How can any prof. have the opportunity to know you well enough to write you a rec.? If you only see them for one semester and that is usually not good enough to them, then what am I suppose to do to earn a rec.? I get A's in the classes. What else could I possibly do to qualify for one???? How will I ever get a rec.?
2006-08-20 13:11:48 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Participate in class, go to office hours to discuss the material (also good for them to get to know you), take multiple classes from the same prof. It also helps if, in one of the classes, you have an opportunity to show your writing ability, as this helps the prof to get a better understanding of how well you understand and integrate information.
Ideally, your interaction should go beyond just the classroom environment, especially if you want recommendations for graduate programs. Getting involved with research is very important for grad school admissions, and will give your professor much more to say in a letter than "she got an A in my class." They can discuss your attention to detail, motivation and effort in getting involved in all stages of the research process, etc.
2006-08-20 13:37:45 · answer #1 · answered by phaedra 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a big lecture class with 50 or more students, it's probably not a good idea to get a rec from that prof, he probably won't even know who you are. Get a rec from a prof in one of your major classes. If your a junior or senior, your prof should know you because your classes are smaller and more intimate than in your freshman year. Try your advisor also, they would know you the best.
2006-08-20 14:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by erin1225 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well then you arent trying hard enough.
Be visible.
I have gotten several letters several times. Some are easier than others (like when they pick you ^o) ).
My suggestions.
i) Ask people who you did well in their classes (ideally small ones where you did much better than others)
ii) Ask people who know your name. Why havent you talked to your profs?
iii) Go out to colloquims etc. So they see you more
iv) become a TA (if possible)
v) Take an indipendent study course (lots of 1-1 time)
I imagine though that if you get a A average they probably know who you are already. Profs tend to watch good students.
The biggest suggestion which you could take is to find a teacher with similar research interests as you. Ask if you could help them or do some work.
Good luck by the way
EDIT
'Ask them anyways'
To respond to this... this is not necessarily true!!!!
I know a person who got a BAD reference and didnt tell her... she found out since she didnt apply to one school and opened the letter (which didnt have to be mailed directly) and it was horrible.
So dont just ask anyone... but do ask.
2006-08-20 13:21:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well...the good part is that you got and A in the class...so obviously he can say that you did well in his class. Never be late or miss class. To let him get to know you, make use of office hours. Stop by to tell him about something you encountered that is directly related to the course....ex. a trip to Mexico if you are in Spanish class. Send him an e-mail "Have a good Spring break." etc. It helps if you pick a professor from your field...that way if you've only had him once..more than likely he can go to his co-professors and ask about you or maybe he's heard about you from them
2006-08-20 16:39:46 · answer #4 · answered by hambone1985 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your getting A's in the class, ask your prof if there are any students that need a tutor. Ask your prof if they need any help. Try to show that you're a self starter. Stop by to see them from time to time so that they'll remember your face.
2006-08-20 13:24:09 · answer #5 · answered by LaLaLa! I'm not listening! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Participate in class discussions...I guarantee the prof will notice. Also, if you have the opportunity to take more than one class with a prof, do it. The educators that are actually there for their students will notice...then all you have to do is ask.
2006-08-20 13:19:01 · answer #6 · answered by Alex B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask them anyway. Ask all of them. What do you have to loose? And I bet you'll get a few recs.
Did you student teach? Ask the teacher you student taught for. Or one of the parents you impressed.
Do you go to church? Get a rec from your minister.
2006-08-20 13:23:10 · answer #7 · answered by Dennis Fargo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well...you can try sucking up...
or maybe just be friendly to the professor, like say hi once in a while if you see the professor close to you
or go up to his/her office and ask questions regularly so that he/she'll recongize you, and since you're already getting A's there'll be no problem for the writing a recommendation for you
but for me it's different cause I can never get A's in any course plus I wouldn't go to the professor's office unless I have urgent stuff to ask...but that's just me, people are different
2006-08-20 13:20:04 · answer #8 · answered by Rock 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you thought about becoming a "TA" (teachers assistant)? By doing this, you will have the opportunity to work for the teacher. That way you will be able to get to know them and they will get to know you. Also, you will probably be able to work for more than one semester!
2006-08-21 10:37:57 · answer #9 · answered by Will 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