Best way of obtaining LORs?

[87138]

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In huge 300+ student science prerequisite courses, what are the best ways to get to know a prof in order to have them write a letter of recommendation? Go to office hours even if you understand the stuff fine? Let them know in the beginning of the semester that you're interested in them writing a LOR for you at the end of the semester, and hope that they track your progress?

What are your thoughts?

 

[NikkiFSU]

it's easier in a smaller upper level class. But if you want one from a large class, it is possible, I guess you just have to make yourself known/go to class and ask and answer ?'s/do well in the class/attend office hours....and if you understand the stuff just talk to them about anything else so they can start to get to know you. Ask for advice about applications/research so they know what your goals are. At the end of the class you can give them a folder with all your info, resume etc... But reiterating that won't make a good letter. A good letter comes from someone who can address your personal qualities. Target someone in the best position to find out what they are. You'll have to make a much bigger effort in the large class, but it is doable. Good luck =)

 

[pagemmapants]

Two words: sexual favors.

No, just kidding. Try to take some seminar courses where a) the prof is forced to get to know you and b) you're forced to actually make yourself appear intelligent. Usually this works. Also, if you shadow a doc make sure you ask him, and if you work in research it should be a no-brainer to ask your PI.

As far as bigger classes, definitely don't ask questions you already know the answer to, but maybe find some particle of info that you actually want him to expand upon (and here's the kicker) EVEN if it's not going to be on the exam. Profs LOVE it when you're actually interested in the material beyond getting the grade for the transcript.

 

[87138]

Two words: sexual favors.

No, just kidding. Try to take some seminar courses where a) the prof is forced to get to know you and b) you're forced to actually make yourself appear intelligent. Usually this works. Also, if you shadow a doc make sure you ask him, and if you work in research it should be a no-brainer to ask your PI.

As far as bigger classes, definitely don't ask questions you already know the answer to, but maybe find some particle of info that you actually want him to expand upon (and here's the kicker) EVEN if it's not going to be on the exam. Profs LOVE it when you're actually interested in the material beyond getting the grade for the transcript.

Thanks. This is actually my final semester of undergrad, I'm just now finishing up some of the Physics/Chem prereqs (I didn't enter undergrad with the initial goal of going to med school, but decided later down the road).

I'll be able to get several excellent LORs from faculty in all sorts of upper level classes in my major (Kinesiology), but they don't really qualify as "science" LORs I guess (even my Human Anatomy class lab I took and later TA'd I guess wouldn't count as one of the two science LOR's, since it's not officially a "Bio" course from the Bio department, but a "Kinesiology" course from the Kinesiology department).


So I don't really have the chance to get LORs from upper level/smaller seminar classes in the core major sciences unfortunately. I guess I'll have to just try a lot harder with those huge classes.

 

[remo]

You can definitely get a good LOR even from a large class. You basically have to go to office hours at least a 2-3 times a month and really get a solid A in the class. Even if you don't have any real questions about the material think up 2-3 good things to ask them about. Just keep going even if it doesn't seem like its going anywhere. Many professors are moody and you have to catch them on the right day. Try to go to office hours when no other students are there if possible. You won't be able to get to know them if they have "group session" office hours. Good luck!

 

[87138]

You can definitely get a good LOR even from a large class. You basically have to go to office hours at least a 2-3 times a month and really get a solid A in the class. Even if you don't have any real questions about the material think up 2-3 good things to ask them about. Just keep going even if it doesn't seem like its going anywhere. Many professors are moody and you have to catch them on the right day. Try to go to office hours when no other students are there if possible. You won't be able to get to know them if they have "group session" office hours. Good luck!

Thanks remo.

My physics prof seems like a really nice, down to earth guy. Only thing is, he's not actually a "prof", since he doesn't have his PhD (yet . . . I think he's still a PhD student or something, teaching the Physics lecture). Would that be adequate for a LOR, or does it need to be an actual "Professor." He's the only one that teaches it (at least this semester), so it's not like he's just TAing it or anything. He's already got his masters I believe.

BTW, do you play the drums too remo? (I'm guessing by your name . . . )

 

[remo]

Thanks remo.

My physics prof seems like a really nice, down to earth guy. Only thing is, he's not actually a "prof", since he doesn't have his PhD (yet . . . I think he's still a PhD student or something, teaching the Physics lecture). Would that be adequate for a LOR, or does it need to be an actual "Professor." He's the only one that teaches it (at least this semester), so it's not like he's just TAing it or anything. He's already got his masters I believe.

BTW, do you play the drums too remo? (I'm guessing by your name . . . )

As long as he is the one in charge of the class it should be OK. If there is someone "above" him then you want that person to write it or at least co-sign it.

No drums, I actually picked Remo b/c it was a character in the movie Casino that I happened to be watching when I signed up for this site!