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So another thread got me thinking I just want to get my LOR out of the way.

I'm thinking about asking 2 professors that I was closer with due to taking 3 classes with. I had a really good report with them, and they really seemed to like me by nominating me for things, giving me As, etc.

I was wondering exactly what to email them. It seems pretty obvious, but I just wanted to hear from some who have done it already so as not to forget any details or instructions. I don't want to risk messing anything up.

Just got done doing this myself and have had to before too and each time I've gotten great recommendations.

First, if possible I would try not to email and instead go into office hours. In my experience its better to ask in person. Second, be prepared with a portfolio of the most commonly requested items. For me that included: Cover letter describing all the details (due date, why I asked them, where I'm applying, how they can submit, etc.), resume, transcript, any relevant work from their classes (papers, etc.), and I would always throw in something personal like a writing sample or something. You can throw in your personal statement too but I strayed away from doing that because mine was still in progress and I felt they already had enough information about my plans and background. Coming to a professor prepared like this will leave a great impression since they're used to dealing with people who don't bring them any materials to work with.

As far as the ask, it's really not a big deal, they have to do this all the time. Just go in, state what you'll be applying for soon, tell them that you really enjoyed their class and feel like they were able to see a representative example of your good work ethic/intellectual vitality/what have you and that you would appreciate a letter of recommendation from them. You can also go into detail here about your plans, why you're applying to law school, future career, etc. Some professors will ask that you write that information up in a statement of purpose while others will just want to have that conversation with you.

That should be about it!

Edit: Also if you do want to email them first, email them asking for a time you can go in and meet with them to do it in person. If they're away from campus you can always do what I described above by email, but its a bit harder to convey all the information succinctly in email whereas in conversation it's much easier

xnsch wrote:Just got done doing this myself and have had to before too and each time I've gotten great recommendations.

First, if possible I would try not to email and instead go into office hours. In my experience its better to ask in person. Second, be prepared with a portfolio of the most commonly requested items. For me that included: Cover letter describing all the details (due date, why I asked them, where I'm applying, how they can submit, etc.), resume, transcript, any relevant work from their classes (papers, etc.), and I would always throw in something personal like a writing sample or something. You can throw in your personal statement too but I strayed away from doing that because mine was still in progress and I felt they already had enough information about my plans and background. Coming to a professor prepared like this will leave a great impression since they're used to dealing with people who don't bring them any materials to work with.

As far as the ask, it's really not a big deal, they have to do this all the time. Just go in, state what you'll be applying for soon, tell them that you really enjoyed their class and feel like they were able to see a representative example of your good work ethic/intellectual vitality/what have you and that you would appreciate a letter of recommendation from them. You can also go into detail here about your plans, why you're applying to law school, future career, etc. Some professors will ask that you write that information up in a statement of purpose while others will just want to have that conversation with you.

That should be about it!

Edit: Also if you do want to email them first, email them asking for a time you can go in and meet with them to do it in person. If they're away from campus you can always do what I described above by email, but its a bit harder to convey all the information succinctly in email whereas in conversation it's much easier

Thanks xnsch, I unfortunately will have to email them because I went to college far away from where I am located now. Is is standard to include my resume and transcript? I can certainly included those if need be. I also have all the papers I wrote in UG saved to show them. I will also include everything in a statement of purpose like you have suggested. Thanks again for the detail and breaking it down for me. Much appreciated.

Barack O'Drama wrote:

xnsch wrote:Just got done doing this myself and have had to before too and each time I've gotten great recommendations.

First, if possible I would try not to email and instead go into office hours. In my experience its better to ask in person. Second, be prepared with a portfolio of the most commonly requested items. For me that included: Cover letter describing all the details (due date, why I asked them, where I'm applying, how they can submit, etc.), resume, transcript, any relevant work from their classes (papers, etc.), and I would always throw in something personal like a writing sample or something. You can throw in your personal statement too but I strayed away from doing that because mine was still in progress and I felt they already had enough information about my plans and background. Coming to a professor prepared like this will leave a great impression since they're used to dealing with people who don't bring them any materials to work with.

As far as the ask, it's really not a big deal, they have to do this all the time. Just go in, state what you'll be applying for soon, tell them that you really enjoyed their class and feel like they were able to see a representative example of your good work ethic/intellectual vitality/what have you and that you would appreciate a letter of recommendation from them. You can also go into detail here about your plans, why you're applying to law school, future career, etc. Some professors will ask that you write that information up in a statement of purpose while others will just want to have that conversation with you.

