I will say after months of getting my applications together, that while the entire process was massively stressful, the most stressful part was getting my LORs in order. Simply because it's the part over which you have the least control. I could perfect my SOP until the cows came home, but I was still watching the mailbox every day waiting for the letters. So I'd definitely start working on the LORs first!
-I'd also add in to get in contact with faculty of each school. This is pretty important and can help your chances of getting in and getting an assistantship. -While I understand your worry about your LORs forgetting you. Also remember that even because you ask like 7 months before you actual deadline, they will forget about them. They're still going to write them a week before your due date for the letter. So what you should do is create a packet for each of them with a copy of your transcript, resume, SOP, and a project/essay/test example from the class that reminds them of your work. So this way when they actually sit down and write the LOR during Thanksgiving break they have something to look at when recalling you as a student.
There's also a REALLY good website with a copy of a checklist that some girl made, actually it has all of her grad application materials. I don't have the link on this computer, but I found it in this community in the memories I think.
Yeah, but the point is if I go to all that trouble and then I can't get 3 people to write me an LOR, I'm fucked and I wasted a bunch of time. It would be more like a pre-ask to ask them now.
Exactly what I meant, thanks for clarifying lol. Asking now will never hurt you, but most professors aren't going to start writing LORs now for Fall 2009 especially since they've probably still haven't gotten thru their all of their Fall 2008 LORs. Most likely you're going to graduate before they even think about writing it, which is why I suggested giving them a packet with everything they'll need and of course keeping in close contact with them throughout the process
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I wouldn't ask people for LORs just yet. I would just shoot them emails and let htem know what you've been up to, how it relates to what you learned in school, what you're thinking about for next year, maybe ask them some advice on what they think would be a good fit for you (outline some interests, maybe something you did in one of their courses that you'd like to follow up on
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Yeah, I was just planning on letting them know that I have them in mind to write me an LOR, and would they be able to write me a strong one? I do need to find that out before proceeding - I don't have too many professors to choose from.
I'm planning on taking the GRE ASAP and I'm pretty sure which departments I want to apply to, so no problems there. I've been thinking about grad school for about two years, so I've been sort of collecting information along the way... (which is how I formulated my "plan" here)
1. start studying for the GRE- maybe take a practice test to know where you stand right now, and see if you might need to enroll in a GRE class this summer or something. The earlier you start studying for those the better....no need to go crazy right now, but you might want to start reviewing vocab a few times a week, etc
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Good luck!
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-While I understand your worry about your LORs forgetting you. Also remember that even because you ask like 7 months before you actual deadline, they will forget about them. They're still going to write them a week before your due date for the letter. So what you should do is create a packet for each of them with a copy of your transcript, resume, SOP, and a project/essay/test example from the class that reminds them of your work. So this way when they actually sit down and write the LOR during Thanksgiving break they have something to look at when recalling you as a student.
There's also a REALLY good website with a copy of a checklist that some girl made, actually it has all of her grad application materials. I don't have the link on this computer, but I found it in this community in the memories I think.
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I'm planning on taking the GRE ASAP and I'm pretty sure which departments I want to apply to, so no problems there. I've been thinking about grad school for about two years, so I've been sort of collecting information along the way... (which is how I formulated my "plan" here)
Thanks for the tips, though.
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