What is the correct way to ask your professor for a letter of recommendation?
Need to know when the time comes. #professor
5 answers
Julia’s Answer
Here are some tips for once you've connected with a professor and it's time to ask for the letter of recommendation:
-Give the professor a few weeks notice to complete the task (don't ask them for a letter in one or two days' notice)
-Explain to the professor why you chose them over other professors
-Be thorough in explaining what the purpose of the letter is for
-Specify any special instructions, like if there's a link to submit or a certain format to follow
Anthony A.’s Answer
Your professor will want to provide a recommendation if she/he knows you. Therefore you should ensure you make yourself visible to him/her -
proactively participating in classes after the appropriate level of preparations (eg, pre-reading, assignments, etc)
try to talk to him/her after classes to pose new questions about the subjects
volunteer to tutor others and ensure he/she knows that you are doing so
do well in your marks! and remember you also need to demonstrate a well rounded personal characteristics, not just academically
If the professor knows you then she/he will be happy to help in any way they can. Good luck...good studying.
Jeff’s Answer
Devetra,
Very good question and you've already received great advice. I always told my students to allow two weeks.
One thing that really helps, especially in large classes, is to type up a list of your accomplishments in that professor's classes. You can also add germane extra curricular activities but it short. Don't want to overload your prof.
Follow up with an email thanking them (and in a subtle way, reminding them.
Best of luck!
Jeff
as everyone said, give them plenty of time. you can also tell them the name of your program your applying to , so they can make the letter more specific. Good Luck!
Rachel
Saurabh’s Answer
Hi,
Getting a letter of recommendation is very easy if you have done the pre-work required for it. A professor will generally not hesitate to recommend you if you have interacted with them in a professional environment and completed the work/assignment/project/activity to the best of your abilities. A sincere effort goes a long way in building that rapport with the professor. There might be cases where you didnt exactly succeed but the effort you put in will get you the recommendation.
Julayne’s Answer
Hello!
Ask your professor 🙂 I get asked to provide recommendations frequently and as a professor I would say ask sooner rather than later and be sure to ask nicely (you would be surprised at how often the letter is demanded..I tend to not be as gracious with those "requests "). I agree with the other posters. Put forth the effort and you will get a great letter.