Letter of Recommendation Advice -- Taking Time off before Grad School

Graduate School
1

<p>So I am a history major/political science minor graduating this semester. I plan on taking time off before going to grad school, partly because I haven't decided what I'd like to do for grad school yet (probably public policy/administration) and because I have a really good job opportunity now. There is a political science professor whom I've taken alot of classes from and is pretty much my favorite professor in the entire university. I've gotten an A in every one of his classes and talked with him a little bit outside of class (though I kept quiet in class--hope that doesn't hurt me too much). He's kind of a no-nonsense guy so "keeping in touch" may be difficult (and I'm not good at that either). Plus I'll be moving away from the area soon after graduation. All this considered, I figure I have 4 options for asking for a letter of recommendation from him:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Go to his office, thank him for being a great prof, explain that I plan on going to grad school but am still considering my options, and ask him if he'd be willing to write a letter of recommendation to be used in the future.</p></li>
<li><h1>1, except ask him if he'd be willing to write one in the future if I asked. If he responds positively, then later when I'm actually applying, email him and ask if he'd write me one (and provide old papers/whatever to jog his memory).</h1></li>
<li><p>Go to his office, thank him for being a great prof. Later, when actually applying, email him and ask him if he'd write me a recommendation later.</p></li>
<li><h1>3 except email him instead of going to his office the first time.</h1></li>
</ol>

<p>I realize I am being overly analytical here, but these type of situations really make me uncomfortable in addition to being a shy person to begin with, so please bear with me. These are ordered according to the level of comfort I have with doing them, with #1 being least comfortable. I figure #2 is probably the best option, but I'm really not sure. Even if it is, if the marginal benefit of #2 over #3 or #4 isn't that much, then I'd rather do those (#4 especially because I express myself much better in writing, but I realize the cons of that option). I'm also wondering if I should email him to set up an appointment to talk about this or just show up during his office hours. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (again, I realize I am thinking about this too much!).</p>

2

<p>Hey Solleks,
I think #2 is probably your best bet for getting the recommendation. I’m quite shy myself, so asking for recommendations was difficult for me too. However, I think doing so in person is better for a couple reasons. First, it’s more formal than asking by e-mail, and the professor may respond more positively in person. You’ll also be able to gauge the professor’s response. If he seems ambivalent, then maybe he wouldn’t be the best choice for writing a letter (which, if you’re a good student, I’m not sure why he wouldn’t write one for you). Second, if you show up in person, he’ll be able to put a face on your work, although you say you’ve spoken to him some outside of class already. Once you do send the e-mail next year or whenever, he’ll remember you asking him to write one.</p>

<p>I think going to his office hours will be fine; just make sure you set aside enough time to talk to him about your plans. It seems difficult to ask for recommendations, but you’ll feel better once you get it over with. I’ve found that professors enjoy helping their students, especially if you’re going into their field of study. Plus, it strokes their ego, which they love. Anyway, good luck with the recommendation!</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the advice Yabanci, you bring up very good points! I think I will do as you suggested and go to his office tomorrow.</p>