<p>I'm a college freshman looking to apply for some research internships during the summer. My main issue is that for all the internships I've researched, I need two letters of recommendation from professors/mentors who can write about my ability to do research. I took two science classes this past semester, and I'm sure I can get a rec from one of them because it was a small class, but the other one was a lecture class of 60-70 students. The professor might remember my face because I sat in the front row, but I'm pretty sure he has no idea who I am.</p>
<p>Most internships have due dates in early February, which means I don't have enough time at the beginning of next semester to get to know my new professors before I have to submit application materials.</p>
<p>Starting next semester, I will also be volunteering as a lab assistant at one of the labs on campus, but again, my mentor probably won't have enough time to know me well enough to write a rec. If I were better prepared, I would've asked to volunteer much earlier.</p>
<p>My only option seems to be getting a rec from one of my humanities instructors. It was an extremely small class, and he definitely knows who I am. But he's a grad student, and I'm pretty sure he can't write about my research abilities. Also, I will have to email my instructors because I'm on break right now. That seems a little...informal. Another issue would be giving them self-addressed envelopes, stamps, etc.</p>
<p>Do you parents have any advice? Did any of your kids have a similar dilemma?</p>