Works Uncited
Every now and then, I’ll have a nameless, unfamiliar student walk into the office and just point blank ask for a reference. From me, from my coworkers, from basically anyone who would be willing to write one. This happens with greater frequency during early spring, when applications for just about everything are due. Some professors will flat out tell these students, “I don’t think it would be a good idea to use me as a reference.” (Amazingly, some hapless, desperate individuals will persist after receiving this dire advice.) Others will accept, but then write letters that make it painfully clear that they probably wouldn’t recognize the student if they saw him on the street: “Johnny attended my class almost every other day, and, um, looking at my grade roster, he appears to have performed adequate work. So…sure, why not, just give him the thousand dollar scholarship!” I’m not sure what the students think the poor referrer can write about them, or if they have even thought about the purpose of a reference.
My guess is probably not, because by the time they get around to starting on their application, maybe a day or two hours before the deadline, it is too late. Unreferenced, they are left to drift into the rejection pile, until the next cycle of application deadlines. If you happen to be one of these kids, here’s my advice to you:
1. Seek a reference from someone you know. Preferably, someone who knows you back! Nothing is more annoying and difficult than having to make up positive shit to say about a complete stranger. Natural human tendency in this situation is to be snarky and mean-spirited, and for obvious reasons you do not want to be the target of a cranky sleep-deprived professor’s ire.
2. Be as helpful to your references as possible. Supply the reference with your resume / CV, maybe a (short) personal essay, mention any awards or honors you’ve gotten – give them material to work with!
3. About that material – it’s never too early (or too late) to start being involved in activities that aren’t “Guitar Hero”; try and sign up for a bit of community service or student group involvement. It doesn’t have to be much, just an hour on an occasional weekend or so. With a minimum amount of effort you can do things that will get you recognized, or at the very least make your name appear on Google Search (and not as a frightening / disgusting act defined on urbandictionary.com, even!) You’re going to class most of the time anyways, probably, so just speak up more. You don’t have to be “that guy” who won’t shut his trap about everything – you know who I’m talking about – but try to contribute to class discussions in such a way that the professor will connect your name to your face. Hopefully for your brilliance, and not for your unparalleled stupidity.
4. Stop reading blogs and go work on your applications / homework / mowing the lawn right now, procrastinator!