the letter of rec, since Ph.D students don't have any involvement with the creative writing side of things (teaching, taking workshops) I don't think the fact that your professor did his Ph.D at UF would make much difference one way or the other. The most important thing about letters of recommendation is that they speak to your writing and reassure the faculty that you play well with others.

Good luck!