How to ask this kind of teacher for a rec. letter?

[bozz]

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[littlealex]

Doesn't sound like you two have very strong rapport. Perhaps find another prof that know you better?

 

[shiftingmirage]

Your advisor really said to ask via e-mail?!? I believe in person is best. If you can't get a hold of someone, that's another story but I would I would try in person first. i would also think they are more likely to say no (based on your discription it seems like this might occur) via e-mail. I did ask two people via e-mail, but that's because there was simply no way I could intersect one, and the other I needed for one school and I already coughed up the app fee so I figured if they said no it wouldn't matter. Both did say yes, so asking via e-mail will not necessarily result in a no.

 

[DwyaneWade]

I'd go to office hours... but the guy was never very enthusiastic. He'd basically answer my questions and just stare at me. Busy guy.. dean of the graduate school etc... rarely deals with undergrads. I still went to office hours and did well in the class... so I'd like to give it a try.

I'm planning to email him first (as recommended by my advisor). I'm planning to ask him if he'd feel comfortable writing me one. "If not, I could try another faculty member." My advisor recommended that I allow him a way out if necessary. I wouldn't want him to be coaxed into writing one for me simply out of formality. Any advice about how to word my email.

I would see him in person during office hours, say who you are and how you took his course, that you are applying to medical school and wanted to ask him if he could write you a strong letter of rec. That way you give him a way out where he can say "I can write a letter but someone who knows you better could write a stronger letter..."

 

[bozz]

Well I was planning to ask if he was comfortable writing one.. and then if he was, I was planning to see him in person

My advisor strongly recommended me not to meet him in person... and make the situation awkward. He basically said, "Give the guy a way out earlier."

I was planning to start off by saying something like: blah blah.. to apply to medical school, we need recommendation letters from 2 science faculty members... Class X was one of my favorite classes... blah blah.... I was wondering if you could write a letter of recommendation and comment on my abilities... blah blah... if you do not feel comfortable writing one, I can ask another faculty member.

Thanks
- Ani

 

[1956Goldtop]

Definitely e-mail him at first and give him an out in your e-mail. Personally, I would avoid this altogether and only go with professors I knew very well, but if you have no other choice give it a try. If he agrees, go to his office personally with the materials as a nice personal gesture. It was different for me because I see all of letter writers on an everyday basis.

 

[bostonmedical]

Why him?