Hi, I'm applying to do a PhD but it's been a good few years since I finished my MA and it turns out that any of the lecturers I remember have either moved on or didn't know me well enough to remember me! I'm not sure where else I can go for good references and it looks as though I can't move forward without them. Has anyone else been in this position? What can I do?

Did you have an advisor of studies while you were an undergrad? I'm sure they'll well used to writing references for students who've been away from uni for a few years. Even if a lecturer has moved, could you not find out where they've moved to and contact them there? After all, it's you they'll be writing about, so it doesn't really matter where they are - all that's important is that they taught you at some stage!

======= Date Modified 08 Sep 2009 21:57:12 =======
I would think that your old personal tutor/supervisor would write you one anyway if you can track him/her down, even if they don't remember you. These guys are used to writing references for people they have only ever met once or twice just by checking your grades/transcript etc...I have had references written based on just this information which have read very well and actually sounded as though the referee knew me properly! It's worth a go! KB