Should I ask this prof for a letter of rec?

[jdamin]

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I'm getting ready to apply and have already lined up a couple of profs to write me letters of rec. However, I need one more. I am considering a physics prof I had last semester. I did really well in the class--possibly the top student--but never really got to know him beyond asking a few questions. The other professors who are writing my letters do know me on a more personal level, so I guess my question is whether its OK if this prof writes mainly on my academic ability. My other option is to make a serious effort to get to know a professor from this semester. Any advice on how to approach this would be great.

 

[Adaggiote]

In my experience, the professor that can be a testament to your academic skill and work ethic is the choice you should take.

 

[Musclemass]

If you never really got to know him, he may not want to write a letter. What would you expect him to be able to say that would be worth having?

 

[ACSurgeon]

I'm getting ready to apply and have already lined up a couple of profs to write me letters of rec. However, I need one more. I am considering a physics prof I had last semester. I did really well in the class--possibly the top student--but never really got to know him beyond asking a few questions. The other professors who are writing my letters do know me on a more personal level, so I guess my question is whether its OK if this prof writes mainly on my academic ability. My other option is to make a serious effort to get to know a professor from this semester. Any advice on how to approach this would be great.

Meet with this professor and ask for a letter. You might be surprised what impression you've made on this professor. Professors often discuss top performers... I was a biochem TA, and the professor made a mental note of everything top students said or did in class and just had this great image of them... even if they didn't really live up to it.

Also, after a 30 minute meeting with this professor, they will walk away knowing enough about what to say about you. Your resume/ personal statement will help also. So, at a minimum, this letter will attest to your great academic ability. More likely, it will be even stronger and made more personalized.

Alternatively, try to research with this professor (like an independent study type thing). That could be an opportunity to come out with a stronger letter (although you also have the potential of making a bad impression and coming out with a worse letter).

Either way, take the letter if the prof is willing to write it!

 

[ACSurgeon]

If you never really got to know him, he may not want to write a letter. What would you expect him to be able to say that would be worth having?

I bet most letter writers don't know a lot about a student than their academic record, and whatever the student tells them in a brief meeting. It's all about the spin.

A good professor won't agree to write a letter if they didn't think it would be a good one.

Plus, if the OP already has great personal LORs lined up, one "generic" LOR that comments on the OP's academic ability won't hurt.

 

[Musclemass]

I bet most letter writers don't know a lot about a student than their academic record, and whatever the student tells them in a brief meeting. It's all about the spin.

A good professor won't agree to write a letter if they didn't think it would be a good one.

Plus, if the OP already has great personal LORs lined up, one "generic" LOR that comments on the OP's academic ability won't hurt.

Some profs have a bad attitude about students who are friendly only when LOR time comes around. A bland/generic letter as you describe can be the result. Readers of such letters often presume that a letter is bland because the writer left out what they really wanted to say.

 

[raltima07]

Some profs have a bad attitude about students who are friendly only when LOR time comes around. A bland/generic letter as you describe can be the result. Readers of such letters often presume that a letter is bland because the writer left out what they really wanted to say.

Agreed - don't just try and become his friend now, but straight up ask for a strong letter of rec. That will tell you yes or no

 

[ACSurgeon]

Agreed - don't just try and become his friend now, but straight up ask for a strong letter of rec. That will tell you yes or no

I dont think a student is ever the teacher's "friend". Just because you didn't suck up while you were taking the course doesn't mean you didn't leave a great impression. I'm sure different professors are different, but some are happy to help a student that they percieve as bright, etc.

I say go, meet with the prof, get a feel for how things are looking, and if you decide not to use the letter (or if the prof declines), then oh well.

 

[Musclemass]

I dont think a student is ever the teacher's "friend". Just because you didn't suck up while you were taking the course doesn't mean you didn't leave a great impression.

Some students have bad attitudes too. You look on anyone who gets to know a prof as a suck-up? Too bad if so, you've missed out.