Cant get any recommendation letters :(

[angel1312]

Hi everyone, I know this sounds a bit stupid, but I cant seem to get recommendation letters from professors. They are all either busy, dont remember me, dont respond or say no. I have asked almost every professor I know. I dont blame them, I was a very quiet student. Most students just come to class copy notes, ask questions occasionally and leave. I dont have an employer and I never volunteered anywhere. Not sure where else I can get "professional letters of rec from." As a result, I could not complete or even apply to many schools like NYU, Touro, PACE, ASA and The Swedish Institute. Any ideas on what I should do?

[caliotter3]

Have you posed this question to the nursing advisors at any of these schools? Surely there are instances of applicants without references.

[cleback]

If the application asks for letters, I would be hesitant to apply without them.

Are you done with nursing school? If so, are there continuing ed offered for nursing at your school? I would look to see if any former professors teach it and take the class... try to engage in the class so that you are memorable.

Or, if your school hosts alumni events, you could attend and speak directly with some of your old professors. They may not remember you but if you make a pleasant impression they may be willing to help you out.

My story...the one professor I had write me a letter for grad school basically had me send him a bunch of info--my grade in class, what stood out for me in the course, how I plan to use the material in my future career.... essentially with all the things I sent him, the letter was already written and he didn't have to do much except format it and sign. Is it possible you're not giving the professor enough information to make writing the letter easy for them? For the future, too, I would also ask/offer to meet the professor in person and have resumes/matrials ready.

You would also do well by gaining related work experience and volunteering. Not only could you secure references from them but you would also strengthen your application.

Good luck.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

Did you have a faculty advisor? I was assured that examples of my work as well as my grades were kept on file, so that if ever I needed a recommendation for academic purposes the faculty could pull my file and complete a letter. The ones that I have completed for a local university were basically a list of questions to rate the student, with a couple of essay questions.

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

I have a professor I'd like a letter from. She asked me to write the letter for her, that she would edit it and sign. I am SOOO uncomfortable doing this, but won't won't get a reference otherwise.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

It sounds like you're getting ready to apply to nursing school, right? Maybe go ahead and start volunteering somewhere, because the added reference will help in the future. Then, I would go to professors who haven't explicitly told you no, explain your situation, and provide them with samples of work you did in their class, a resume, and a list of goals and accomplishments, and request that they help you out this one time.

I can identify with always being the quiet one in class. I found it helpful in nursing school to ask clinical instructors, who typically work very closely with you, if they would be comfortable providing a reference for me at the end of the program. That way you know who you can depends on when the time comes.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You've gotten some good advice in previous posts, which I won't repeat.

Maybe it would be helpful to think of the references as another pre-req -- a pre-req you "missed" on your first go-around. Finish that last pre-req. If that means you have to volunteer somewhere, go volunteer. If that means you need to get a job, get a job.

I like the idea of presenting your old professors with samples of your work from their class. As a professor, I find it very uncomfortable to be asked to write a letter for someone I don't remember.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

It is not unusual to simply write the letter yourself and have the professor sign it. I have seen that done many, many times.

[Sharon Rana Magar]

I am in the similar situation. During nursing study I had a year gap and just finished my study this year, the clinical placement I had done was 2years ago and they can't remember me nor the facilitators from Uni does. I need to apply for newgrad but they need clinical reference and I don't know how to get one? Help ?????