LOR-no academic reference OK? Forum

[CharlesS]

Hi, hope somebody can help me with this.

I am four years out of undergrad with solid work experience. I have asked my boss and a client that I know well (who is an important person and should be known to some law schools) to write LORs for me and they agreed. However, since I have not kept in touch with any of the undergrad professors, I feel it would be very awkward for me to suddenly get in touch with one and require an LOR from them.

But I'm also worried that an academic reference in addition to one or two professional references is also necessary, especially since I don't have a good GPA and may need someone to say some nice things about my academic ability. On the other hand, I think an LOR from a professor who doesn't even remember me is quite meaningless.

What do you think?

Thank you so much!

[Troianii]

Hi, hope somebody can help me with this.

I am four years out of undergrad with solid work experience. I have asked my boss and a client that I know well (who is an important person and should be known to some law schools) to write LORs for me and they agreed. However, since I have not kept in touch with any of the undergrad professors, I feel it would be very awkward for me to suddenly get in touch with one and require an LOR from them.

But I'm also worried that an academic reference in addition to one or two professional references is also necessary, especially since I don't have a good GPA and may need someone to say some nice things about my academic ability. On the other hand, I think an LOR from a professor who doesn't even remember me is quite meaningless.

What do you think?

Thank you so much!

It'd be good to have one academic reference, but given how far out you are, it's better to focus on work LORs. I'd suggest one from your boss, one from a client, and one from a professor. There should be at least one professor you developed a bit of a relationship with - at least enough that they'll remember you within a minute of talking with you. If you have such a prof, and you should, then find their contact info, write them an email saying who you are, what courses you took with them and when, with some other info they should be aware of (note if you got As in their classes, for example), and then ask if they'd be willing to write an LOR for you. You should have at least one prof who will remember you and with whom you had good rapport, and they should be willing to write a letter for you.

You should have at least one, but if it sin't possible then it isn't possible - it shouldn't tank your application or anything like that.

[CharlesS]

This is very helpful. Thanks!

I guess I'll have to be bold and reach out to a suitable professor.

[Troianii]

This is very helpful. Thanks!

I guess I'll have to be bold and reach out to a suitable professor.

Yup. Just remember that the reason why it's important to have a prof LOT is because you're applying for an academic seat - while your work experience is important, professors can day things about your class performance that employers can't.