how do you ask your proff for a reccomendation ?

[medchica]

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I'm applying for a research program in the summer, and I need 2 reccomendations. Both are coming from prof I've had for one semester. They both know me, but I dont know if they know me well enough, how should I approach asking them ? I dont even know what to say cause im afraid they'll say no. Thanks ! 🙂

 

[MilkmanAl]

"Hi, Dr. X, I'm applying for a position in [research program], and I was wondering if you'd be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for me." Come prepared with a copy of your personal statement, transcript, and CV (if applicable). Provide additional materials as they desire. Give them plenty of lead time - at least 3-4 weeks.

 

[GoBriightly]

"Hi, Dr. X, I'm applying for a position in [research program], and I was wondering if you'd be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for me." Come prepared with a copy of your personal statement, transcript, and CV (if applicable). Provide additional materials as they desire. Give them plenty of lead time - at least 3-4 weeks.

^this.

and also try and pick the ones who you feel know you the best-- like you went to their office hours often or did exceptionally well in their class. I had that problem last year too with who to ask, but I think most professors will tell you if they don't feel that they can write a strong letter of recommendation for you.

good luck!

 

[jm192]

Ask in person.

They're less likely to say no if you ask in person. E-mails aren't human, and are easier to say no to.

E-mails also get lost, and forgotten. I had a professor e-mail me back just a few days before it was due and say he could still do it if need be. You don't want to be 3 days from the deadline before you get confirmation.

Seriously, saying no is THE WORST thing they can do. They're not going to belittle you for asking. They're not going to go change your grade in their class because you asked them to write a letter.

 

[werd]

Ask in person.

They're less likely to say no if you ask in person. E-mails aren't human, and are easier to say no to.

E-mails also get lost, and forgotten. I had a professor e-mail me back just a few days before it was due and say he could still do it if need be. You don't want to be 3 days from the deadline before you get confirmation.

Seriously, saying no is THE WORST thing they can do. They're not going to belittle you for asking. They're not going to go change your grade in their class because you asked them to write a letter.

one more thing.. you can ask if they could write you "a strong letter of recommendation." it opens a door for them to say no if they'd screw you over. the worst thing they can do is say yes then write you a crappy letter...

 

[Tolip]

"Hi, Dr. X, I'm applying for a position in [research program], and I was wondering if you'd be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for me." Come prepared with a copy of your personal statement, transcript, and CV (if applicable). Provide additional materials as they desire. Give them plenty of lead time - at least 3-4 weeks.

This is what I would do.
Make sure to ask if they're comfortable writing you a "good letter" or "strong letter" or something to that effect.
Most professors would let you know if they weren't willing to put in a good word for you, but there are some out there who will write you a bad letter.

 

[aker321]

This is, almost verbatim, what I wrote to a couple of professors in asking for recs for med school:

Dear Prof. X,

[Insert personal note about something we had in common.]

I am writing because I have been spending much of this summer planning for the upcoming school year, and I'm beginning to put together my medical school application materials for the spring. I learned a great deal in your course, and I am very thankful for all of your help with my questions. Do you feel that you would be able to write a letter supporting my application to medical school?

If so, I am happy to send along my CV, transcript, or any other information about myself that would assist you in writing the letter. There is an official form that the [my school] pre-medical adviser uses that I can send or bring to your office, too. I look forward to hearing back from you!

Best,
My Name

Hope that helps.

 

[vanasme]

This is, almost verbatim, what I wrote to a couple of professors in asking for recs for med school:

Dear Prof. X,

[Insert personal note about something we had in common.]

I am writing because I have been spending much of this summer planning for the upcoming school year, and I'm beginning to put together my medical school application materials for the spring. I learned a great deal in your course, and I am very thankful for all of your help with my questions. Do you feel that you would be able to write a letter supporting my application to medical school?

If so, I am happy to send along my CV, transcript, or any other information about myself that would assist you in writing the letter. There is an official form that the UMass pre-medical adviser uses that I can send or bring to your office, too. I look forward to hearing back from you!

Best,
My Name

Hope that helps.

This is also very similar to what I wrote to my professors. Even though I made an effort to get to know my professors, it was still a 300 person lecture. Along with the email, I attached a "cover sheet" with some brief information and a picture so that they would remember me.