do academics give references to students from years ago?

[sweetbirdofjuice]

Hi all,

I graduated from my first degree about 7 years ago. I am now applying for graduate Medicine and need academic references.

Bit of a long story but I had a quite serious health issue at the time so didn't excel overall but did do well in my dissertation.

I would really like my dissertation supervisor to write my reference as I think my dissertation grade showed my ability a lot more than my overall grade did (I missed some final exams through illness).

He was great, really enthusiastic and supportive, but we didn't spend a huge amount of time together and I doubt he will remember me.

Do academics usually give references to students they don't remember, or don't remember well?

I've sent him a request, explaining who I am and why I am asking him but am a bit worried I shouldn't have asked after so long!

I'm an academic. It's absolutely fine to ask and there's every chance you'll get one but it might not be very personalised! I often trawl my old emails to remind me of someone. If it's a huge department that might be more difficult though.

We do sometimes refer ex-students to the university centre for a rather generic (but accurate) reference if we don't really remember them (usually because their attendance was minimal) or there is some other issue.

Thanks Notaladyinred thats really reassuring to know I wasn't too cheeky in asking!

Luckily it's a small university and a very small department. Not, say, a big law faculty with thousands of students passing through so that might help.

I was studying for a master's 2011-2013 and left before my dissertation as I had a late missed miscarriage.
I recently (but pre-covid) asked the course leader for a reference and she said yes so always worth asking.

I’m finally getting round to a masters nearly a decade on and it was no issue getting a reference

Yes we do and they should be able to refer to your supervision notes for guidance and to refresh memory. I frequently get asked for references for students from donkeys years ago, and I am always happy to help. Good luck!

If the person you are asking for a reference from no longer works in the dept, they will often ask the other academics if anyone remembers you in order to write a reference.

I find it crazy that no matter what course you do, at whatever age, they always want an academic reference. It sometimes feels like a reference from 10+ years ago really isn’t relevant today, so much could have changed (often for the better since undergrad days!). Academia really can be very archaic at times 🤷‍♀️

I know what you mean, Cupcakes !

I obv understand that med schools need to have an idea of academic ability but it's a bit frustrating that I did well at school and have since proven myself at work (related field), the blip was my first degree which is what they will be looking at!

Worst case, they dont reply, or reply saying that can't comment because they dont remember you. Best case is that you do get something back. best of luck.

Yes, they do! I had one 16 years after graduation when I went on to a master's. Now a lecturer myself and would never begrudge a reference. Usually I have notes on students on grade centre or in my files if I don't remember them.