LOR from a TA?

[DrHuang]

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I goto a big university and its hard to get to know the professor. How bad is it for a TA for a nonscience class to write me a LOR? THe rest of my LORS are from researchers, doctors and the actual professor.

Thanks guys

 

[idq1i]

Have it countersigned by the professor. Otherwise, it's a waste of time.
Given that this isn't even a science class, I wouldn't bother getting one.

 

[badgergirl]

hey gintien,
in my physics class i had no chance of getting to know either of my professors (600+ students split into 2 lectures). i asked my TA if she could co-write a LOR. i had to go to the professor and introduce myself and explain my situation; we chatted about my grades, and then he said he'd write the "grades" part and she'd write the "humanitarian" part. basically, though, my TA ending up writing the whole thing, he checked it over, and they both signed it. but i wouldn't just have your TA write it -- at a big university, this is a common practice, really. it's got more weight if your professor's signature is on it.

 

[doepug]

It's inappropriate, even at a big university.

Letters are supposed to be from faculty members only. I imagine a TA could draft a letter and have the professor sign it, but that seems a bit unethical in my mind.

Anyhow, if any adcoms find out, you should understand that this practice is unacceptable. Big universities have lots of professors (not just students!), and if grad students can get to know them, you can too. Avoid a TA letter if at all possible... seriously.

Good luck,
doepug (MS IV)