Getting Letters of Recommendations

[ralfloran]

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Hi, I'm a pre-PT student looking to apply in this cycle to PT school. Some of the schools require at least one letter of recommendation from a professor and I was wondering how I should go about getting one from a professor. I currently work as a TA in an anatomy lab but I don't really know the professor who I work under since it was such a big class and I never really see him. Should I ask him, or should I ask other science professors in classes I received an A in? I wasn't sure how to get close with any of these professors since these classes had at least 220+ students in them when I took it.


Thanks!

 

[DPThopeful1859]

I would try to get a professor who can speak to your academic ability. Try to find someone in your major that you spoke with more often than other professors. You may be surprised who would be willing to write you a letter of rec.

 

[ralfloran]

I would try to get a professor who can speak to your academic ability. Try to find someone in your major that you spoke with more often than other professors. You may be surprised who would be willing to write you a letter of rec.

That might be my dilemma. I don't know if these professors can fully speak about my academic abilities as I only had one class with them. When you say speak, would e-mailing them questions count? I'm very fickle about a professor to ask. Should I just start by e-mailing a few professors to see if they would be on board to help? I don't see these professors anymore, and I don't know if they will remember me.

 

[PathforwardtoDPT]

That might be my dilemma. I don't know if these professors can fully speak about my academic abilities as I only had one class with them. When you say speak, would e-mailing them questions count? I'm very fickle about a professor to ask. Should I just start by e-mailing a few professors to see if they would be on board to help? I don't see these professors anymore, and I don't know if they will remember me.

Sounds like you'll have to do some legwork and get the professors to know you. It's really up to you to make sure that they are writing you a positive reference.

 

[beyoutiful_sunshine]

Have you, by any chance, taken a class with the anatomy professor you now work under?
I understand your dilemma... you definitely wants to choose a professor that remembers you. Choose a class you performed well in and go talk to that professor face to face, emphasize that you're open to meeting with him/her regularly so that he/she can get a better idea of who you are, etc...

 

[ralfloran]

Have you, by any chance, taken a class with the anatomy professor you now work under?
I understand your dilemma... you definitely wants to choose a professor that remembers you. Choose a class you performed well in and go talk to that professor face to face, emphasize that you're open to meeting with him/her regularly so that he/she can get a better idea of who you are, etc...

Yes, I scored an A in his class. I'll try that, thanks

 

[HWNH]

Some school have designated people in the department for writing letters. You may start off the conversation by asking this question and stating your dilemma. Those of us who teach in science fields (I am a current PT student but also teach anatomy and physiology at the undergrad level) are very used to getting asked for letters by students we don't remember. The most important thing is that you give ample notice. It might also help you to offer to meet with them so that they can refresh their memory of you and discuss your careers goals. Unless it is a student with whom I have had many conversations with, I make it a habit to have an informal interview with them to get some meat for the letter. If they say no, don't take it personally. They may just have too much on their plate