Best Way to Ask for Recommendation

[mikesislano]

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What is the best way to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation? Go to his office, greet him, and just ask politely? Or should you make some kind of small talk first? Should you request to come back to his office and chat with him in order to make the letter more personable?
I have a professor in mind for a letter of recommendation. Last semester, I enrolled in his Microbio class about a month late because I had no choice. I had dropped a course, so I needed this course to remain a full time student. He warned me that because I am enrolling late and I missed a month of work I don't have any chance of getting higher than a B in his course. I said it was ok, but ended up with an A. Throughout the course, he would check on me routinely to see how I was doing with the work since I enrolled late. So I want to subtly mention this to him when I ask for the recommendation. I think it would be a good idea if medical schools know about my persistence and motivation, but how do I say to this professor? Thoughts?
Any other advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Bacchus]

I asked all of my writers if they would be willing, in person. I then asked them if they could write a positive letter (not neutral or derogatory). If I got a yes, I provided them with the committee packet, a resume, transcript, and personal statement.

 

[billw]

There is no reason to beat around the bush. Stop by during his office hours and ask if he'll give you an LOR. Tell him you enjoyed his class and that you felt he had an opportunity to see you at your best since you had to scramble to catch up.

 

[TheMagicCookie]

Personally, I think face to face conversation is the best way to go. It shows respect and maturity when you can look someone in the eye and tell them exactly what you are needing...there's no need to beat around the bush with small talk. If you made any sort of connection with this professor then it shouldn't be all too difficult to approach him. Good luck!

 

[TheMagicCookie]

There is no reason to beat around the bush. Stop by during his office hours and ask if he'll give you an LOR. Tell him you enjoyed his class and that you felt he had an opportunity to see you at your best since you had to scramble to catch up.

Jinx!!

 

[phungus]

I heard you should avoid emailing, but that's how I've done it. For my first LOR, I had no choice because I waited until I received my final grade and by that time, it was summer and the prof was no where around. I asked to meet with her, but she said she wasn't around for the summer.

I always wait until I get my final grade, so I feel uncomfortable just barging into their offices. For another LOR writer, he only teaches during certain quarters, or maybe even just once a year. I wrote him an email and he said he'd write me one. I always specify for a strong letter and I follow up by asking to meet in person instead of emailing my CV/resume, personal statement, etc. With professors that I am more comfortable with, I'd just go into their offices and ask.

 

[virusgirl]

Asking in person is best if you can do it, but email is fine if you can't -- I'm in Boston and all of my former profs are in Pennsylvania. You don't need to worry about making "small talk" (although hello/how are you are always a good way to start 🙂 ) They get asked for LORs all the time -- you aren't asking them to do anything they haven't done before, so there's no need to be shy. Ask them if they can write a strong letter for you, provide them with whatever information they will need to do so, and then trust them. I would avoid any suggestions as to what to include -- if the professor thinks you have shown determination, he/she will mention it, and if they don't think you've shown it, they won't write about it even if you want them to.

Definitely keep them updated as to where you are in the process, and thank them for their help (an early "thank you so much for your letter!" is also a good way to remind writers if there's an upcoming deadline and they haven't submitted yet)

 

[PremedIowa]

Definitely do it in person and be direct. They know why you are there; most professors have written dozens to hundreds of letters of recommendation. Ask if they are willing to write you a strong letter of recommendation. Give them plenty of time (4-6 weeks if at all possible) and have a resume ready when you go to them.