When would it be acceptable to ask someone for a letter of recommendation? (see details)
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M$7 Answers
The school or the professors might have their own policies. For the professors in my specialty, for instance, we had to make the request in writing, say why we needed the letter and "identify" ourselves, which really meant suggest an accomplishment the prof might cover in the recommendation, like a great paper, proposal or experiment. As a courtesy, you might write something like that and then give it to the prof in person, so he can put a face to the name. Of course, the better you know the prof the more comprehensive the recommendation, so now might be a good time to do works that sets you apart from the crowd.
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M$
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M$
However, as stated above, professors are basically in the business of writing these kinds of letters.
I would add, as a personal anecdote, that I had a professor (with whom I actually had a personal relationship and worked with on several projects during undergrad) tell me "No" when I asked for a letter of recommendation for law school. So it's always good to have a backup plan, and, as an above answer recommended, give yourself plenty of time before you need the letter!!
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M$
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M$
Grades have very little to do with recommendations because professors are looking at other ways to evaluate a student.
If you have actively engaged in your classes with this professor, you went to her/his office hours, and this professor knows your project in relation to which a letter is requested, you can expect a much more appropriate letter than if you rely on grades or "personal" acquaintance.
I've been teaching at eight institutions of higher learning in the United States and Canada.
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M$
Experience
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M$Even if they do not know you, many professors will still write a generic letter for you if you explain your situation -- obviously, there are occasionally circumstances where a student is very early on into his/her academic career, and have not taken specialized courses or lab courses (the kind where you generally get to know the instructor personally), and professors know this.
If you are looking for a letter of recommendation to get into a school or organization held in high esteem by professors (Ivy League schools or discipline-related honor societies), you may want to get the professor to know you a bit better before you start asking; this will increase not only the odds of the professor being amenable, but also the odds that the professor will write content of high value into the letter.
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