That should be about it!

Edit: Also if you do want to email them first, email them asking for a time you can go in and meet with them to do it in person. If they're away from campus you can always do what I described above by email, but its a bit harder to convey all the information succinctly in email whereas in conversation it's much easier

Thanks xnsch, I unfortunately will have to email them because I went to college far away from where I am located now. Is is standard to include my resume and transcript? I can certainly included those if need be. I also have all the papers I wrote in UG saved to show them. I will also include everything in a statement of purpose like you have suggested. Thanks again for the detail and breaking it down for me. Much appreciated.

No problem. In that case I would just email with the same basic content. Remind them who you were, tell them why you've decided on them for a recommendation and that you think they're in a good position to do so. Be as available and helpful as possible and give them whatever they need and you'll make a great impression. For instance, offer to give them a phone call if they want to talk about your application with you or whatever (likely they won't, its the offer that matters).

And in my experience a resume is an absolute must in a portfolio to send them, transcripts usually are requested as well. Not only do they want to remember how you did in their class but how you did in school overall so of course it would be helpful to them.

...

Pikapika wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

xnsch wrote:Just got done doing this myself and have had to before too and each time I've gotten great recommendations.

First, if possible I would try not to email and instead go into office hours. In my experience its better to ask in person. Second, be prepared with a portfolio of the most commonly requested items. For me that included: Cover letter describing all the details (due date, why I asked them, where I'm applying, how they can submit, etc.), resume, transcript, any relevant work from their classes (papers, etc.), and I would always throw in something personal like a writing sample or something. You can throw in your personal statement too but I strayed away from doing that because mine was still in progress and I felt they already had enough information about my plans and background. Coming to a professor prepared like this will leave a great impression since they're used to dealing with people who don't bring them any materials to work with.

As far as the ask, it's really not a big deal, they have to do this all the time. Just go in, state what you'll be applying for soon, tell them that you really enjoyed their class and feel like they were able to see a representative example of your good work ethic/intellectual vitality/what have you and that you would appreciate a letter of recommendation from them. You can also go into detail here about your plans, why you're applying to law school, future career, etc. Some professors will ask that you write that information up in a statement of purpose while others will just want to have that conversation with you.

That should be about it!

Edit: Also if you do want to email them first, email them asking for a time you can go in and meet with them to do it in person. If they're away from campus you can always do what I described above by email, but its a bit harder to convey all the information succinctly in email whereas in conversation it's much easier

Thanks xnsch, I unfortunately will have to email them because I went to college far away from where I am located now. Is is standard to include my resume and transcript? I can certainly included those if need be. I also have all the papers I wrote in UG saved to show them. I will also include everything in a statement of purpose like you have suggested. Thanks again for the detail and breaking it down for me. Much appreciated.

I, personally, was also far away from my UG when I was requesting letters of rec. I wrote an email to each professor updating them on what I have been up to since graduating and also asked for a time to meet in person (as I said I was thinking about making a trip within the next month to where I went to school) or over Skype. I then explained why I would be honored having them write a letter of rec for me.

Ultimately, I met with one professor in person, one over Skype and the two others were out of town (since it was summer vacation). They really liked that I proposed the idea to meet though.

I sent each of them a PDF portfolio of: My contact details/address, schools I am applying to, a deadline for the letter of rec, suggestions about what I felt they could write about (tailored to each professor), resume, transcript, and assignments from their courses. I sent one professor a rough draft of my personal statement and another professor requested to see my MA thesis.

But ya, I provided a loooot but I think they found that incredibly helpful. Also, I think the more you give them, the more complete and compelling their letter can be. Hope this helps !

Thank you so much Pika! There's a lot more to it then I thought. I guess I will propose to meet up in person, and if they are willing to, then I am as well. I have a good report with my professors and graduated about a year ago. We have kept in touch from time to time via Facebook so it won't be like they forgot about me haha. I will begin compiling everything and take another step towards the journey. Again, I appreciate it Pika

.

Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Well if law school is asking for letters of recommendation, then now it looks like I'm getting good grades

But seriously,
I plan on getting through law school the same way I've gotten through anything successfully. Erring on the side of caution, utilizing my resources to make sure I'm doing things right, and not being afraid to ask when I have questions.

