What is the best way to ask a professor for letter of recommendation?

[TurkSurg]

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I just don't wanna go up to them and say Hey can you please write me a recommendation...

 

[Mattabet]

Yet that's the easiest way. Try to establish a rapport beforehand. Ideally he'll recognize you AND know your first name by the time you ask for that letter 🙂

Go to office hours in the meantime.

 

[Dr Gerrard]

People actually get recommendations when the teacher doesn't even remember them?

So if I get all of mine from teachers I have good relations with, is this what everyone on this forum would call a "stellar" LOR? I never really understood what that meant, considering we weren't allowed to see them.

 

[Sharka]

I called one, emailed two, and asked one in-person. Did over the phone and email because I could never find the professors in their offices. The phone call was definitely the most awkward and I would not recommend it. If I were a professor, I would not mind an email if you came in later with your transcript, essay, cv, etc. Plus, it would give me some time to refresh my memory just in case I had forgotten who you were.

 

[Jli]

what exactly do you need in order to obtain a letter of recommendation, and would 1 semester be enough? or you need to know the professor longer?

 

[ygree001]

what exactly do you need in order to obtain a letter of recommendation, and would 1 semester be enough? or you need to know the professor longer?

As long as the professor knows you it is fine. Some didn't ask for anything, and one wanted my CV, gpa, ECs, a small essay about my strengths and weaknesses, etc. I would suggest having at least your CV ready and just give them whatever else they request.