How to get recommendation letters from professors?

[KMS0732]

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Do professors prefer if you contact via email or approach in person? I have heard both sides.
Thank you.

 

[HCHopeful]

Probably depends on how big your school is and how personable your professors are.

Just try to feel it out as best as you can. I would always go in if you're able, but that's my thinking. Just in case they are of the, "All this generation does is use technology. They're all afraid of actual conversation" club. That way they won't think you're hiding behind technology.

 

[lifetothefullest]

Email first to set up an appointment. Ask if they'd feel comfortable writing you a good letter and that if they do, when they'd be able to meet to discuss it further.

 

[justadream]

Email first to set up an appointment. Ask if they'd feel comfortable writing you a good letter and that if they do, when they'd be able to meet to discuss it further.

What type of "reason" do you provide for the email?

 

[lifetothefullest]

What type of "reason" do you provide for the email?

I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand your question. Why send the email? Because showing up to a professor's office hours and asking for the LOR out of the blue makes for a very awkward situation and he/she is completely unprepared for it. So first, so that nobody wastes any of their time, ask if they would be willing to write a good one first and that if they are, then when would be a convenient time for them to meet to discuss it further. That way, when you both take time out of your day to talk about the LOR, it's focused and he/she has prepared a list of questions to ask you. Second, it also ensures that your letters will be good. You provide them a way out of it by asking them if they'd write you a good one first. If you did this in person, you'd be putting them on the spot and they might be that type of person where they'll agree but then not spend too much time/effort on it because they didn't really want to write it in the first place. If you email first and get an enthusiastic email in response, you know you're getting a LOR with a lot of time/effort/thought put into it.

 

[justadream]

I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand your question. Why send the email? Because showing up to a professor's office hours and asking for the LOR out of the blue makes for a very awkward situation and he/she is completely unprepared for it. So first, so that nobody wastes any of their time, ask if they would be willing to write a good one first and that if they are, then when would be a convenient time for them to meet to discuss it further. That way, when you both take time out of your day to talk about the LOR, it's focused and he/she has prepared a list of questions to ask you. Second, it also ensures that your letters will be good. You provide them a way out of it by asking them if they'd write you a good one first. If you did this in person, you'd be putting them on the spot and they might be that type of person where they'll agree but then not spend too much time/effort on it because they didn't really want to write it in the first place. If you email first and get an enthusiastic email in response, you know you're getting a LOR with a lot of time/effort/thought put into it.

So basically, ask the professor in your email:

1) Will you be willing to write a strong letter of rec
2) If so, would you like to set up an appointment time to discuss it further

I've known about asking for a STRONG letter but I was never sure whether that should be asked in person or via email. You provide a good reason to do it over email (easier to say no).

 

[drunken_owl MD]

Do you have a conversational relationship with any of your professors? If so, just work it into a chat--naturally. If you've shown interest in their course and done your work they'll be more than happy to help you.

(Also, don't limit to science professors. I had two letters from English professors who I had longer-term relationships with).

 

[Happy Thoughts]

I always found my professors to be most receptive to phone calls or showing up in person. You have to understand that a lot of them are not the best at technology and take forever to respond by e-mail. Many of my friends have cried to me "MY PROFESSOR DOESN"T LIKE ME =(" when in reality it is because he or she does not check their e-mail for weeks.

 

[FutureOncologist]

So basically, ask the professor in your email:

1) Will you be willing to write a strong letter of rec
2) If so, would you like to set up an appointment time to discuss it further

I've known about asking for a STRONG letter but I was never sure whether that should be asked in person or via email. You provide a good reason to do it over email (easier to say no).

1. Not all can be said in an email as quickly as in person. For example, one of my LOR from science faculty served on admissions for Duke SOM for 10+ years. Yes, he know how it works but he had quite a few questions for me (why I wanted to go to medical school, type of physician I see myself becoming, etc.) I would have been emailing back and forth to get it set up when I went into his office and had a quick 30-minute meeting.
   
2. It's more personal than sending out a chain email. In my opinion, if you go to the faculty directly, you can (hopefully) convey in a personal matter why you want to go to medical school and you think they can write a strong letter to get you in. Emails can be read in different tones, including monotone or a condescending way (trust me I've seen it happen.)

Yes, it's possible that both can happen in person as well, but emails don't properly convey everything you want to say to the professor/faculty, no matter how much you brown nose him/her.

 

[justadream]

1. Not all can be said in an email as quickly as in person. For example, one of my LOR from science faculty served on admissions for Duke SOM for 10+ years. Yes, he know how it works but he had quite a few questions for me (why I wanted to go to medical school, type of physician I see myself becoming, etc.) I would have been emailing back and forth to get it set up when I went into his office and had a quick 30-minute meeting.
   
2. It's more personal than sending out a chain email. In my opinion, if you go to the faculty directly, you can (hopefully) convey in a personal matter why you want to go to medical school and you think they can write a strong letter to get you in. Emails can be read in different tones, including monotone or a condescending way (trust me I've seen it happen.)

