<p>When should I start looking for professors from whom I can get LORs? I'm still a sophomore but there are some modules I'm taking and doing well in. I've a feeling I'll probably never be taught by these profs again and they'll forget about me in a year or so. So what should I do?</p>
<p>bump… anyone out there with any advice? Or just thoughts on what you’d do?</p>
<p>I would get a letter of recommendation from them to use for any research/internship opportunities through the end of your coursework Getting a LOR from someone that doesn’t know you for more than a semester is not recommended to get into a PhD program or a good Masters Program. I would also ensure that I maintain a relationship with the Professors. Go by their offices, talk to them about academics/future plans etc. That way they will remember you.</p>
<p>as stated in the previous posts, LORs for graduate school need to be written by faculty who can speak to your specific strengths and enumerate why you are appropriate and likely to succeed in your chosen field of graduate study. Profs who can only recite your relative ranking in a class are unable to provide an appropriate high quality LOR. </p>
<p>If you are interested in graduate education, you should test your interest by interning with a professor in a relevant area of research. These types of interactions will form the basis for a high quality LOR.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. How many such LORs should I have? I realize its a very basic question… sorry!</p>
<p>phyz - the goal is three (3) quality LOR’s. The desirability is roughly as follows (IMO), but please note that the gap between 1 and 2 is the biggest and most important:</p>
<p>(1) Faculty with whom you have done research, preferably published or bound for publication.</p>
<p>(2) Faculty for whom you served as a teaching assistant or other type of academic aide.</p>
<p>(3) Faculty with which you have a strong connection in your area of interest, either through a professional association or through long and dedicated joint participation in a professional activity (such as building a student satellite).</p>
<p>(4) Faculty with whom you have taken more than one class, having impressed them well beyond the usual such that they can speak of you personally.</p>
<p>(5) Faculty who gave you an A in their course.</p>
<p>(17) The grad student who like you.</p>
<p>(25) Your supervisor at Taco Hut.</p>
<p>(66) Mom.</p>