Please help! LOR advice needed!

[doctorme555]

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I need some advice about getting science letters of recommendation. A former chemistry professor has agreed to write me a letter of recommendation, so I only need one more science letter. The professor I was planning on getting it from said he wouldn't write one for me since I only took one class from him. Unfortunately, 2 of my other science professors have left the university and the only other science classes I've taken are Physics 1 and Bio 1. I don't feel comfortable asking these profs for letters, since they have no idea who I am. I'm currently in Organic Chem 2 and Physics 2. Should I ask one of my current teachers for letters before finishing the semester, even though theydon't really know me, or should I go to an old Bio lab TA who might know me better? Sorry if this sounds like whining but I am really worried since I'm applying this summer and have very few choices of who to ask.

 

[Wardens]

How well did you know the professors who left the university? Maybe there's a way you can get in touch with one of them via e-mail or phone. I'm abroad and had to do a lot of the reccomendation organizing from here. It doesn't seem to be that big of a deal, though I haven't yet applied. 🙂
If that doesn't work out, I'd suggest trying to talk to the profs you have now a bit before the end of the semester, and then working on securing a rec. from one of them. I wouldn't suggest using your ta unless it's a last resort. If you talk to you current profs a number of times, and then have a conversation about your career goals, ecs, grades, etc. I'm sure you can get a fine rec. best of luck.

 

[UCLAstudent]

I wouldn't ask your current teachers just yet, just because you don't know what your grade will be for the class (it wouldn't be good to get a LOR from a class you do poorly in...). Also, I am not sure if your current professors would even write the LOR without knowing how you did in their class. I would try to contact your old professors, if possible. Good luck! 😀

 

[VienneseWaltz]

I second the suggestion to track down your other profs. One place to start is the department. If your profs left to take jobs at other schools, their departments will most likely know which school--you can look them up there.

I do not agree, however, that your grade necessarily has anything to do with the quality of your LOR. One of my best recommenders gave me a lower grade in the first course I took from her. The purpose of a LOR is not to reiterate that you got an A in the course but to evaluate your character and intellectualism. If a professor knows you well, he or she can write a strong letter even if you got a B in the course. If you can't track down your other profs, do try to get to know some of your current ones before the end of the semester. Ask questions about the material during office hours, ask about his or her research, discuss some of the other things other posters have mentioned (your goals, etc.)

 

[X]

It should be easy to track those profs. Go to the department they worked in and get their information.

I asked for a letter of rec from a prof whose class i was in at that time. It's actually a good strategy. Tell them about it early, but don't need to have them start writing on it right away. Approach them about it now and tell them that you need one before summer starts....that tells them "hey get to know me so you can write me a letter." Now that they know they will get to know you. Ask them when would be a appropriate time in the future to talk to them about it, chances are they will give you a time, "come to me in the month of X" etc.


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