You're right Zeglo, it can seem like an admittedly dumb question, but TLS is a great resource and I'm glad I asked.

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

No problem and good luck! I have only asked 1 professor so far and she was actually ecstatic about it because her husband is a lawyer, haha.

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

No problem and good luck! I have only asked 1 professor so far and she was actually ecstatic about it because her husband is a lawyer, haha.

Now thats what I'm talking about! I am using a professor I had that has a PhD in US legal history so she will hopefully feel similar. She encouraged me to go to law school, so she is definitely someone I am planing on giving me a good rec. I'm glad I asked and got some good advice. I feel more relieved knowing I am going about this the right way. Good luck to you too Mikey!

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

No problem and good luck! I have only asked 1 professor so far and she was actually ecstatic about it because her husband is a lawyer, haha.

Now thats what I'm talking about! I am using a professor I had that has a PhD in US legal history so she will hopefully feel similar. She encouraged me to go to law school, so she is definitely someone I am planing on giving me a good rec. I'm glad I asked and got some good advice. I feel more relieved knowing I am going about this the right way. Good luck to you too Mikey!

Thanks! I actually have a small class presentation tomorrow for the professor that I asked, so I'm for sure going to try and kill it so she can mention it! Smart thinkin' haha.

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

No problem and good luck! I have only asked 1 professor so far and she was actually ecstatic about it because her husband is a lawyer, haha.

Now thats what I'm talking about! I am using a professor I had that has a PhD in US legal history so she will hopefully feel similar. She encouraged me to go to law school, so she is definitely someone I am planing on giving me a good rec. I'm glad I asked and got some good advice. I feel more relieved knowing I am going about this the right way. Good luck to you too Mikey!

Thanks! I actually have a small class presentation tomorrow for the professor that I asked, so I'm for sure going to try and kill it so she can mention it! Smart thinkin' haha.

Smart thinking' 100% my man. I'm sure you'll reap a great LOR Good luck on the presentation!

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

No problem and good luck! I have only asked 1 professor so far and she was actually ecstatic about it because her husband is a lawyer, haha.

Now thats what I'm talking about! I am using a professor I had that has a PhD in US legal history so she will hopefully feel similar. She encouraged me to go to law school, so she is definitely someone I am planing on giving me a good rec. I'm glad I asked and got some good advice. I feel more relieved knowing I am going about this the right way. Good luck to you too Mikey!

Thanks! I actually have a small class presentation tomorrow for the professor that I asked, so I'm for sure going to try and kill it so she can mention it! Smart thinkin' haha.

Smart thinking' 100% my man. I'm sure you'll reap a great LOR Good luck on the presentation!

I absolutely wrecked that presentation

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:

Barack O'Drama wrote:

TheMikey wrote:Go to their office hours or email them to make an appointment, but don't ask them via email unless there's absolutely no way you can meet them in person. Just be chill with them and any questions that they ask about your future, simply be truthful about why you want to go to law school (if they ask). Obviously mention when you will be applying so that they can get a feel for when they have to submit your letter. Good luck!

Thanks Mikey! Sounds like a plan. I appreciate the answer. I will certainly let them know when I'm applying so I can have them way before the deadline!

No problem and good luck! I have only asked 1 professor so far and she was actually ecstatic about it because her husband is a lawyer, haha.

Now thats what I'm talking about! I am using a professor I had that has a PhD in US legal history so she will hopefully feel similar. She encouraged me to go to law school, so she is definitely someone I am planing on giving me a good rec. I'm glad I asked and got some good advice. I feel more relieved knowing I am going about this the right way. Good luck to you too Mikey!

Thanks! I actually have a small class presentation tomorrow for the professor that I asked, so I'm for sure going to try and kill it so she can mention it! Smart thinkin' haha.

Smart thinking' 100% my man. I'm sure you'll reap a great LOR Good luck on the presentation!

I absolutely wrecked that presentation

That's what I'm talking about! Presentations are great toward the end of the year because it leaves your professor with a great impression. Now you're set to get a killer LOR. Congrats Mikey!

Barack O'Drama wrote:
That's what I'm talking about! Presentations are great toward the end of the year because it leaves your professor with a great impression. Now you're set to get a killer LOR. Congrats Mikey!

Thanks! Not even going to lie, I get nervous with presentations but I feel that they're good to build your presenting skills, etc.