Who else do I ask for LOR? Got one from current employer Forum

onionskin · Post by **onionskin** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:34 am

Having a bit of trouble getting one from my UG there's only one person who really got to know me (we only had one seminar tutor) and he never responded to my request. I have one lined up from work, should I get another one from work or chance it with only submitting one LOR and one evaluation (from the same person)?

I don't really know who else I could ask from my UG except the head of year and I haven't had any other work experience since 2008 so that would be even less meaningful.

NavyOfficer23 · Post by **NavyOfficer23** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:50 am

I would recommend a family friend (not someone related to you) that is an attorney, in the legal profession, or in some other "professional" field. If they can speak to have known you for 10-20 years, your personal traits, etc. that would probably work.

cynthiad · Post by **cynthiad** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:54 am

Are there any classes you got an A in? Try introducing yourself to the professor now and ask for a letter. It won't be as good as someone who already knows you, but you really need an academic LOR.

onionskin · Post by **onionskin** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:50 am

I graduated in the summer of 2011 so it's been over a year, kind of late to be introducing myself to anyone.

Unfortunately my tutor was also the professor of the course I did best in. We do have a family friend who was a lawyer, and has known me for a long time. Is that a good enough connection or would schools still question it?

I personally would prefer to get an academic reference but I don't know if it's worth the risk that it would not be as positive as one I could get elsewhere?

North · Post by **North** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 11:45 am

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down here. First of all:

NavyOfficer23 wrote:I would recommend a family friend (not someone related to you) that is an attorney, in the legal profession, or in some other "professional" field. If they can speak to have known you for 10-20 years, your personal traits, etc. that would probably work.

Don't do that. AdComms are interested in how you perform in (primarily) an academic and (secondarily) professional environment. You aren't far enough out of college to not have an academic LOR, and that's what AdComms want to read anyway.

Keep after your seminar professor (going to his office in person is the best way, even if you have to make a drive) and start doing what cynthiad suggested. Go to professors whose classes you got an A in and explain your situation. If they're not feeling it, move on. Professors are used to this sort of thing and you should be able to tell from their reaction whether they'll write you something decent.

An LOR from your dad's friend's legal assistant isn't going to you any favors. One from your current employer is good, but make the academic LOR happen.

onionskin · Post by **onionskin** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 1:55 pm

My tutor is actually a 9 hour flight away but I have been informed he will be able to produce one by January. It's cutting things a bit tight but if he submits it online I should hopefully make all the Feb 1 deadlines.

I guess the bottom line is whether or not a less glamorous academic reference (my undergraduate career was rather poor, see my other posts re international gpa) will carry more weight than a glowing but less "credible" reference.

North · Post by **North** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 2:12 pm

Apply now (as in today) to all the schools that don't require two LORs. Send your Seminar Prof's LOR to each of those schools through LSAC the moment he submits it next month.

You can't wait another month to apply, you'll be putting yourself at a significant disadvantage.

onionskin · Post by **onionskin** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:34 pm

Even with application #s trending downwards?

North · Post by **North** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 8:57 pm

onionskin wrote:Even with application #s trending downwards?

On time, as opposed to late, is still better.

onionskin · Post by **onionskin** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:24 am

Hm well I'm still waiting on the employer LOR too so I'll just have to make do with what I can.

Thanks

Also I have another question which I might as well put here, which is that I have an awesome placement lined up as a court marshall for one of the judges on our Court of Final Appeal (I don't live in the US); but it won't begin until late February. How do I work that into my application, can I pre-date work experience on my CV and should I ask for a reference to append to my apps once I finish the placement in March?

Who else do I ask for LOR? Got one from current employer Forum

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