How should I ask my professor for a letter of recommendation?

Applying to College Admission Stories
1

Hi, I’m a student at UCLA looking to transfer elsewhere to do a double major.

I took a physics class with a really enthusiastic (laidback personality, but extremely difficult tests) professor last winter. I only took one class with him, but I think he’s my best shot at getting an LOR. I’m going to his office later today and I’ll ask for an LOR (I’m about 85% sure he’ll remember me) but I don’t know how to go about asking for both an academic valuation and a letter of recommendation.

Common App has this section for ‘academic evaluator’, and I’d feel comfortable asking him to do that “Hi Professor D____, you know, after your brilliant class in winter quarter, I really developed a stronger passion for physics, but found that I wouldn’t be able to pursue that passion at this university. Thus, I decided to transfer, but I was wondering if you would feel comfortable with filling out an online ‘academic evaluation’ on the Common App? I came to you, because despite taking one class, I think it was one of the most important classes I’ve ever taken here and the things I learned are directly relevant to why I’m transferring.”

but I"m not sure how to tack on a separate letter of recommendation on top of that.

<ul>
<li>Also, I’m 15 years old, and this professor doesn’t know that, but I feel like telling him that would increase my chances of getting a good evaluation/LOR. How would I slip this into the conversation without making it sound like I’m deliberately delving into personal matters to sell myself?</li>
</ul>

Thank you.

2

Finish that letter up with “Would you be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation?”

which asks two questions: 1) can you write me a recommendation letter and 2) will it be a strong one? If not, perhaps he is not the person.

The other thing would be to say why you cannot continue as UCLA as they do in fact have a physics dept.