How to ask an prof about his/her LOR

[mosely]

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So I'm almost confident that one of my LOR's is holding me back this cycle. I'm a CA resident with a 3.67 (s and cGPA) and a 35 and I applied fairly broadly (20ish schools, about 10-15 low-mid tier and 5-10 mid-higher). So far I've been rejected at 8, pre-interview holds at 2, and fortunately 1 interview coming up.

The thing that worries me is that I'm got secondaries from most of the schools I applied, even the UC's, but then was rejected soon after (when I presume they look at the LOR's and app more in depth). I also received the LOR request from Mayo before being rejected. AND most of my rejections so far have been from my "safeties".

So if it comes down to re-applying, how would you suggest I go about making sure my LOR isn't absolutely terrible? The prof I suspect it is from doesn't teach at my school anymore and we haven't really been in touch for over a year.

Thanks 👍

 

[apumic]

Just don't include his letter next yr. I probably wouldn't pursue talking abt it w him--just let it go. Does your advisor have access to the letters? Ask him/her to help you out if thats a possibility. I doubt a prof who gave you a poor LOR is going to utright tell you that since most will simply refuse to write one if they don't feel it'd be positive.