How would you get a professor rec letter if you've been out of school for a long time?

[Rickenbacker325]

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I graduated about 3 years ago, haven't really kept in contact with any of them and none of them would probably be willing to write me a letter, and if they did it wouldn't be a very good one. Anybody been through this before? Can you substitute a letter from an employer you've been working for instead? I feel that would more accurately portray "who" I am than a prof that glanced at me twice in a class of 100 students.

 

[evorage]

Well honestly the only way to see if they would provide you a positive letter is to ask them. If you still live in the same area you could visit the school. It's much easier to remember a face vs just a name. I have been out of school for 7 years and I recently reached out to two professors who will be providing me letters. I did make it a point to try to stand out when I was in school so that seems to have paid off.
As far as employers, some schools will take it, some will not. I would reach out to the schools you intend to apply to and see what they say. Most schools require 2-3 letters, one from an optometrist and one from a professor.