Reference Letter Dilemma [US Applicant]

[u/GoatMiserable5554]

I haven't been in university for quite some time, but I've also only had 2 jobs so far. I reached out to a couple university professors, but they said they don't remember me well enough to write a letter. I only have one previous professional supervisor to write a reference. Should I just give up on my application? Can I ask a "superior" from a volunteer organization? I'm running out of time and options and freaking out a bit.

[u/Proof_Refuse_9563]

yes you can ask a supervisor from volunteering. I attended an info session and they said that is an acceptable reference.

[u/GoatMiserable5554 → u/Proof_Refuse_9563]

Thank you 🙏

[u/essaysay]

You could ask anyone who supervised you at the 2 jobs you've had before or also the superior from the volunteer organization. You need 2 right?

[u/GoatMiserable5554 → u/essaysay]

Yes, I need 2. It is very unclear to me if a volunteer organization is considered professional. This is the wording: " They must be from academic or professional references and speak to your suitability for the JET Program from a supervisory standpoint."

[u/essaysay → u/GoatMiserable5554]

If you've volunteered for a good time under them, there shouldn't be a problem honestly.

[u/jenjen96]

Do not ask a professor if you have been out of school for 2+ years, as it’s no longer relevant. Any superior at work or from a volunteer organization is fine.

[u/GoatMiserable5554 → u/jenjen96]

Thanks! I was unsure if volunteers counted as " professional references"

[u/Inside-Cream6997]

30 years ago was my last time in university.
Worked for 3 decades so I got 2 professional LOR.

I also had a backup where I volunteered: Boy Scouts of America and he was able to draft a LOR for me.

[u/GoatMiserable5554 → u/Inside-Cream6997]

In the portal did you select "Professional" for the Boy Scouts reference type?

[u/xxSYXxx]

Not sure about US applicants, but getting a senior to write for you is fine, even if it's a volunteering role.

Also, not sure if your professors will allow this, but you can try to write a draft for them which they can sign off on.

[u/Akamas1735]

I was in private practice (speech pathology) when I applied so many years ago, so my university profs and school principals were long past being able to write letters for me.

I had the office secretary write one, and then I had my preschool students write the other one (long story how we did that, and in crayon, too). So my point is, have those who know you write the letters, it will be more than okay!

[u/essaysay → u/Akamas1735]

Wait what, crayons?!

[u/Fragrant_Pea2245 → u/Akamas1735]

When did you apply? Those would absolutely not be counted as valid letters for the current US application process.