Securing effective LoR's at a large university?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm a freshman attending a large public university in California, looking to apply to transfer to some smaller schools in the South that use the common app. Since I have till March to gather up two letters from "instructors"/my advisor and I've heard that it's generally good to allow professors a month or two to get letters done, I've determined that I'll be asking my professors as soon as the quarter ends.</p>

<p>My issue is that I have 5 weeks until the quarter ends and I'm not quite sure how to go about establishing a great relationship with my professors so that they can write me effective recommendation letters. I've read pcristiani's guide, and there's the obvious go-to-office-hours and participate-actively-in-class.</p>

<p>But go to office hours and do what? I understand it'd be reasonable to introduce myself and strike up a conversation about the professor's class, but then what, past that? I would imagine that if I was a professor and a student was just hanging around my office hours like they had nothing better to do, I would conclude that they were just there because they wanted something of me.</p>

<p>For the two professors I've chosen to ask for LoR's, I'd like to think I've demonstrated a great interest in their classes - I'm always up front, in the same seat, and engaged in their lectures. My classes are, however, huge, and it becomes difficult to distinguish yourself (literally) as more than another face in the crowd. My lectures/TA discussion sections don't allow for any discussion, really, as all they really do is have us sit there while they lecture to us.</p>

<p>What can I do in the next 5 weeks to create solid enough a basis for these professors to write effective recommendation letters for me? Time is running short and I'm not sure what to do. >.<;</p>

2

<p>Anybody? No idea, really? It’s an accomplishable feat, and plenty of successful transfers have proven it. I’m just looking for a little guidance here.</p>

3

<p>

First make sure you make an appointment if your professor requires one. Attend the meeting, and just briefly tell him about your plans, aspirations, why are you thinking about transferring, your possible schools, what you do/don’t like about your current school etc, etc. Once the conversation is started you should be fine unless of course your professor has no genuine interest in helping you.</p>

<p>I would bring a copy of your resume (doesn’t have to be a professional one) but more of an activities list in order to assist the professor in getting to know you better.</p>

<p>This is pretty much it. There is no need to BS a relationship in order to receive a LOR. The professors will see right through it. As you stated as long as you participate in class when you have the opportunities, attend class, and do well you really should have no problem in getting a LOR.</p>

4

<p>You might also have an easier time getting recs next term if you took one with smaller class sizes (college writing, foreign languages).</p>