How to get L.o.R.

[Joon1]

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hey guys ~

i'm kinda getting nervous here 🙁 b/c i've never done any research with any science professor.. and it doesn't seem like i will have time in the future to do one.

do you have to have that close relationship (such formed thru doing research together) with a professor to have him/her write you a LOR?

any tip on going around that research route?

thanks guys/gals 🙂

 

[speter33]

Teachers that don't know you might want a transcript and a CV (descibing your accomplishments and extra curriculars) from you. I suggest having those in advance when you go to ask a teacher because they generally don't like the process of having to ask you. Plus it'll show them that you are serious and well prepared. Of course preferably, you should go to teachers in whose course you got an A. I didn't bother asking any teachers where I got below an A-.

I think you'll be surprised how friendly some of these teachers will be outside the classroom. Many were more than willing to write me a LOR and were used to students asking them for one. The only time I've seen a pissed teacher was when my friend tried to get a LOR from a teachers when he got a C+ in the class.

Basically if a teacher doesn't know you, he'll just write that you've got an A in a very tought class. He'll go into some of the details and rigors of the course. And of course write something about you like, this student shows great promise. So you don't really personally have to know the teachers, but it doesn't hurt if you do.

 

[Joon1]

the professor got pissed at the student that got C+ and asked for a LOR! hahaha it was soo funny for some reason..

so there's a possibility of working out a LOR without doing a research.

should you "follow-up" with a card or a small gift? or is it unnecessary?

 

[drPheta]

You don't need research, at all, to get a LOR. You can have close contact with a professor who taught your class, and you'll be lucky if they're head of any particular department. Look into your lab profs, for instance Orgo Lab and such.

If you still have classes coming up, stop into their offices at least 2 times to discuss any questions about the course, and let them know that you're applying to such and such school and you'd like to have them right a LOR for you.

I remember my Parasitology professor was the head of the biology department, and she was also an advisor. She specifically stated in the beginning that if anyone wanted to have a chance at a LOR from her, they needed to do well AND come speak to her at least a few times. She would not write anything for anyone who she knows nothing about besides their grade. She wanted to know what made her students tick, where they were headed, and if they had any problems with the course material. Very great professor.

And, it is always nice to at least thank them with a letter. Also let them know what your progress is in the future.

 

[Biogirl361]

I am pretty quiet, never talk in class, never go to office hours or talk to professors. I got two professors i had never talked to, one who is head of a department, to write me great letters (at least they said so, and these professors don't seem the type to lie about something like that). just go in with your resume and transcript and maybe a writing sample or even a photo (if it is a large class and they really don't know you). the professor might want to have a brief (20 - 30 min) discussion/informal interview with you just to get to know you a little more. but in my experience all professors were very helpful and especially for large classes didn't really mind that they didn't have much previous contact with me. they only insisted that i keep them posted about my future acceptances and intentions for where i will be headed 😀

 

[speter33]

should you "follow-up" with a card or a small gift? or is it unnecessary?

I bought a pack of 25 thank you cards w/envelopes. Neatly typed up a short message to each professor and left it in their mail boxes.

 

[Missserica]

Is asking a professor from whom taught a big lecture class, he probably doesn't know who I am but may recognize me, and I got a B in his class.. is this risky to ask him for a LOR?

 

[mikhiel]

yeah, every professor is different. One of mine told me no, because he ONLY writes them for students who have research or otherwise worked in his lab with him. It was just his personal philosophy. I asked a professor a couple days ago for one, and it's one of those huge class ordeals. He was more than happy to do it. So if one professor declines, go ahead and ask another. They aren't all the same.

 

[mvalenzu]

I also received 3 nice letters from Profs in classes of >350, but had to have :transcripts, bio, copy of essay for aadsas, cover letter. They too said you had to receive an A in their classes. But, they also said that LORs are part of their job, so they HAVE to write them, and it is just better for a student to have received an A. 😉