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I plan to apply for law school next year. It has been more than a year since I graduated from college. I want to know how to make appropriate request, but not to sound thoughtless or anything like that.

2006-12-13 12:40:47 · 7 answers · asked by azngurl 2 in Education & Reference Higher Education (University +)

7 answers

The site below is perhaps the best resource I've seen on this topic. Despite the fact that it is written in regard to fellowship letters, and assumes current contact with the professors, follow (and adapt) these instructions, and you'll do fine.

Here's my advice, particular to your situation:

In your initial email inquiry, make sure to follow point #4, and ask "Do you feel you know me well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation?" This gives each potential recommender a graceful way to decline, and also ensures that if the professor cannot write a *strong* letter, s/he feels able to decline. Who wants a lukewarm letter? :)

In your initial inquiry, provide some details about your experience studying with that professor. Mention the specific classes you took with him/her, in what years you took these classes, and mention the titles (or at least the topics) of any major research papers you wrote for those classes.

Also in your initial inquiry, tell the professor what you've been doing since you graduated. It is appropriate to attach a current resume.

When you receive a positive response, if you are able, attach those old research papers to the email you send with all the details about the schools to which you are applying (deadlines, forms, etc.). You can also remind the professor of the grades you earned in each class. It is also very nice to include a copy of the "personal statement" you've written in your application, so that the professor can see how you are presenting yourself as a candidate, and support your claims when appropriate.

Best wishes to you!

Oh, and don't feel awkward about sending those initial inquiries. We get them all the time from former students, and usually, with just a small bit of prompting, we remember you well. :)

2006-12-14 17:26:17 · answer #1 · answered by X 7 · 2 0

Professors get this type of request all the time, so don't be worried. Here are some tips:

1) Chose a professor who liked you. If no professor really knew you, choose a professor in a class you received a high grade in.

2) You may feel more comfortable emailing your request to the professor. If you do, include your resume or transcript, as long as your resume or transcript are good. Also include other letters of recommendation. Those will give your professor ideas on what to write about and imply why you are worthy of his recommendation.

3) Give your professor three weeks notice, so he isn't rushed to write the letter.

4) Give your professor the name and address of where to send the letter, a stamped envelope with the address on it, and list any specific requirements for the letter of recommendation. Such requirements often include a) the capacity in which the person knew you (in the same class, friend, relative, etc.) , b) the period of time the professor knew you, c) the person's name and title, etc.

5) Make a list of a few professors. That way if one won't do it (and I've rarely heard of a professor turning down a student), you won't feel bad because you have other options.

2006-12-17 05:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by SendDoc 2 · 0 0

How were your relationships with your professors during your undergraduate days? If you were more stable then, and your relationships were okay, then that's one possible source for you. Another source *is* that grad school program. You could re-open those relationships, especially with the one prof where things went okay, and meet with them personally, if at all possible. During that meeting, you explain what's happened to you since you left their program - you found out you were ill, and you went into treatment; so that while you certainly weren't ready then, because you were ill and did not know it, you are ready now. And they can write their recommendation thusly. BTW, you don't have to be specific re: which illness unless you want to. You can just say you were severely ill, and it affected your behaviour. Yet another source is a class you take now that you're well. See if you can't take an additional upper division class (or two... or three, if you want to go this route for all your reccs) in a subject related to what you plan to study. Do well in those classes, now that you're healthy, and then use those profs as recommendations. In fact, what I'd recommend is the following - use that grad school prof you're okay with, but tell her about your illness and about the fact that you're now in treatment, well, and ready. Use her for ref #1. Go back to your undergrad years, and use a prof there for ref #2. Take an additional class as I mentioned, and use that as ref #3. That additional class or two or three is especially important for you, because it can prove that despite your illness, you really are now ready.

2016-05-23 22:19:36 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

As long as the professor remembers who you are, you'll be okay. I'd write a nice letter or email with the following:

Dear Dr. Smith,

My name is "" and you may remember me from your Business course last fall at "" university. The reason for my letter is to let you know that I am intending to apply to Harvard Law School, and need to provide them with several letters of recommendation from former professors. I immediately thought of asking you because I feel I greatly benefitted from your course, and it will help me tremendously as I pursue my studies in the field of law. If you are willing to write a recommendation letter for me, I would be greatly appreciative. Please let me know at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, ""

2006-12-13 12:48:02 · answer #4 · answered by hey u 3 · 2 0

I would find one of your favorite professors, and just ask them. Teachers are used to writing recommendations, and if you were on good terms with a certain teacher they should have no problem helping you out. I would just be right to the point, "hi, remember me? Would you mind ......" Tell them what you need and be sincere.

2006-12-13 12:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by Mariam M 1 · 0 0

Make an appointment with him. Be VERY polite to him. And just ask him. Im sure that he wont bit you

2006-12-13 12:48:32 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 1 0

with a good bottle of red wine

2006-12-13 13:07:17 · answer #7 · answered by delprofundo 3 · 0 2

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