Recommendation Letters

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It's been years since I've taken most of the science prereqs and none of the professors will remember me. I am, however, taking biology right now as a night class. I make every effort to stay after class and ask questions when I can, but the professor's office hours are during the day (I work full time) and I don't feel I have much of a connection with him. I'm taking the second semester of biology with the same professor in the spring.

Here's my question: Is there anything wrong with being perfectly blunt and upfront with this professor about needing a letter of recommendation next summer? Something along the lines of, "Professor X, I plan to ask you for a letter of recommedation this summer, so I would like to make every attempt to get to know you better in the short amount of time that I can meet with you outside of class." I could then give him a current copy of my cv and perhaps he would be open to more extensive discussions. Anyone see any major flaws in this plan or think there's a better approach?

 

[ShyRem]

You might be surprised about whether they remember you. Try giving 'em a call or better yet go see them during office hours (call the secretary and they can tell you those). My dad was a college prof, and I am still amazed he remembers students from 20 years ago. I haven't heard of a student he didn't remember - he remembers them all. The good ones, the quiet ones, the loud ones, the ones that failed.

 

[Catalystik]

I make every effort to stay after class and ask questions when I can, but the professor's office hours are during the day (I work full time) and I don't feel I have much of a connection with him. I'm taking the second semester of biology with the same professor in the spring.

What about enhancing your limited contact time with an e-mail connection? Did he give you contact information?

I would build the relationship first before bringing up the letter of recommendation. It sounds like there is no rush. When the time comes, it's fine to be blunt about what you need and give him your CV with additional background information. But it's best he feels he knows you personally, if you want the best possible letter.

 

[lainey234]

For better or worse, I have pretty much done the same thing. I am an older student, so I didn't feel terribly uncomfortable approaching the head of the biology department (who also serves as a pre-med advisor) and letting him know straight out that I would be taking a seminar class with him next semester. I think my exact words were something along the lines of "I would like to take this class so that when I approach you in 6 months to write me a letter of recommendation, you will feel comfortable and be familiar with my abilities as a student" Insert big, flashy smile here.

I think it went over just fine, he laughed and I will be in his class next semester. With only a 1 1/2 semesters of school before I have to go ion search of letters, I do everything I can to make an impression. ie I am there EVERY day, in the front row, at office hours, asking questions, showing sincere interest. Can't do much more than that 😳