How should I ask for LoR from this professor?

[undergroundcelloswan]

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I'm in the process of collecting LoRs from various professors, but there is one science professor who I'm not sure how to approach. She's over at the School of Public Health at my institution and I took a semester long course with her. I did well in her class, answered and asked questions, but I'm wondering, from some sort of LoR etiquette point of view, is it best to ask in person or email her? She's written me an LoR for something else, I guess I feel shy/sheepish to ask her again when, in retrospect, I should have asked her at that time. It's not like she's unapproachable, she's actually a very nice, extremely knowledgeable lady, but I'm just naturally reticent. My gut feeling says ask her in person, but how'd y'all advise me?

 

[IncognitoGuy]

I'm in the process of collecting LoRs from various professors, but there is one science professor who I'm not sure how to approach. She's over at the School of Public Health at my institution and I took a semester long course with her. I did well in her class, answered and asked questions, but I'm wondering, from some sort of LoR etiquette point of view, is it best to ask in person or email her? She's written me an LoR for something else, I guess I feel shy/sheepish to ask her again when, in retrospect, I should have asked her at that time. It's not like she's unapproachable, she's actually a very nice, extremely knowledgeable lady, but I'm just naturally reticent. My gut feeling says ask her in person, but how'd y'all advise me?

Send an e-mail asking to make an appointment to meet in person.

I had a similar situation, where I often requested letters from the same sender (she also wrote one of my application letters). If she's written one before don't feel sheepish, if anything she'll find it easier to write it for you.

Just make sure that you reiterate how important it is that you meet with her in person so you can talk at length about how you want the letter to be.

 

[undergroundcelloswan]

Thanks Incognito, that's helpful!

 

[DrSnips]

Remember that you want not just any LOR, but a strong one. When you ask in person, you can get a good sense from the person's tone of voice, facial expression and body language about whether they are enthusiastic about writing a letter for you. It's hard to glean this info from an email. This is not the last time in your career you'll be asking for LORs. Get in the habit of asking for them in person.