Asking Professor for Transfer recommendation?

Transfer Students
1

My professor doesn’t really know me and so I was just wondering if the best way to ask for one is to go in during office hours? Do you guys think it would be okay to ask her for one even though I don’t do too well on her exams :/? I do really well on all of our projects, assignments and do have above a 90% in her class. It’s just that I haven’t done well on her exams and I’m afraid she will think I’m a horrible student.

Also Should I provide her with an essay on why I want to transfer and a resume?

2

I see two potential problems: she doesn’t know you that well, and you don’t do well on tests.

Students are always encouraged to start a good working relationship with their professors. I feel like your professor may not write the best recommendation letter since she doesn’t know you that well. She may just write something generic and uninteresting.
Also, the fact that you don’t do well on tests but do well in the class may indicate a problem. If you have never visited her during office hours before to talk about your tests or anything, then she will assume you don’t care. It would seem odd to only visit her for a recommendation. In her rec letter, she may say that you are a bright student, but lack the initiative to ask for help on exams.

Is there a professor you can ask that actually knows you? One that you’ve connected with?

3

Thanks for the input! I need two professor recommendations and have found one professor (who I think will write a great one as I have gotten to know her very well) and need another and she seems to be the only option :frowning:

Sigh a reason why I’ve never visited her during office hours is that I’ve never had any questions about the things I have gotten wrong. I’ve always learnt from my mistakes so didn’t see the point in visiting :frowning:

4

Fair enough. If those are you best two options, go for it.

5

Stop worrying about it. Just go an remember to give the professor something about yourself that they may not know. A template always helps.

6

Thanks for the answers guys! I appreciate it

7

One more thing, speaking as a professor: If the professor states a preference to not write a letter for you, don’t push it—that’s a signal that said professor either (1) doesn’t feel they don’t know you well enough to write a solid supportive letter or (2) they feel they wouldn’t, in good conscience, be able to write a positive letter on your behalf. If you keep pressing they’ll probably end up writing a letter for you, but you almost certainly wouldn’t like it.

8

Thank you for the advice!