Asking for a LOR

[tpwelie34]

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Hey guys, I've been doing really well in my current Organic Chemistry II class. I scored over twice the average on my previous midterm and a good portion above it on my first midterm. I attend office hours a good amount of the time and interact with my professor by asking questions during the office hours. I am wondering if it would seem inappropriate if I asked for a LOR through email. I am sort of afraid of asking my professor directly because we only have two lectures left before the midterm and no more office hours.

 

[Maygyver]

Hey guys, I've been doing really well in my current Organic Chemistry II class. I scored over twice the average on my previous midterm and a good portion above it on my first midterm. I attend office hours a good amount of the time and interact with my professor by asking questions during the office hours. I am wondering if it would seem inappropriate if I asked for a LOR through email. I am sort of afraid of asking my professor directly because we only have two lectures left before the midterm and no more office hours.

If you are able to visit him in person (some professors are in their office even when they don't have office hours) I would suggest that. Asking in an email makes it kind of awkward, but if it's the only way, then I guess you could do it. Since you know him well, I think it would be best to try to see him in his office and just mention it, or go up after a lecture. It's a little bit more personal that way, and then he can ask you anything if he needs to.

 

[Impulse155]

Dont ever ask through email. Meet in person.

 

[RCLEE]

As an introverted person that I am, I can imagine how difficult it is to ask for LOR. As most have stated, ask in person is the best unless your professor does not teach that quarter/semester. Asking through e-mail is fine but they will want to meet you in person anyway. So, what's the point. Here are a few tips. Shake hand, introduce yourself, and be confident. Out of the 4 professors that I asked, 2 said yes, one said come back, and one just simply no.

You have nothing to be afraid of. Remember this, if they want to turn you down, most would try to comfort you or give your a good excuse. You have the upper hand.

 

[wizi]

Sorry but you just have to deal with it. I understand what an "introverted" mean but think about it this way: if you can't even ask for a LOR, how can you answer all the interview questions later (10x more pressure)?

Before you go to your prof's office. Be prepared lol. I just came to my prof's office this afternoon and he asked me a bunch of interview questions such as "why dentistry?". "What have you done?" etc. I was blank for a few seconds lol. I didnt expect he would ask me those questions. Its just a LOR. But i am glad that he gave me this mini-interview and its a good practice. We ended up talking about his research and my LOR is on its way.

 

[reely989]

Sorry but you just have to deal with it. I understand what an "introverted" mean but think about it this way: if you can't even ask for a LOR, how can you answer all the interview questions later (10x more pressure)?

Before you go to your prof's office. Be prepared lol. I just came to my prof's office this afternoon and he asked me a bunch of interview questions such as "why dentistry?". "What have you done?" etc. I was blank for a few seconds lol. I didnt expect he would ask me those questions. Its just a LOR. But i am glad that he gave me this mini-interview and its a good practice. We ended up talking about his research and my LOR is on its way.

I wanted all of my professors to ask me those questions. I actually made sure to set up times to "interview" with them. I mean, I never really go to professor's office hours. I just deal with the class material and stubbornly figure it out on my own, so I don't have a personal relationship with any of mine. There really isn't another good way to get a decent letter in that situation other than to let them grill you with questions to get to know you.

 

[dental815]

If you are able to visit him in person (some professors are in their office even when they don't have office hours) I would suggest that. Asking in an email makes it kind of awkward, but if it's the only way, then I guess you could do it. Since you know him well, I think it would be best to try to see him in his office and just mention it, or go up after a lecture. It's a little bit more personal that way, and then he can ask you anything if he needs to.

Dont ever ask through email. Meet in person.

It depends. I've always asked in person because that was what I've always been told to do but once I also got scolded for not making an appointment before hand. Interesting huh?

 

[Doc Smile]

Dont ever ask through email. Meet in person.

+1 and make sure you ask for a positive letter of recommendation cuz some people can be mean