Graduate Financial Aid

Monday Rant!

Why do graduate students need to submit letters of reference? The official reason is that letters of reference are designed to promote applicants qualitative abilities. What the school hopes to discover is specific descriptions and examples which illustrate a students potential to make a difference in the world. Personally, I find this part of the application process laughable.

Depending on the school, you’re required to submit 2 to 3 letters of recommendation. This antiquated, and in my view, irrelevant practice should die like the hornets in my gutter as any student with good grades can get a professor to essentially type a form letter.

If you’ve been out of school for a lengthy period of time you’re allowed to use work/personal references. I know three graduate students who actually typed their own letters of reference and then had their references sign it. The process is a joke and the professor’s many times are a joke too.

Having to rely on incompetent professors to ensure your entrance into these programs is simply ludicrous. Perhaps this process works at top tier schools where professors enjoy ego stroking themselves and their top students, who in turn enjoy the attention and need the validation; but at the State level the requirements should just be one letter of recommendation sent by the professor’s choice of media (I would say do away with the reference completely but I know that won’t happen).

Anyone who has gone to school knows that professors can be absent minded. My one reference requirement allows you to hedge your bet. With a one reference requirement you could ask three professors to write a letter, knowing that one would come through and not hold up the process for you. The extra letters (assuming they actually did them) could then be optional.

I realize schools are trying to delineate between worthy candidates, but the reference letter devalues this process. You might as well pick up a magic 8-ball and shake away. Will I get into graduate school magic 8-ball? “Ask again later.”