how does one go about getting a letter of recommendation from a professor?

[umadbrah]

I am still in community college so I don't know how university work and stuff but how do you become close enough with the professor so that they don't mind writing you a letter of recommendation for medical school.

Do I take them out to eat some crumpets and tea and ask them about their life to make friends with them over the quarter? I am just kidding by the way.

But it just seems like I am going to class, they give lecture, I leave to go to next class. You can then maybe go during their office hours to ask questions. But how would this allow them to have a good and accurate impression of you and the person you are so they don't feel like they are writing a mindless letter of recommendation?

In high school it was easy because the teachers actually got to know you somewhat but in college, it seems like you are just another person in a lecture hall to them.

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[Gnomes]

In high school it was easy because the teachers actually got to know you somewhat but in college, it seems like you are just another person in a lecture hall to them.

Go to office hours. Learn something about the topic they teach. Talk about it. Try to get involved with research and stuff if you are genuinely interested.

Basically, though, make friends with them, so they can give you a letter that speaks to your actual qualities and isn't a padded out version of "J. Random Premed performed very well in my class, Advanced Underwater Basketweaving. I recommend her for admission to your MD program."

 

[sector9]

Do I take them out to eat some crumpets and tea and ask them about their life to make friends with them over the quarter?

ThisX10000

 

[WorldChanger36]

During office hours

Student: Knock knock
(door opens)
Professor: Oh Hello student, come on in. What can I do for you?
Student: I was wondering if I can count on you for a good letter of recommendation for medical school?
Professor: For you?.... sure! You did well in my class and you are a great student, Student. When do you need it?
Student: I am applying in June so if it is not too much trouble... Do you think it could be done around the end of April/beginning of May?
Professor: Sure... You really do give an advanced notice.
Student: Yeah I like to be prepared. Here is a copy of my CV and personal statement. Thanks again for helping me out with this. ( Hands over CV and PS)

Remember the worst they can say is no. In that case move on to the next one. They know more about you then you think and they remember quite a bit.

 

[Doctor246853]

During office hours

Student: Knock knock
(door opens)
Professor: Oh Hello student, come on in. What can I do for you?
Student: I was wondering if I can count on you for a good letter of recommendation for medical school?
Professor: For you?.... sure! You did well in my class and you are a great student, Student. When do you need it?
Student: I am applying in June so if it is not too much trouble... Do you think it could be done around the end of April/beginning of May?
Professor: Sure... You really do give an advanced notice.
Student: Yeah I like to be prepared. Here is a copy of my CV and personal statement. Thanks again for helping me out with this. ( Hands over CV and PS)

Remember the worst they can say is no. In that case move on to the next one. They know more about you then you think and they remember quite a bit.

Sounds great! But in the real world that most likely will not cut it. They may have ohh say 200 people in that class. You are not the only one that will make an A. So the lor will be kinda generic and weak. They know nothing about you what so ever. They also teach maybe 2 or 3 classes per week, thats a lot of students to remember the qualities of just one. If you are into research, I would say take that route. Most PI's teach a class also and hold that academic title. Their lab will not have hundreds of people in it so they will get to know YOU, actually by name. They then can speak not only on your academic capabilities but your personality as well. Sure theres other ways but this is just one suggestion. Good luck.

 

[theseeker4]

Sounds great! But in the real world that most likely will not cut it. They may have ohh say 200 people in that class. You are not the only one that will make an A. So the lor will be kinda generic and weak. They know nothing about you what so ever. They also teach maybe 2 or 3 classes per week, thats a lot of students to remember the qualities of just one. If you are into research, I would say take that route. Most PI's teach a class also and hold that academic title. Their lab will not have hundreds of people in it so they will get to know YOU, actually by name. They then can speak not only on your academic capabilities but your personality as well. Sure theres other ways but this is just one suggestion. Good luck.

That is why upper-level classes, with smaller class sizes, are your best bet. Also, the classes you do the best in not only make the prof more likely to write a recommendation for you but it also makes them more likely to remember you as well. For the large-class-size courses, just show up at office hours a couple times and chat with the prof. If the prof seems put out that you are wasting his or her time, they are probably not someone you would want a letter from anyway. Good luck.