<p>I'm taking a class this year that is taught by someone who not only graduated from the school I'm applying to, but he also taught there for 10 years. Is it ok that he will have only taught me for 4-5 weeks? The nature of the class is one with lots and lots of open discussion (an hour of round table each week). Do the benefits of having a rec from this guy outweigh the costs? And also, when should I approach him about it? Giving it to him after only a couple weeks has its drawbacks but so does giving him some time to get to know me but then having only a few days to write the rec letter. Thanks!</p>
<p>I would schedule an appt. with him and chat for an hour...so he can get to know you.</p>
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What school do you go to? prof won't chat to get to know you, who do you think you are? trying to do that will make you seem like an arrogrant person. Rather than telling him straight up, you should try to show your qualities through day to day actions</p>
<p>lol newbyreborn.</p>
<p>Elijah...if your class size is small and your professor actually appreciates his students to drop by in his officer hours..then I suggest you to go and just ask him "intelligent" questions. Show your academic excellence in his class by not only doing well on his achievements but also actively participating. With that I would give him at least 2 weeks to write you a rec...</p>
<p>Newbyreborn: Sorry, I guess Colgate's spoiled me a tad in that department...I had some good covos w/profs last semester when I was explaining my background and why I wanted to transfer and why I liked poli sci etc. Sorry!</p>
<p>sry, i come from a huge school, and whenever us students try to have a convo with some of the profs, they give us this weird look that make us feel like we are using up their valuable time-time they could be using to RESEARCH and publish another paper.
and besides, many people at my school are soooo keen, they worship the profs like celebrities and they stalk profs every chance they get (not that there's anything wrong w/ that, i mean everyone has their obssession ;). <em>cough</em> Christen Kreuk*cough)</p>
<p>I agree with with TerrarumOrbis. What I did last year was to send an email explaining the situation and ask to meet with them, or simply ask them at the end of class. I go to a city university (Baruch College) and have never had a problem with talking with my professors out of class...in fact all of the 23 professors/TA's I've had welcomed having regular conversations. I would hope that its the same at big private universities that a student pays $40K+ for...</p>