Yes, it's possible that both can happen in person as well, but emails don't properly convey everything you want to say to the professor/faculty, no matter how much you brown nose him/her.

Right, I definitely get the importance and utility of face-to-face interaction. But would you still suggest an email to set up the initial face-to-face meeting?

I was thinking that asking the professor face-to-face straight up "would you be willing to write a strong LoR for me" might give a better gauge on his/her enthusiasm. Then again, it might be somewhat random to show up in office hours and do that.

 

[rachel993]

if you are easily able to go to their office, see them in person and ask them yourself, there is no excuse not to. but if you have graduated and your professors are 5 hours away or something like that, e-mails or phone calls are perfectly acceptable.

 

[jb94mg]

Right, I definitely get the importance and utility of face-to-face interaction. But would you still suggest an email to set up the initial face-to-face meeting?

I was thinking that asking the professor face-to-face straight up "would you be willing to write a strong LoR for me" might give a better gauge on his/her enthusiasm. Then again, it might be somewhat random to show up in office hours and do that.

Yeah, I can see lifetothefullest's argument too, though. If they tell you over email that they'd be willing to write a strong LOR, won't that mean more? Many people would probably feel pretty rude if they were to tell someone "no" when asked if they'd be willing to write a strong LOR in person. Seems like they'd be more honest over email.

 

[lifetothefullest]

Not all can be said in an email as quickly as in person. For example, one of my LOR from science faculty served on admissions for Duke SOM for 10+ years. Yes, he know how it works but he had quite a few questions for me (why I wanted to go to medical school, type of physician I see myself becoming, etc.) I would have been emailing back and forth to get it set up when I went into his office and had a quick 30-minute meeting.

That doesn't really apply here because I'm only telling the OP to write an email to 1) confirm that the professor is willing to write a strong letter and 2) to set up an appointment time. The professor would only be asking those questions during the appointment. As an analogy, it's always considered less rude anyway to make an appointment before you see someone who's busy and not just show up on their doorstep. That way, you don't waste any of each other's time. Plus as I said, professors are likely to be more honest about whether they can write you a strong letter if you don't put them on the spot. And in the end, a strong letter is what you want.

But yes, do make sure that the professor isn't living the Stone Age and checks his/her email regularly. That shouldn't be a problem if they're PIs since they regularly submit papers, grants, etc. online anyway.

 

[deoxyribonucleicacid]

In my case, I always make a point to get to know each and every one of my professors and at some point, I will discuss with them the class or ask a few questions either during class or their office hours. Every single one of my professors knew who I was when it came down to the time I was wanting to select a few for letters of recommendation. So for me, I went to them during their office hours and during a conversation, I had asked if they were willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation for medical school - strong being a key word (I was told to use 'strong' in my question from two different medical students) and it turned out well! I wish you the best of luck!

 

[Goro]

Chat up the professors you feel know you, and you have a good rapport with, and ask them outright "Dr Jones, do you think you know me well enough to write me a good LOR for my medical school application"?

Do professors prefer if you contact via email or approach in person? I have heard both sides.
Thank you.

 

[lifetothefullest]

Chat up the professors you feel know you, and you have a good rapport with, and ask them outright "Dr Jones, do you think you know me well enough to write me a good LOR for my medical school application"?

My objection with this is that that is the definition of putting the poor guy on the spot. If he doesn't want to write you one or doesn't feel like he knows you well enough to do so, do you really think he's just gonna outright say no? While some blunt professors might, I wouldn't take the chance that the professor agrees only because he feels pressured into it. In the end, you want to single out the professors who you know will write you strong letters (especially since you'll waive your right to read them) - kind of like trying to weed out the bad horses before making a bet.

 

[Goro]

Do you think these professors started their jobs yesterday? They know what the game is like. If they don't know you, they'll do what I do. Say "I'm sorry, but I don't think I could write you a good one".

My objection with this is that that is the definition of putting the poor guy on the spot. If he doesn't want to write you one or doesn't feel like he knows you well enough to do so, do you really think he's just gonna outright say no? While some blunt professors might, I wouldn't take the chance that the professor agrees only because he feels pressured into it. In the end, you want to single out the professors who you know will write you strong letters (especially since you'll waive your right to read them) - kind of like trying to weed out the bad horses before making a bet.

 

[lifetothefullest]

Do you think these professors started their jobs yesterday? They know what the game is like. If they don't know you, they'll do what I do. Say "I'm sorry, but I don't think I could write you a good one".

Well you're obviously a much more blunt and open person than some professors I know. An introvert will always be an introvert no matter how long he/she has worked in the field. Professors are often recruited for their research skills, not their social skills.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

That's why you ask if they "Feel comfortable writing a strong letter of rec," that way if they want to say no, they can just say they don't feel like the know you well enough etc etc.

