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- Thread starter nverqrui
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It's not ideal, but it's better than not being able to meet the LOR requirement or getting a bad letter from someone who dislikes you. The latter are both rejection-worthy, while the former is looked down upon but probably not grounds for a rejection in and of itself.
You have like 8 months, why not build connections until then?
You have like 8 months, why not build connections until then?
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First, IMO a grad student is never considered a "professor". This is probably just a lecturer or glorified TA. Is there a professor that runs the course, but has the grad student teach the course? If so, you can have the grad student write the letter and the professor can sign off on it. From what I have heard, this is usually how it is done, and even happens in labs were the grad student or postdoc writes the letter for the PI.
I second @Doug Underhill, take the time to build more connections and try to get a professor or PI to write you a letter. The grad student letter will not doom your application, but it is also not held in the same regard as a letter from a professor.
I second @Doug Underhill, take the time to build more connections and try to get a professor or PI to write you a letter. The grad student letter will not doom your application, but it is also not held in the same regard as a letter from a professor.
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I don't think it would mean much coming from a grad student. For one, everyone will know because you are likely closer in age and position, you are more likely to be drinking buddies with this guy. Second, he might not know how to write a strong LOR even if he is trying to do so. There is a proper language that adcomms and professors understand on how to write these things. At the very least, you could have him write it with his boss signing off on it.
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Wouldn't mean much. Find an actual professor and not a student.
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Not being a student.
He's an instructor or course leader, not a professor. Professor is a job title. Professors are faculty members at the institution. Generally, professor by itself means a senior, tenured faculty member. Many or most professors will be assistant or associate professor, who usually aren't tenured.
A LOR from a grad student instructor is not worth getting.
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