Letter of recommendation question

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Davis
1

<p>I’m a second-year and have found a particular internship that I’m targeting for this summer. The application requires a letter of recommendation. I’ve been in mostly large classes so far, so unfortunately I don’t have good personal relationships with any professors. I have a solid GPA. I don’t have any experience asking for a LOR. </p>

<p>Following some instructions at the career center and online, I sent a brief, polite email to two professors in whose classes I received an A. I introduced myself by name, student#, and the class I attended. I provided a link to the internship so they could see what it is. I’m sure it is an internship that they would approve of and that is appropriate for me and my major. I explained my desire to have the internship and offered to come to their office at their convenience to re-introduce myself, give them the particulars, and any other information they might need. Finally, I asked if they would consider writing a LOR for me.</p>

<p>I have not heard back after 4 days. Is this the normal way in which a professor expresses his lack of inclination to write the LOR? No email response declining my request? Should I stop by the office anyway, or resend the email? What should I take from this and what should I do next? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>@beebthe1 It is time to stop by the Professor’s office. As a rule, start building relationships with your Professors. It is important to visit them during their office hours when you are taking a class. Do this even if you have no doubts or questions. Make one up (intelligent question) to show your interest in the subject. This will go a long way in getting LOR in the future.</p>

<p>Another rule is, always ask for LOR in person first and explain to them why you think they should recommend you. Follow it up with an email with the requirements. This will help the Professor be more responsive and give you a good recommendation.</p>