LORs for nontrads, can I use undergrad LORs or is postbac better?

[purplepuppy391]

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Do adcoms disapprove of LORs from professors whose classes you took 7-10 years ago? I am currently taking post-bac courses so I could possibly see if any of these professors would write me a LOR. Does anyone have experience getting LORs from professors at extension schools, specifically UCLA/UCSD? UCLA's classes are remote via Zoom and only meet once a week so there isn't a lot of interaction....and UCSD's are all online asynchronous.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Have you tried asking the extension program professors? Sorry that this sounds so flippant but just ask them. If they summarily say no, then we can try to answer your question.

 

[purplepuppy391]

Have you tried asking the extension program professors? Sorry that this sounds so flippant but just ask them. If they summarily say no, then we can try to answer your question.

I haven't finished my first quarter of classes yet so I thought it was too soon to ask since I haven't received a letter grade yet. I'm only in two courses, but so far I have A's in both of them.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I haven't finished my first quarter of classes yet so I thought it was too soon to ask since I haven't received a letter grade yet. I'm only in two courses, but so far I have A's in both of them.

Well, have you talked to either of them? I'd start talking after getting a midterm grade. It's better to ask early than ask late.

 

[SahilMehtaMD]

There is no harm in asking your current professors - if they are willing to write you a strong letter, it would help your application to have a least 1-2 more current letters.

 

[Moko]

Do adcoms disapprove of LORs from professors whose classes you took 7-10 years ago? I am currently taking post-bac courses so I could possibly see if any of these professors would write me a LOR. Does anyone have experience getting LORs from professors at extension schools, specifically UCLA/UCSD? UCLA's classes are remote via Zoom and only meet once a week so there isn't a lot of interaction....and UCSD's are all online asynchronous.

You should have letters from those who have worked with you recently. Letters from almost a decade ago don't tell us much about your current academic capabilities and other characteristics/traits. These older letters (if they are exceptional, e.g. from a PI who knows you well) should be treated as the supplement (and not the other way around). Just my thoughts.