Question about Recommendation Letters

[audibob]

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Letters of recommendation are supposed to come from people you know who can assess your ability to be successful in graduate studies--such as professors. Unfortunately, it took me a bit longer to figure out what I want to do in life. I've been out of school for 6 years now and I don't feel any of my undergraduate professors could write me a good recommendation this far down the line.

Any pro-tips out there as to what I need to do to be competitive in the application process in regards to recommendation letters? I could get some from former employers, but I lack the vision to see how those letters could show how I'd be successful in grad-school.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

[Dustbug10]

If you have time, try to do some shadowing or volunteering with a few local audiologists. Build rapport and show them what you are serious about the profession, and perhaps they could write something for you. I believe there are a few posters here that had some downtime between undergrad and grad work, so they're advice would serve you better. Welcome to the forum and best of luck!

 

[rEliseMe]

Unfortunately, it took me a bit longer to figure out what I want to do in life. I've been out of school for 6 years now and I don't feel any of my undergraduate professors could write me a good recommendation this far down the line.

Any pro-tips out there as to what I need to do to be competitive in the application process in regards to recommendation letters?

First of all, I agree with Dusty.
Second, what was your original degree in? I know it sucks to think about doing more undergraduate study, but it might be worth it to ease yourself back into the academic mindset instead of starting with graduate-level work after a 6-year hiatus. Then you could kill two birds with one stone! 🙂

 

[audibob]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm really trying to avoid setting myself back an additional year so I'm planning on taking the GRE at the end of November and applying to a few programs for next fall. I have two professors I think that could vouch for me. They are from businesses classes, which I can't see helping my application any?

My initial degree was in Marketing. I'm actually a post-lingual, bilateral cochlear implant recipient. I lost my hearing to bacterial meningitis when I was in college, so I know plenty of audiolgists and researchers who could write letters for me. They can attest to my eagarness to join the profession, but I'm not sure how their letters could shed light on whether or not I'd be a good student.

As far as the note about taking some undergrad courses...I do plan to do this for spring. Unfortunately this isn't an immediate help with applications for next fall.

 

[BigAl]

letters of recommendation provide an insight of your capabilities from other professionals, such as professors you had in the past. you need to get letters from people that know your work ethic and have credibility to vouch for it. hope this kinda shines some light on what you need.