letter of rec?

[cookyjar]

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Do you think it is difficult to obtain a good letter of rec from a professor in a pretty easy science class since a lot of people get As and you don't really stand out even if you get good grades?

 

[DrEnderW]

Getting an "A" in a science class isn't really the issue. Professors have assigned literally hundreds of A's in their class in the past few years. What makes a student stand out is their desire to learn, commitment to the material, interest, and dedication as a student.

One way to stand out is to have substantial discussions about the material in office hours or ask insightful questions in class. Make it known that you desire to learn at a level above and beyond the class.

 

[Lollygag]

That's why you should differentiate yourself by visiting office hours and getting to know the professor on a more individual basis. If he only knows you as one of the many students who got an A in his class, then your rec letter may not be bad, but it's not going to be great either.

 

[cookyjar]

thank you! I am studying for MCAT during this semester and I am trying to decide between an easy science course and a potentially harder science course. Since I should focus on MCAT, should I just go with the easier course and go to office hours often to ask questions, show interests, etc to get a letter of rec?

 

[DrEnderW]

Studying for the MCAT and your score is really the most important thing. If the harder course is something like Biochemistry, it will help on the MCAT and look great on a transcript so it could be worth it. However, if its a random upper level science class it may be worth focusing on the MCAT.

Whichever class you choose, make sure you go to office hours and have discussions with the Prof if you want to get a letter. Maybe ask if you could volunteer in their lab even?

 

[cookyjar]

That's why you should differentiate yourself by visiting office hours and getting to know the professor on a more individual basis. If he only knows you as one of the many students who got an A in his class, then your rec letter may not be bad, but it's not going to be great either.

So I shouldn't sign up for an online science course in which the professor mostly relies on the TAs for answering the students' questions about the course material because he's too busy with other stuff?

or do you think if I do well in the course I can still meet with him privately at the end of the semester and do an interview for the recommendation?

 

[iforget2]

That's why you should differentiate yourself by visiting office hours and getting to know the professor on a more individual basis. If he only knows you as one of the many students who got an A in his class, then your rec letter may not be bad, but it's not going to be great either.

Are professors willing to give an LOR for just getting an A and not much else?