<p>I am a first year freshman. This is my second semester. I was just wondering about asking professors for letters of recommendation. </p>
<p>I haven't really formed a considerable bond with any professors yet this semester, or last semester. I am pretty quiet. There are teachers whose class I enjoyed and did well in. Yet, I am still not sure who to ask, or how to ask them. Should I set up an appointment via email to talk to them about a recommendation, or what? I don't really know the process. I need two recommendations. Should I stick with professors in my major, or just the teachers who can give a good recommendation? I am trying to apply to the honors program, if that makes things any different. </p>
<p>If anyone has any advice that would be great!</p>
<p>The best way to contact a professor for a letter of recommendation is to send an e-mail that says:</p>
<p>-- you enjoyed their class and wondered if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation
– the kind of program you’re applying for
– what this program is looking for in particular (if anything)
– the deadline for the letter of recommendation</p>
<p>If the professor doesn’t know you from Adam, you’ll want to include some information about yourself as well, including</p>
<p>-- what class you had them for and when
– what your major is
– what year you are</p>
<p>If it was a lab course, also tell them who your TA was. Chances are for a lab course the professor would consult with the TA to find out more about you before writing the letter.</p>
<p>End by saying if they’re able to do this for you you’ll be happy to drop by any time (listing whatever windows of availability your schedule provides) to talk or provide additional information (like any paperwork or whatnot). </p>
<p>If you’re applying to your own college’s honors program, it probably doesn’t matter whether the professors are from your major or not.</p>
<p>In general it’s nice to give a professor 3-4 weeks to write a letter. Less than 2 weeks is short notice, and 1 week is an imposition. Somewhere among the application materials will be a section where you waive your right to see the letter of recommendation – this should be checked and signed before you give it to the professor.</p>
<p>Going forward, try to be more involved in your classes so the professors hear your name a few times. Go to office hours and TA help sessions. You’ll get stronger letters that way.</p>
<p>Go up to them after class and ask them if you can have a letter of reference. Then follow up with them via email and attach a resume. If you’re not still in their class, send them an email and attach a resume.</p>
<p>If you can find out when they are, I’d go directly during office hours. Bring a resume, yes, but if you have any papers or original work (or even tests you did well on) bring those as well, so that your professor can be reminded of your academic performance. If it’s for the school’s honors program, you really just need two professors who know you. As a freshman, you really aren’t expected to be far into your major yet, and most freshmen’s majors also change.</p>