<p>I am in need of LORs, so I am thinking of going to my chem professor's office hours a lot (while at the same time working really hard in the class) so that I can later ask him for a letter of rec. I was just wondering if there were any disadvantages to asking summer professors for recommendations, given that the professor is a Cal professor and not a random visiting professor. Also, when is the best time to ask for an LOR? Right before the final? After the class ends?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Ask for the LOR after the class ends.</p>
<p>So I ended up getting an A+ in chem 3b. I did go to office hours once in a while so I think he recognizes me but he doesn’t know me by name. Should I ask my professor to write me a letter of rec? I just don’t really know how well you’re supposed to know your professor in order to ask for an LOR. Also, could someone give any tips about how to ask? I don’t want him to turn me down, haha. xP</p>
<p>@whosthat> I see by your member’s data that you are graduating in 2012. Do you need the LOR for future graduate school applications or for a lab placement now? The biggest problem with asking your professor for a graduate-level LOR now is not necessarily that he won’t be willing to write you one (as you did just earn an A+). He might not feel that he can write you a strong enough letter at this point. The only thing that he knows about you at the moment is that you did well in one of his classes. Graduate LORs need to be a focused and show that the professor really knows something about you (your goals, abilities, strengths, and potential weaknesses, etc). A strong letter of rec takes quite a bit of time and information. The professor is, quite literally, putting his reputation on the line by giving high praise to a candidate. If it’s a graduate LOR that you’re after, then take the time to cultivate your relationship with your professor - It will pay off in the long run. On the other hand, if you’re after a LOR for a lab placement, write up a resume listing your previous lab/research experiences, classes taken, interests, etc. for your professor to look at when you approach him. It’ll make it a whole lot easier if you go in prepared (and make his job of writing your LOR a whole lot easier as well). Good luck!</p>