 

[caffeinemia]

Do professors prefer if you contact via email or approach in person? I have heard both sides.
Thank you.

Many schools have office hours, where the professor dedicate a block of time to meet with students. This is like an open invitation to stop by. Some places may require an appointment. Either way, that would be an appropriate venue to ask the professor in person. Approaching them on their hot date out with the mist(e)ress/teaching assistant would not be appropriate. Use your common sense.

 

[Goro]

Further displays of ignorance like this can be very damaging to your chances as a doctor.

Professors have to pass these things called job interviews, and socially awkward ones will never get hired.

Well you're obviously a much more blunt and open person than some professors I know. An introvert will always be an introvert no matter how long he/she has worked in the field. Professors are often recruited for their research skills, not their social skills.

 

[lifetothefullest]

Further displays of ignorance like this can be very damaging to your chances as a doctor.

Professors have to pass these things called job interviews, and socially awkward ones will never get hired.

A personal attack like this is neither necessary nor welcome. I am sure you know that professors at research universities are hired for their research abilities, not for their social skills. I am sure we can all relate to the professors we've had, especially in the sciences, who speak only broken English. I'm sure that their interview was conducted in English and that the person who hired them knew that there may be a barrier to teaching because of the language barrier but yet they were hired. This example serves only to illustrate the fact professors at research institutions are hired for their research abilities. Unless you wish to claim that all faculty at research universities are extroverts and would not mind being put on the spot, then your argument cannot hold against scrutiny.

 

[Goro]

Good luck with that attitude on interviews and with medical school.

A personal attack like this is neither necessary nor welcome. I am sure you know that professors at research universities are hired for their research abilities, not for their social skills. I am sure we can all relate to the professors we've had, especially in the sciences, who speak only broken English. I'm sure that their interview was conducted in English and that the person who hired them knew that there may be a barrier to teaching because of the language barrier but yet they were hired. This example serves only to illustrate the fact professors at research institutions are hired for their research abilities. Unless you wish to claim that all faculty at research universities are extroverts and would not mind being put on the spot, then your argument cannot hold against scrutiny.

 

[lifetothefullest]

Good luck with that attitude on interviews and with medical school.

I'm talking about being helpful on a forum. Funny how you can't separate forum talk from interviews and medical school.

Also, interesting that you have no response to the argument itself except for insults.

 

[MerciMerci]

For the professors that you have built strong relationships with, I don't see anything wrong with asking them in person if they would be able to write you a strong letter. If they say that they do not feel comfortable, then continue life. This won't be the first or last time somebody declines your request of something.

If the professor is from a class 4 years ago with 500 students and you just need a letter, explain your situation and ask if they would be able to meet with you during one of their office hours. If they accept, bring some compelling evidence of why you are worthy of a letter. You won't be the first student from 4 years ago asking for a letter.

 

[jb94mg]

If you know of a professor who'd probably be willing to write you a strong LOR and you already have had a class with them, isn't it better to ask for the LOR and get it written ASAP, rather than wait until when you're applying? @Goro I figure I'd probably just have them upload it to Interfolio. As a non-science major, I'll probably only have so many options LORs-wise, and a science professor I had already told me he'd write me one.

 

[Goro]

Sooner is always better.

If you know of a professor who'd probably be willing to write you a strong LOR and you already have had a class with them, isn't it better to ask for the LOR and get it written ASAP, rather than wait until when you're applying? @Goro I figure I'd probably just have them upload it to Interfolio. As a non-science major, I'll probably only have so many options LORs-wise, and a science professor I had already told me he'd write me one.

 

[NYCdude]

Have people had real life conversations with professors before? I highly doubt they'll feel intimidated and say yes to writing a letter if they don't want to. There's kind and gentle ways to say no to something lol.

I asked one of my bio profs for a recommendation and he said, "I don't think I know you well enough to write you a strong LOR. You would have had to have worked in my lab for me to do that." No sweat, I just went to the next professor and got one from her instead.

I think face to face is better than email. That way you'll get a firm commitment either way whereas with email they can just choose to ignore it or pretend like they never got it.

 

[lifetothefullest]

I think face to face is better than email. That way you'll get a firm commitment either way whereas with email they can just choose to ignore it or pretend like they never got it.

If they're the kind of person to ignore your email or pretend like they never got it, do you think they are just so enthusiastic to write your letter?

 

[NYCdude]

If they're the kind of person to ignore your email or pretend like they never got it, do you think they are just so enthusiastic to write your letter?

I don't know. But it's better to just be told "Sorry I can't, because blah blah" instead of just being left in limbo.

 

[lifetothefullest]

I don't know. But it's better to just be told "Sorry I can't, because blah blah" instead of just being left in limbo.

Yeah, I definitely agree with that. But in the end, we all just want to submit the best LORs possible and one of the ways to screen for that is to only ask people who are enthusiastic about writing (especially since we can't read the LORs beforehand).