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I intern (currently)with an optometrist who I want to ask, and then I have a professor I want to ask, (that I took 1 year ago). How do I approach them?
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Hi Professor/Dr. <insert name>, how are you? I'm applying to optometry school for next year and I was wondering if you could write me a recommendation. I understand if you do not want to but it would help me out significantly in my application process. Thank you.
-Always give them an option of backing out because you don't want a half-assed recommendation anyway.
Although, I learned this the hard way by the optometrist just saying lets hang out more until I write you anything lol then I just gave up and moved on to another optometrist.
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Let's turn this around a bit.....how do YOU think you should approach them?
Just write them a nice e-mail - let them know your plans, make sure they know WHY you are asking them and they will be happy. If you are asking a professor simply because you need one, it might be harder. It should be easy to ask professors that you feel know you well I.E. - you've worked with them, did research, etc and you feel they can attest to your work ethic, etc. I had some valuable relationships with professors that were like mentors to me, so it was easy and natural that I ask them because they had a huge impact on my career goals/ education. If you can't think of why you want that particular person's rec - then perhaps don't ask 🙂
For the professor, give them a little reminder of who you are, such as "Hi Professor <name>, my name is blah blah, I took your chemistry 100 class in Spring 2009." Include details that might jog their memory, if any. Then tell them your plans. Ask if they can write you a strong recommendation, since there is no point getting a LOR if it isn't good! Also, if possible try to give your professor a folder with your resume/CV, personal statement, and maybe an unofficial copy of your grades/OAT. If you don't live near them anymore, either email the files to them, or offer to mail it to them. Profusely thank them for their time and consideration, etc. etc.
For the optometrist, just ask them. I'm assuming they know you plan to apply to optometry school, so they probably expect you to ask them. Again, give them a folder with the aforementioned materials.
Also, if any of your LOR writers opt for snail mail method, give them a stamped and addressed envelope.
Good luck! Most professors aren't as scary as you think. 🙂
For the optometrist, just ask them. I'm assuming they know you plan to apply to optometry school, so they probably expect you to ask them. Again, give them a folder with the aforementioned materials.
Also, if any of your LOR writers opt for snail mail method, give them a stamped and addressed envelope.
Good luck! Most professors aren't as scary as you think. 🙂
I think the best approach is to see them in person or call them and explain your situation. When being able to see you, it at least gives the prof the chance to remember things about you... or at least make up semi - true things about you from a generic reference template xD.
One of the profs I asked, I told my story to her, kind of like when they ask you: Why choose optometry? She wrote it up, not to mention I was doing pretty well in her course.
The other I had to email as the course had been over for a semester. I wrote up an explanation of my situation. From there I followed up with the professor if they wanted any addition information. This is good sometimes, as its hard for a professor to really get to know you, so giving them your resume or a summary of the things you do helps them get a better picture of you as a person.
Anyways best of luck, just be you!
