Approaching Prof's for LORs

[bodiddely]

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Hey everyone,

I'm looking for some opinions on the best way to approach my chem professor for a LOR.

Our current relationship: I sit in the front row (dorky, yes I know). He also makes dorky jokes, and usually makes eye contact with me when he does so (and I laugh).

He has approached me several times before class to look at my notes and see where he ended the previous class; following this we have had several conversations about the course, what I think of it, etc.

Anyways, I was considering telling him that I would like him to write me an LOR and would he consider letting me take him out to lunch to get to know me better?

But, I spoke with one of my study partners and she said that would probably come off as "a little weird" and suggested I just talk to him during office hours, ask if he would write me a letter, and leave him a copy of my C.V. along with a bullet point list of "things you might like to mention in your letter."

What are your thoughts? He knows me, I'm pretty sure he likes me, we're on a first name basis... is it still weird/uncouth to ask him out for an "LOR date"?

 

[bodiddely]

Because you are still in your professor's class, it really wouldn't be of either of your's best interest to take him to lunch. Even though we know it is an innocent event just so the prof can get to know you better, others may see it differently. It would really suck to have a disgruntled classmate of yours see the two of you having lunch and report you to the school. Having something liek that on your academic record would have a negative impact on your record. Now, if the professor has a habit of having lunch with his students and advisees, then that is a different story. But, to be safe, the best thign would be to set up a time where you can meet in his office and discuss the same things about yourself in an environment that others wouldn't consider inappropriate. In situations like yours, it is always better to follow the CYA philosophy.

Hi Navy DDS,

Thank you very much for your input. I guess I wasn't really considering the fact that going out to lunch could possibly be construed as some sort of romantic liaison; we are both heterosexual males. Do you really think that a reasonable view of what constitutes professionalism would preclude students and professors from having lunch together?

Edit: Just to clarify, when I said that "I'm pretty sure he likes me" all that I meant was that I think he has a positive opinion of me as a student.

 

[joey2007]

to ask him out for an "LOR date"?

sorry.. but i can't stop laughing about your sentence... LOR date... hahahah

 

[SanOnofre2002]

You should park your car at the end of his driveway and approach him as he comes out in his robe to pick up his newspaper. Put your LOR request in a crumpled paper bag, hand it to him nervously, and then run away.
Really, just do what your study partner said. Most likely he is too busy to spend a lot of time talking to you. Plus he's probably got a dozen other students frothing at the mouth for a LOR.

 

[ummjoey]

yeah.........just keep going to office hours and talking with the professor.

this is what i gave the professors for LOR:
-manila folder
-coverpage with short introduction
-post-it with a date by which i would like them to finish
-my personal statement
-resume
-copy of my transcript
-some forms the career center wanted me to give to the professor(the career center at UC riverside has a system where they mail the letters for you so the professor doesnt need 20 envelopes/stamps)

 

[CMistry]

This is just me, but I let the professors write what kind of student I am. This does not involve knowing me outside of class or office hours. Then I let the PI, the dentist, etc write about me outside of class. Not sure it's the best way, but two of my interviewers raved about my LORs.

-Cyrus

 

[rose786]

Have you taken a class with this prof. before? If not, I would suggest waiting until you have received a good grade in his class before approaching him. In the meantime, visit him during office hours with any questions you have about the material. You could also mention that you'll be asking him for a LOR at the end of the semester, just to give him a head's up.

Also, I second the advice of making up a "LOR packet" with your cv, PS, stamped envelope, etc. I did this for all the prof's who wrote my LORs and they all thanked me because apparently, other students aren't as thoughtful.

 

[bkoh]

Replace the word 'lunch' with 'coffee' and you'll be golden... Anytime I meet with a prof, it's usually over a coffee haha... On that note, Starbucks should start giving me discount rates

 

[bkoh]

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