<p>How do I get profs. to write me good letters of recommendation?</p>
<p>My whole academic life out of the U.S. was nothing more than scoring high on tests… no worries about papers due or LOCs or ECs, or anything else… All we did was prepare for the test, then take the test, get the result, and your grades are the only factor determining where you go.</p>
<p>Now I find my self thinking: If I want to build a strong tansfer profile I must prepare good LOCs, but have NO idea how I go about this. What kind of work (beside perfect grades, the easist part in my case) do they like to see me doing? Or do I just go up to him/her at the begining of the course and tell him/her: Hey, I’m majoring in your field, and I will need an LOC from you, so let me know if I need to do anything beside Acing the class.</p>
<p>How do I deomnstarate my interest in their course or matrial? those students who get ‘‘One of the best I’ve met in my career’’ thing on their letters, what do they do, exactly, beside perfect scores on tests and papers? Any anecdotes??? Any links??</p>
OK, this is not the way to go about it since they do not need to write a rec for you. It is a favor and a service. </p>
<p>You attend classes; pay attention; do the reading or problem sets; participate if it’s a discussion class by asking probing questions, sharing your views on the reading, and responding to others in the class; go to office hours if you need help on a paper or understanding a topic or if you want to talk about something you find especially interesting (this is especially important if it’s a large lecture class where the professor may not know you); and overall just be a curious, engaged, respectful student.</p>
<p>Remember, you must ask for a rec. They are taking time out of their schedules to do this for you when they could be spending time reading, on research, or with their families. Be appreciative. Write a thank you note. Profs will probably appreciate a short overview of your transcript, activities, and why you’re looking to transfer.</p>