College Students! discussion

I'm applying for grad school in a few months and desperately need letters of recommendation. I am getting one from my mentor who is a practicing speech language pathologist but no idea where to get two more. All of my recent jobs have been in the food industry and I feel like that would be a silly letter. I am applying for a job at an on campus day care mainly just so I could get another letter. I could try to get some from my professors except that I just started school a couple months ago and I really don't know my professors that well and don't even know how to go about getting to know them well enough for a letter...it seems kind of like dating them except instead of an engagement ring you get a letter. Any ideas?

I have the same problem. My imediate boss here willingly offered and that will be great, but the school I am applying at wants school related letters. Of the 3 professors I took more than one class from, one is retired, one is off getting his PhD and the other is a jerk and there is no way anyone would ask him for one! I may just resort to three of my bosses. I am trying to contact those other two professors but so far, no luck.

Annashu are you applying to speech language pathology? This is where I am applying in January. One letter is (like you) from a speech language pathologist.

For your other letters you could try asking a proffesor in which class you are doing very well in. I know it is quite hard to get to know professors. I never started approaching my profs until my 3rd year because I was so intimated by them.

My advide to you is to get involved. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors. Go to their office hours so they get to know you. Sit in the front row of class, and they will notice you. My other 2 references are from my thesis advisor, and from a professor that I am a research assistant for.

Goodluck with your applications Annashu! I was very nervous to ask my professors for references but they were very quick to say yes. I am sure you will be just fine.

Also, if you are applying to grad school. Check your requirements very closely. Usually they ask for a minimum of 2 academic references. In some instances they also want the academic references to be full time professors.

I am applying for SLP, thanks for the tips. I had a meeting with one of my professors and he is going to write one I think so now I'm up to 2. I also e-mailed an adviser from my first undergrad and am waiting to hear back but am not very hopeful. Next term I'm going to try and make an effort to really get to know professors so maybe I'll get another.

That's great Annashu!!! Goodluck to you! Maybe one day we will go to an SLP conference together...if I get in! :P