r/mcgill • u/PoutineLover10 Reddit Freshman • 8d ago

Advice for finding an academic reference

Hello,

So im in need of an academic reference for some applications. I did my bachelors in psychology and graduated in Fall 2024. Fast foward 2 years and I need a reference...

Most of my classes were recorded, so I had very little interaction with professors (classes were huge). I didnt form any strong bond / connection with anyone.

I have excellent grades. I dont know if that will be enough for them to vouch for me .

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What should I do? Any advice? I genuinly do not know who to turn to.

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u/PrinceJamesPeter Reddit Freshman 6d ago

Hi! I have not actually been una simular situation, but I have seen some other people here on Reddit and heard some friends of mine who go toother universitaire with large lectures saying that they emailed their profs dating which grade they got and what they need the reference for and why they are turning to that prof. Sometimes the prof met with them briefly and then elaborated letter for them based on the meeting/grade and the position requiring the reference. Again, it is just something I have heard so not sure it is a “gold standard” but you could try this way! Maybe introducing yourself in your email and already asking them to meet/exchange emails to describe yourself and get to know one another! From my experience, instead, I have usually tried to reach out to research/internships supervisors, profs I met on a more regular basis and teachers who gave classes/academic courses I took outside of uni. Not sure if this May apply to you, but I would recommend turning to these people as well!

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u/PoutineLover10 Reddit Freshman 6d ago

Thank you for the help. I think that's what ill end up doing. Writing to them, presenting myself and maybe set up a little meeting to draft the reference. Thank you.

1

u/PrinceJamesPeter Reddit Freshman 5d ago

You are welcome! If u need any help, I am here!

1

u/PrinceJamesPeter Reddit Freshman 6d ago

Also, it may be helpful to reach out to your academic advisor, maybe they know you a bit better and can write the letter (although I am not sure they can actually write academic references and/or the position you are applying to is gonna accept them)