Graduate School: Question of the Week

"I graduated from college over ten years ago, so I don’t know if I can get a letter of recommendation from one of my undergraduate professors and besides, they probably won't remember me. What should I do?"


This can sometimes be challenging, but prospective graduate students in your position have been able to get the recommendation through a few simple steps. First, try to contact your professor a few months before your ideal date to complete the application. Please keep in mind that you’re not the only current or former student asking the professor for a recommendation. As a former student, you might not think they will remember you, but many times they will because professors are used to hearing from former students after graduation. Even if your professors don’t remember you, they have access to your academic records, so that will help them to speak to your ability in the classroom setting.

Sometimes you will find the professor has left the University, but don’t become discouraged. Ask someone from your institution if they have contact information for the professor. If not, just simply perform an internet search and many times you’ll be able to find the needed information.

If you find yourself hitting dead ends at every turn, then contact the graduate admission office to get advice on how to proceed. If the situation is thoroughly explained, many graduate admission offices will then ask you to get an additional letter from someone else who can attest to your ability to succeed in a graduate program.