Professor knowing you in a public school

[mx41]

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For those who attended/attending a public university, where class sizes can get as big as 200 (even in upper level science classes), what do you do to get some recognition from the professors when you know later than you will need a LOR?

 

[TarheelKid24]

Office hours.

 

[Andrew324]

Ha, I like the class sizes near as big as 200...I have classes with 400 people...

 

[doc3232]

Ha, I like the class sizes near as big as 200...I have classes with 400 people...

I have 600s and sometimes the professor lectures twice so there actually 1000+ students. ALL the office hours and an A or A+ (number one in class) to really stand out.
It is doable, but you need to stand out. I think D-schools know it isn't easy for pub students to get to know their professors. Anyone have input on this?

 

[Andrew324]

I didnt know we were counting all the profs classes here 🙂 But anyway yes there are huge classes.

 

[DanNuch]

some schools will accept research profs/instructor's LORs, and those can be way more personal. i always thought it was more important to have a strong relationship with the prof as opposed to getting one from a prof from a high level course that barely knows you... otherwise, i'd say like everyone else on here said and do all the office hours and make a genuine effort to stand out

 

[sajjy]

Sit in the front row on the same seat....

 

[doc3232]

Sit in the front row on the same seat....

Fo sho. good point.
Lastly, right when class is over, jump up and ask a decent question. Don't say anything silly, you don't want the prof remembering you as the person who asked a simple question. Try to plan the question.

 

[smile101]

I am surprised with some of the numbers here. The biggest class I ever had was 60 and I thought that was big.
Anyways, the most helpful thing would be to email the professor and ask questions in the class until they can correctly put your name next to your face...so next time you walk down the hall, they will greet you with your name.

 

[btizzels]

I am surprised with some of the numbers here. The biggest class I ever had was 60 and I thought that was big.
Anyways, the most helpful thing would be to email the professor and ask questions in the class until they can correctly put your name next to your face...so next time you walk down the hall, they will greet you with your name.

60 thats less then i had in my TA led sections, classes were at least 400. For me the smallest classes were upper division Bio labs. There you get alot of one on one time with the professor (at least at my school). So I had two lab professors, and a dentist. I also was a TA for a class, and that is another good way to get a letter of rec for D school. But like other have said go to office hours with questions, and sit up front.

 

[klutzy1987]

Well first you can ask questions after class and sit up front as said above. Once the professor knows your name you are golden. Then just email him and get friendly with him. I became pretty close friends with the professors who i got letters from. I actually had 2 of my professors personal cell phone numbers. Also do well on tests.

 

[mx41]

Thanks for the replies

Is it wise to just start this around the fall in Sophomore year? If you start earlier, wont they just forget you after two and a half years?
Also, typically how many LORs do schools want from professors?

 

[klutzy1987]

As soon as you finish taking the professor for the last time, I would say to ask him for a letter, that way he still knows you remembers you and likes you. The letter will be personal. If you wait, he will forget who you are and write you a bootleg letter.

 

[TeamGuo]

get the highest score. It will get you noticed.

 

[Daydream46]

Outside of a knockout grade and attending office hours...

If you talk to the teacher on the 1st day of class and introduce yourself and let them know you are going to apply to dental school and this class is very important to you and that you will be asking for a LOR at the end of the semester... Then they kind of keep and eye on you and know you throughout the semester. That's what one professor told me anyways...

 

[doc3232]

Well first you can ask questions after class and sit up front as said above. Once the professor knows your name you are golden. Then just email him and get friendly with him. I became pretty close friends with the professors who i got letters from. I actually had 2 of my professors personal cell phone numbers. Also do well on tests.

Most important thing.

get the highest score. It will get you noticed.

👍

 

[onetoomany]

Wear a bright orange hat to the lecture halls on each monday and you're sure to be noticed! (My own professor told me this)

 

[mx41]

Thanks for those replies

When you go to the professor during office hours, and assuming you have a question about the material, how do you begin to talk about stuff unrelated to the class (such as your plans out of college)?

 

[Blarelli]

Thanks for those replies

When you go to the professor during office hours, and assuming you have a question about the material, how do you begin to talk about stuff unrelated to the class (such as your plans out of college)?

Simple, ask your prof about his education. Where he went, how long it took, why he went into that field. That will give you a chance to not only get to know him, but bring up your plans, and probably get some decent advice while you are at it.