<p>This question is probably a stupid one, but I was wondering what the best way of asking your teacher/professor for a recommendation letter would be? I mean asking high school teachers was easy since it was pretty much expected. But I kind of feel that asking my professors, especially ones that thought I excelled, would almost be like betrayal. Although...if they truly wanted what was best for me, then they would understand.</p>
<p>Anyways should I just ask to meet with him/her when school starts or should I email him/her during the summer before classes start? I haven't spoken to my professors since spring term ended and I want to avoid as much awkwardness as possible. </p>
<p>And from what I heard it's supposedly a good idea to ask months in advance of the application due date. But would asking one month ahead of time be fine? </p>
<p>but i was thinking more along the lines of the actual process of asking the teachers. i mean i’d say i have a pretty good relationship with them. but javous or anyone else, did you just one day go up to your teacher and ask him/her?</p>
<p>or did you email him/her during the summer before classes started to arrange meetings, tell him/her exactly why you want to transfer, etc.</p>
<p>I emailed my professors to see if they were willing to write me a letter of recommendation (without telling them what for). When they said yes, I emailed them to set up a time to meet. Without insulting my current school, I had a brief conversation about why I wanted to transfer, and my accomplishments. I also gave my professors a folder with my contact information, my resume, the deadlines for each school, and addressed stamped envelopes for each school. </p>
<p>If I had to do it again, I would have asked my professors if they would write me a lor in person, so I could see for myself if they were reluctant. I must say that they were very kind, helpful, and not at all insulted with my intention to transfer.</p>
<p>Hey, I know how you feel. I felt like if I asked my professors they would feel that I was betraying them. But once I did ask, both professors were VERY happy that I wanted to transfer. One of my professors told me when I asked him that I should not be at this school and that I needed a more competitive environment. It may not be the exact situation for you but if you excelled in their classes your professors should understand that you want to be at the place that you can flourish. Good Luck.</p>
<p>It really does seem like it is a betrayal, unless the student really does have a good reason to want to leave. But then again the professor might sympathize with the student’s desire to go to a higher tier school if they themselves had aimed to be a professor at a more prestigious school. </p>
<p>On an unrelated note, I’ve always HATED asking for recommendation letters. It seems like like it is putting a burden on a professor that is not really necessary. Do the grades, SATs, essays, and transcripts really not give the school sufficient information?</p>
<p>Not to hijack the thread, but on a related question: Are you supposed to ask the same professor to write a LOR for each school you’re applying for? How did you guys solve this because I thought the LORs are supposed to be sent directly to each university from the signer.</p>
<p>I don’t think your professor(s) would think it’s betrayal unless they are alums of your current school. In my case, I simply met my professors during their office hours and explained to them my reasons for transferring. Both my professors gave sort of a mini-interview. I guess that way they could make the letters a little more personal.</p>
<p>Also, I asked my professors after Winter break for my recs.</p>
<p>colboy, all you have to do is print out multiple copies of the Recommendation form and label them for your professors. Additionally, you should include all addresses and postage.</p>