Can I get a LOR from a professor outside my college, like from MIT?
Yes, you can absolutely ask a professor outside your college, including from MIT, for a Letter of Recommendation. Admissions committees value the quality of your relationship and depth of insight over institutional prestige. Make sure the recommender can genuinely speak to your technical skills, work ethic, and overall potential before.
Wondering if you can look beyond your home campus for a recommendation? You can certainly request an outside letter from a professor at an external institution like MIT. Quality and genuine insight matter far more to admissions committees than simple school prestige.
When an Outside LOR Makes Sense
| Context | Description |
|---|---|
| Research Experience | Spent a summer doing an REU or internship at an external university |
| Online Courses | Took a rigorous high-level course through a visiting scholar program |
| Networking | Collaborated on a project, conference paper, or open-source initiative |
Challenges and Best Practices
- Avoid the generic trap by steering clear of professors who only know you from massive lecture halls.
- Provide clear context by reminding them of specific projects, grades earned, and your future goals.
- Balance your portfolio by pairing external letters with recommendations from home faculty who know you well.
My Advice
When approaching an external professor, always provide a detailed summary of your shared projects and academic goals. Combine their perspective with recommendations from your home institution to give admissions committees a complete view.
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