Hey! Next Spring 2018, I’m planning on studying abroad. Many of the applications require me to have a letter of recommendation from at least one professor. Since I’m still a first year, I only have one semester under my belt, and unfortunately I wasn’t able to get close to any of them. I’m planning on asking my statistics professor, which I got an A in the course, but I don’t know how to because she probably doesn’t know that I existed since there are 500 people in her lectures. Would it be better to ask a professor from a course that I am taking this semester? Thanks!
The best letters are written by those who know you well. But if that is not an option, you could always contact the statistics professor and explain your situation. (e.g. We have not met, but I got an A in your class…) In those cases, you should be ready to provide information about yourself: why you want to study abroad, what your interests are, something to show you are responsible and will follow the rules on a study-abroad program. In other words, you will need to provide some information for a letter written by a person who will know only that you got an A. Otherwise, go to office hours this semester and try to get to know a professor.