<p>So, how do you exactly get GOOD letters of recommendation from professors? I know basically everyone says to talk to them after class, visit them during office hours, etc. But talk about what? Something you don't understand from the lecture, etc?</p>
<p>The trouble I find with this is that sometimes, I just don't have any questions for the professor. I understand the material, I get good grades, and that's that. Now what? </p>
<p>In my situation, I plan to transfer to UT next year (at a cc now) and have a good application. Although you don't necessarily need a LOR, my GPA will be a 3.4 and along with my ec's, I need everything I can to boost myself. BUT, the major I'm applying to is International Relations. The classes closest to this are US History and US Government. Again, I have no trouble with the classes. So basically what I'm asking is: how do you acquaint yourself with the professor enough for them to write you a good letter, when you don't have anything to talk to them about?</p>
<p>Same goes for classes with 100, 200, 300 students. </p>
<p>“how do you acquaint yourself with the professor enough for them to write you a good letter, when you don’t have anything to talk to them about?”</p>
<p>I think I can offer some advice, because I have been able to cultivate near-friendships with many of my professors in 2 years of university.</p>
<p>In my experience, they really appreciate thoughtful feedback about what specific things you enjoyed about a lecture or assignment (ex: 'I really enjoyed your lecture on Constitutional Law, because it helped me understand better the reading on X."). I also think, if you want to make a lasting impression on a professor, it’s important to talk to them in person, one-on-one. Schedule a meeting or sit down with them during office hours (if those are available) and just talk about some part of the course that you’d like to research more on your own. It shows them that you both understood the material and were inspired by their treatment of the material.</p>
<p>Of course, for me, these positive feelings about or interest in the course came naturally–they were not motivated by a need for a recommendation; the part that required effort or dedication was seeking them out to let them know. If you are not particularly inspired by a professor but just need a rec, I would still suggest doing these things, but try to stay genuine. Find things to talk about that you truly did enjoy or want to know more about, because professors are overworked and have very little time. They will probably know if you are just trying to make an impression for a recommendation. For the same reason, be succinct, and don’t depend on them to carry the conversation. I think, if you have ever had a job interview, you know what I’m talking about…choose things to talk about where you don’t have to fake your enthusiasm.</p>
<p>You want to major in International Relations and you don’t know what to talk to a History or Government professor about?</p>
<p>I recommend you pick up a newspaper. Almost every day provides a new topic for discussion. How did we get to this point? How would YOU solve this problem? Is there a viable short term plan and a long-range goal? Give some thought to those questions, then ask your professor his or her opinion. Show the professor that you’re thinking about more than the last lecture and the next assignment and you’ll have plenty to talk about.</p>