<p>I'm having a little dilemma here. As you all know, transferring requires recommendations from professors. To get these, they have to know you first. Obviously, going to office hours and talking to them is one of the best way to do this. My problem is, what can I talk about? Most of the material in the classes I understand pretty well. Sometimes, there would be one or two small points that I don't understand. However, those issues would probably be addressed in under 2 minutes each.</p>
<p>Anyone have any hints about getting to know professors better and eventually getting that good rec?</p>
<p>Class participation? I know it's sort of hard in a college setting, but it really does make a difference. If the Professor sees you're genuinely interested in the subject, he's very likely to give you a glowing recommendation.</p>
<p>I feel your pain. I have a similar problem at my school. It is a big research institution and the only way to gain quality access to the professors is through the honors program.</p>
<p>Sometime just be blunt about it. Walk to their office and just say outloud: "Hi, I'm___<strong><em>, I'm in your</em></strong><strong><em>, I would really like to study</em></strong>____, so I'm looking for a mentor in that field." If they are too busy to take you under their own wing they certainly would recommend you to another able professor. It worked for me; honesty is the best policy, no game to play and no fakeness.</p>
<p>Great thread. Sabinscabin, may I ask which school you go to? I will head out to a public university with a 30000+ undergraduate student body,so I know it is hard to meet professors when they are teaching a class with 200 or more students. I would recommend approaching him or her first and inquiring whether there is some kind of research position available at the department. This may not guarantee access to the professor, but may be a stepping stone towards getting near him or other lecturers. Alternatively, see if you can participate in class. The mentor method, as proposed by reddune is a good resort; although I doubt the proferssor will actually volunteer him/herself, I bet he can point you to a grad student or someone else that can work with you.</p>
<p>In my classes, or at least the two I am looking to get recommendations with, I make sure I sit in the front, participate a lot, and just hold some general small talk with the teacher. For example, I would ask my government teacher about Bush's speech a few weeks ago. I'm already on a name to name basis with these teachers, and considering I go to the largest university in America, I'm pretty proud of that aspect. I just hope they will be nice enough to write recommendations later in the year.</p>