help! writing an email to a professor. don't know what to write?

Question

I'm planning to transfer to a different college next year. i'm writing an email to a professor to tell her that i would like to meet her and ask her to write me a letter of recommendation. it's really important. but i don't know how or what to put it or write it! help!

Answer 1

Dear Professor M,

I was a student in your ABC 101 class last semester, and I'd like to meet with you during your office hours this week. I am considering transferring to University of J, and I'd like to discuss with you the possibility of a letter of recommendation.

I understand that your office hours are on Tuesday, from 4-5. If this is a good meeting time for you, please let me know. I look forward to meeting with you.

Most sincerely,
Deesa Lastname


Don't forget to bring to this meeting:
1) Any (graded) papers you wrote for the course you had with this professor
2) Information about how these particulare letters are submitted (on a form, online, on university letterhead) and the due date for the letter.
3) A resume. (This can be really helpful when writing a letter of recommendation.)

Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

in order to get that letter of recommendation from that professor, it's better to ask for it personally. it's not polite to ask for it through an email or a letter even if you use the most corteous words in the world.

Answer 3

if i were you, i'd approach her during her office hours, and ask if she's busy. if not, proceed to explain your situation (mentioning that you have enjoy her class and teaching style, but that are transferring to another university, and would appreciate if she would CONSIDER writing a recommendation for you). if she agrees, write her a thank you note. if not, then thank her for her time.