getting to know your professors?

[Ayuka001]

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So I recently decided that I was going to apply to pharmacy during June 2011. I figured my grades seem alright so I should go for it. Only thing is up until now I haven't ever tried to get to know my professors. Barely deciding to apply next summer I went to talk to my professor today, and it's the last office hours before the quarter ends 🙁.

I asked a little about stuff from the class that I didnt understand but he answered all my questions with really short answers, is that a bad sign? Then I asked if we did research at our school about the stuff we learned in class (which I knew he did do research on) and he said he did. I then asked if I could check out his research sometimes and he said "we keep in touch and yes you can come check it out" so I asked if it was okay for me to email him sometimes and he said yes.

So basically was my attempt a fail?
I'm such a newbie at this and he didn't seem as enthusiastic as I was hoping or maybe that's just the way he is. Should I still email him in the next few weeks?

ps. I have an A+ in his class.

Thank you !!

 

[MathDebate]

Don't even worry about it. Make an A in his class, say a quick hello to him whenever you guys pass in the hallway, and then ask for the letter of recommendation towards the end of Spring semester. That's pretty much how I got mine.

 

[pharm B]

You're fine. He said it's okay that you observe his research, so you might do that a few times to establish a rapport with him if you feel like he currently has no real idea who you are. Otherwise, like the above poster mention, just make sure you bump into him in the halls and make it a point to talk to him.

 

[Ayuka001]

So then I should wait a couple of weeks then email him and ask when it's appropriate for me to stop by and check out his research?
Should I also read up on his publications and kind of ask him about them?

I mean I don't want to make it too obvious that I'm trying to get close to him 😳 because I really AM interested in this stuff (class).

thanks for the advices :]

 

[SparkLy09]

I don't think you need to wait a couple of weeks. If anything, ask him while he still remembers! 🙂

I dunno about reading up on all his publications, but I'd definitely look into the research he's doing now and maybe the publications that relate to that research. It might seem a little awkward if you just started randomly asking questions about all his previous work lol.

 

[pinksparkly]

Barely deciding to apply next summer I went to talk to my professor today, and it's the last office hours before the quarter ends 🙁.

I asked a little about stuff from the class that I didnt understand but he answered all my questions with really short answers, is that a bad sign?

One thing that may have played into this is that right now is a really busy time for professors - I know that mine are swamped with all of the end-of-term exams/papers/assignments that people never bothered to turn in earlier/last-ditch extra credit attempts. He may have just been preoccupied with all of the work he has to do before grades can be turned in.

Definitely take him up on checking out his research. It could be a really cool opportunity!

 

[Ayuka001]

Thanks all.
I just have another question: is it important that the prof knows your name ?
Because in office hours the just ask what help you need but not your name so idk how I'd casually mention my name lol

 

[Sunflower45]

Thanks all.
I just have another question: is it important that the prof knows your name ?
Because in office hours the just ask what help you need but not your name so idk how I'd casually mention my name lol

Yes!! Send your prof an email...your name will be in it!! If your asking for a letter of rec..the more they know, the better.