How to Ask for Rec Letters???

Transfer Students
1

I’m currently a freshman undergrad considering transfer for next school year. So the thing is, I know that I’m going to have to get new recommendation letters to go with my transfer applications, but I’m just not really sure how to ask?

For my high school teachers, they saw me everyday and knew me for 2 years…isn’t it weird to ask for a rec letter after knowing the teachers at my college for such a short time (many of them don’t even know my name…)?

And when I finally do figure out who to ask, would they just be able to give me the letters to send to colleges, or would they personally have to send their own letters out to each college I decide to apply to? Will they be offended that I want to transfer out because I don’t like the school?

2

Show up for office hours, linger after class with “extra questions”, sit in the front row, act engaged. I always know who is paying attention. Every time I’ve been approached for a recommendation, I knew immediately whether or not I could speak to that student’s strengths.

3
  1. Just FYI, TAs aren't off limits. I had a huge lecture class, and I got super close with my TA, and he ended up writing one of my recs. I'm not sure if you have TAs you could ask but I just wanted to put that out there.
  2. I definitely agree with @jeremyj and found that going to office hours was incredibly helpful. Don't waste their time if you really don't have a question, though. Definitely come in prepared with something and show that you're interested in what they're teaching.
  3. When you ask for the recommendation, say that you'd be happy to come in and explain your future plans to them. Be proactive about this meeting! Bring your resume, explain why you'd like to transfer, and talk about your aspirations. If you don't know your professor, this is a great time to show that you're articulate and driven, and more than just the grade they have in their gradebook! Just say you'd love to take them out to coffee so that they might feel more comfortable recommending you to your schools. Did that with both of my recommenders and it made them feel a lot more at ease about writing the recommendation.
  4. If your schools use Common App, they will be able to submit their recommendation online once you "invite" them to be a recommender on the platform.

PM me if you have any other questions!