How to get good letters of recc

[yellowcocopuffs]

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I will be applying next year but have still not gotten any letters of reccs ready... 😱 I go to huge public school (UC Berkeley) and so it's EXTREMELY hard to get to know any professors personally. Anyone have tips or previous experiences with letters? What is the best way to get them? How many? Etc etc. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[NickNaylor]

If you've done any sort of research, definitely ask your PI. From there, here's how I would approach it. From there, simply talk to professors whose classes you've taken and done well in (i.e., got an A). Offer to sit down and talk with them for a few minutes so they can get an idea of who you are. Definitely give them a copy of your PS and a CV/resume. If you don't have these, at least print out a copy of your AMCAS so they know what all you're into.

It's going to be hard if you don't know any professors on a personal level. Just make sure that they will write you a POSITIVE letter. If you have any doubts, don't risk it.

 

[NBG]

I got to UC Berkeley too, and i managed to get great letters ! First step is to get the idea that "its hard to get to know your professors" out of your head, that probably will stop you from even trying. I think walking up to the professor after lecture to ask 1 or 2 questions and going to their office hour fairly regularly will make the professor easily recognize you.
You can try taking smaller sized classes where there is lots of class discussion. Participate in the discussion, go to office hours and the professor will def. know you.

After that its fairly simple. Most professors will ask for a CV AND a personal statement, sometimes even an essay you recently wrote ! But the most important thing is to make your face recognizable to the professor so that they feel they know you well enough to write a positive letter to you.

Goodluck !

 

[AH3]

I sympathize with the huge school problem- mine has at least 20,000 students. I got two of my letters from PIs I did research with and would definitely advise that (as long as you worked well with them!). A letter from an employer is always good as a reference outside of the classroom/lab. My faculty adviser also happened to teach one of my classes, so that worked out well when it came time to get a letter. Most professors are willing to help you succeed, provided you are not arrogant and are not simply trying to use them just to get a letter.

 

[NickNaylor]

Oops, I missed that you aren't applying until next year. In that case, you have PLENTY of time to get some letters lined up. Make a concerted effort to meet with professors during office hours. I'm not the kind of person that brown noses, but if I have legitimate questions on content (either related to tests or just out of pure curiosity) I'll speak with the professor. In my experience, one or two visits like that got my name into my professor's head. If you do well in the course and clearly aren't wasting the professor's time, they will more than likely be happy to help you out. Express genuine interest and don't be an arse and you'll be fine.

 

[suitup]

You have an entire year to get to know a professor well. That is a lot of time. If you have a professor in the class, first participate a lot and go to office hours and spend time thinking of thoughtful questions. The next step is to turn your professor-student relationship a little personal. This is harder to do for science professors because it's hard to transition into that because all you're discussing is science, so maybe take a class that will allow you to do that. good luck!