How to get reference letter question

[THX]

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Hi guys, I really don't know my professors all that well (big school and all), but I do have great relationships with many of my TAs. I was wondering if I can approach a professor that I don't know very well for a reference letter, but inform them that TA XX knows me well and is more than happy to vouch for me?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks for your help!

 

[taponthecloud]

Hi guys, I really don't know my professors all that well (big school and all), but I do have great relationships with many of my TAs. I was wondering if I can approach a professor that I don't know very well for a reference letter, but inform them that TA XX knows me well and is more than happy to vouch for me?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks for your help!

I'm sure it's been done before, but it's a terrible idea if you're planning on doing that for ALL of your letters.

 

[Pantelich]

I'm sure it's been done before, but it's a terrible idea if you're planning on doing that for ALL of your letters.

I do not see why it would be terrible if there is no great level of familiarity with any of the professors. Perhaps, making it a goal to attain familiarity in your next semester could lead to a slightly stronger LOR.

 

[taponthecloud]

I do not see why it would be terrible if there is no great level of familiarity with any of the professors. Perhaps, making it a goal to attain familiarity in your next semester could lead to a slightly stronger LOR.

Because, simply, it's a poor excuse. There are plenty of chances for students to meet and get to know their professors and instructors throughout their undergrad years (4-5 yrs!!!). If your main reason for not being able to obtain quality letters from professors who can vouch for your character and work ethic on a person level is that you attend a "big school," then sorry, no one will buy it.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Most of the schools I applied to specifically requested letters from professors, so make an effort to get to know the professors in your smaller classes. Don't neglect your non-science professors, either. Getting a rec from someone outside your major shows that you're more than just a science-regurgitating machine and is even required by some schools.