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Ashley Simon Recommendations? College has been the hardest thing I've ever done for the past 4 years. But I crave knowledge and I wish to pursue a degree in nursing following my bachelors in Biomolecular Science. Problem is, schools require 3 recommendation letters, and I've always struggled to be seen by my professors. I was a transfer student freshman year so I've always felt like relationships had already been made and since I'm not the A student, and I always feel like I ask the dumb questions, or that I annoy my professors by making the conscious effort to visit during office hours. I dont know which professors are the best to ask in my department because they seem to have favorites, and I'm not one of them.... Should I write a formal email to the professors where I did the best in their class? Is it limited to academia? I dont really have a designated "advisor" either. I just visit the department chair when I need to make my schedule. #University {{ 1444762245180+1-1 | date : 'short' }} university college gradschool All Replies User Picks
Eric Allen expert @Ashley Simon so sorry for the delay - I'm not sure how I missed this. Good questions. first of all, are you still in school? If so, it's never too late to build relationships with your professors. Btw, asking questions and attending office hours means that they will probably remember you - and it's not annoying, that's their job. My advice would be to meet with your professors live to share with them more about you and your interest in graduate school. Ask them if they can give you a strong recommendation (start with the professors in courses you did well). Also, give them information about you, so they have the requisite information they need (resume, grade in your course, transcript (if flattering) and information about your extracurriuclar involvement/interests) You can use someone outside of your professors if you have had a strong working relationship with them (through a non-profit or work experience). I hope that helps! @April Haukoos or @Leila Roumani anything to add? #gradschool {{ 1445019310260+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert btw,, @April Haukoos does nursing admissions for us, so if you want to work with a coach, she's the one! I will suggest her as a contact. {{ 1445019348700+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
April Haukoos expert @Ashley Simon, I believe your diligence in meeting with your professors during office hours, etc., has a greater impact than you realize. They will remember you. The department chair acted as your advisor. If you were also a student in one of their classes (and did well) that would be a great place to start. You have an ongoing interaction with her/him, build on that. Regarding recommendations, nursing programs often like to see recommendations from individuals that know you from different areas of your life. If the program where you are applying requests that all three recommendations come from professors, then, of course, you need to do that. However, if that is not specified, I would recommend that only one be from a professor. The other recommendations should come individuals who know your character, work ethic and passion for nursing through your volunteer work, your community involvement, an individual who is a nurse that you consider a mentor, etc. If you do not have these types of individuals in your life at this time, you have time to being building those relationships now. {{ 1445123559904+1-1 | date : 'short' }}