So maybe I've messed up...

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hashtagDPT

Full Member
10+ Year Member
What do you do when you need an academic reference letter, but you're the type of student who goes to class, sits in the same place in class, get an A in the class, but never goes to the professor's office hours? I never found the need to because I would have other commitments or being studying, and I thought it was a waste of my time if I was already making A's in the class anyway. Literally, I'm coming beginning to come to terms with the idea that I have no clue who is writing that letter of rec and I don't know what to do. Like, I always sit in the front of the class and occasionally make small talk with them before class starts if they're close enough, but I'm really nervous. Does anyone have any advice?
 
hashtagDPT said:
What do you do when you need an academic reference letter, but you're the type of student who goes to class, sits in the same place in class, get an A in the class, but never goes to the professor's office hours? I never found the need to because I would have other commitments or being studying, and I thought it was a waste of my time if I was already making A's in the class anyway. Literally, I'm coming beginning to come to terms with the idea that I have no clue who is writing that letter of rec and I don't know what to do. Like, I always sit in the front of the class and occasionally make small talk with them before class starts if they're close enough, but I'm really nervous. Does anyone have any advice?
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Set up office hours with a professor that you like, had multiple classes with, and did well in. Then talk to him/her about above issues.
 
It only takes one sitting to know your overall personality. That and your grades are more than enough for a LoR.
 
If you feel nervous talking to the professor use this as an opportunity to overcome your fears. You have time to get the letters and consider this as practice that will build your confidence for DPT programs that require an interview.
 
Believe it or not, but this happens all the time. Granted, it's in your favor to have a rec letter written by someone who knows you on a personal level, but professors get asked to write rec letters all the time by students who they barely know (if that at all). So don't be too worried, there are many people in the same boat as you. Just email the professor(s) and explain your situation: you were a hard working student, you made an A in the class, and set up an appointment to meet them in person. Be sure to ask if they can write a "favorable" rec letter for you, bring a resume or CV so they have a little background information, and give them ample time to write it (at least a few weeks). Hope this helps and good luck in the application process.
 
I was in a similar situation when I applied to a PT school this past year. I was a pretty quiet student in one of my professors exercise physiology classes, but I made really good grades on his exams and even wrote a paper that he thought was so good, that he pulled me aside one day after class and talked to me about getting it published. But this was all back in 2004-2005. He is kind of a corky and off the wall professor (i think he has ADHD) so he is all over the map mentally, but I wrote him an email this past year, re-introduced myself and told him that I was in one of his classes and explained my situation. About a month later, I had a sealed Letter of Recommendation in my hand, with a letter that wished me luck and told me if I ever needed anything that I shouldnt hesitate. You might be pleasantly surprised how things might turn out if you just ask...
 
I never visited office hours either, except for a few email exchanges when I couldn't make it to class. Chances are, as an A student, your professor knows who you are. Choose an enjoyable professor, schedule an appointment and go have a chat.
 
What don't you just pretend you don't understand something? Choose something that's difficult to grasp, and that you don't 100% understand. There has to be something with which you could use more clarification. Or you could ask a really deep question that he won't expect, and then you would impress him. A professor you hardly know can write a LOR, but it might not have the substance it would have it you knew him on a more personal level.

Kevin
 
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