Letter from science faculty...can it be a TA?

[Megan801]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I go to a large university where it is difficulty to become close to the professor (hundreds of students per class) but I do know my TAs well. How do I get a letter from the professor or is it possible to have a TA write one for you?

 

[jjk32]

Unfortunately a LOR from a TA will carry very little weight, and may raise red flags at many (most) programs. Try to meet with your professor, be prepared to talk about yourself (having a resume/cv handy isn't bad). You could also bring up that you are in Mr/Ms XYZ TA's section, and that they could attest to your performance outside of the lab scores.

 

[Elevencents]

I'd schedule a time to meet with the professor. I went to a large state university too and while they said directly that my letters would not be overly personal they were still happy to write them for me.

 

[WesternRedCedar]

I go to a large university where it is difficulty to become close to the professor (hundreds of students per class) but I do know my TAs well. How do I get a letter from the professor or is it possible to have a TA write one for you?

No.

All my classes were large and i still got fine LORs from profs, that is what office hours are for!

 

[rzoo14]

Go to office hours and get involved in research. I went to a large university (40k+). Got my letters just fine.

 

[EgyptKing21]

I know how you feel. My classes had 250+ kids. Honestly, they're used to it. Go to office hours and ask very politely.

 

[coolingglasses]

I know how you feel. My classes had 250+ kids. Honestly, they're used to it. Go to office hours and ask very politely.

Yep. Go visit your professor.

If your TA happens to be post-doc it could work, but otherwise I wouldn't mess with it.