<p>Okay, so it’s commonly advised that you ask the professor if he can write a <em>strong</em> letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>But could you additionally ask him questions like this:</p>
<ul>
<li>What do you think are my primary strengths that you’d emphasize?</li>
<li>Do you think that they’re rare among other astronomy students interested in grad school?</li>
<li>Are there things I can do to demonstrate that I have a certain capability X? (e.g. you might have special talents that the professor doesn’t realize since your research/interactions usually don’t cover your entire span of skills, including those you might be most talented in)</li>
</ul>
<p>You should provide your recommenders with a copy of your statement of purpose, wherein you describe your strengths and positive qualities. If they agree, your recommenders will echo this information in their letters.</p>
<p>Those questions sound too much as though you’re either trying to direct the professor’s letter or to find out what she/he is going to say. Instead of being so pointed, do what Kryptonsa36 suggests. In addition, many professors like to discuss the SOP with the applicanti n their office or over the phone, so you can use that opportunity to remind him of things about you that aren’t in your SOP. </p>
<p>If the professor agrees to write an LOR, you should be confident in the content of his letter. He knows how to do it.</p>
<p>Those questions sound too much as though you’re either trying to direct the professor’s letter or to find out what she/he is going to say. Instead of being so pointed, do what Kryptonsa36 suggests. In addition, many professors like to discuss the SOP with the applicanti n their office or over the phone, so you can use that opportunity to remind him of things about you that aren’t in your SOP. </p>
<p>If the professor agrees to write an LOR, you should be confident in the content of his letter. He knows how to do it.</p>