<p>How do you go about asking for a recommendation? It seems awkward because you're asking if they could help you leave the school where they teach. How do you tell them that you want to go elsewhere, especially if where you are is considered to be very good (Columbia)?</p>
<p>Make an appointment. Ask if they would be willing to write a rec for you to transfer and explain briefly what has occurred to convince you that your current school is not a match for you, without denigrating the current school.</p>
<p>Maybe it's a new interest where another school is stronger, a need to be in a different geographic location, the social atmosphere not being right for you,....</p>
<p>Furthering on what the OP is asking: How do you even begin the conversation, after Dr/Professor....</p>
<p>I mean how do you even begin the conversation?</p>
<p>I'm wondering this too.</p>
<p>I've had dialogues with various professors, some more than others, and some know that I want to transfer as well.</p>
<p>But it just seems plain awkward as hell since I haven't brought up recommendations yet, to just come in one day and go, "so....do you think you could write me one?"</p>
<p>I mean how DO you begin the conversation? Should I just swallow my pride/awkwardness and just be outright with it?</p>
<p>Don't just go up to them unprepared, if you show them you are prepared then they will be more than happy. Also let them know about 2 weeks + ahead of time before its due. Best way is to E-mail professors and ask to meet up and discuss a possibility of a letter of rec. It would also be good to include a resume of yourself and some tips is that give them everything they need to send the letter out which means: The envelope with the address it needs to be sent on writtne, return address written, and a stamp on it. Be sure to give them a nice thank you card or gift after they have done it for you</p>
<p>Maybe you begin the conversation this way (using your own words/style). "I really like your class and thought you might be able to give me some thoughts about a concern I have. I love your class, but I feel like College X is missing ______ that I was really hoping to find here. Or I feel like I don't quite fit ____ about college x. I'm not sure whether there are things I should be doing to fit better here, or whether I should be transferring to a school that is more ____."</p>
<p>Of course, if it's that you've now chosen a major this school doesn't have; or you need to change for family reasons or whatever, just spit that out.</p>