LOR Forum

[Robert Paulson]

I already have one solid LOR from a professor who I have a good relationship. I have another professor who I have a good relationship with who said he'd write the LOR. However, he reacted terribly to the idea of me transferring and blew me off when I tried to talk to him in the hall. Should I just proceed with the one? How do I tell him I won't need the LOR? Any advice would be great.

[zor]

Can you be more specific about "acted terribly"? When I first approached one of my professors about the idea, she was upset about it and said I shouldn't do it and dismissed the idea out of hand, trying to cite to successful students at my school. I went back to see her another time--privately--and with the door closed she encouraged me to transfer if I can. I think a lot of the reaction may have had to do with you approaching him in the public hallway, where they are expected if not required to tell you to stay, as that's part of their jobs. I would make an appointment and discuss the prospect of transferring in the privacy of closed doors, and see if his attitude changes. Just be careful: when you ask, make sure you ask if they'll give you a GOOD recommendation, not just a recommendation, because you wouldn't want one bitter professor to torpedo your chances. But as long as you're honest and he's honest, you will walk out of there either knowing he's on your side or knowing you should find someone else/make other arrangements.

[Robert Paulson]

Can you be more specific about "acted terribly"? When I first approached one of my professors about the idea, she was upset about it and said I shouldn't do it and dismissed the idea out of hand, trying to cite to successful students at my school. I went back to see her another time--privately--and with the door closed she encouraged me to transfer if I can. I think a lot of the reaction may have had to do with you approaching him in the public hallway, where they are expected if not required to tell you to stay, as that's part of their jobs. I would make an appointment and discuss the prospect of transferring in the privacy of closed doors, and see if his attitude changes. Just be careful: when you ask, make sure you ask if they'll give you a GOOD recommendation, not just a recommendation, because you wouldn't want one bitter professor to torpedo your chances. But as long as you're honest and he's honest, you will walk out of there either knowing he's on your side or knowing you should find someone else/make other arrangements.

I asked him in private if he could write me the recommendation (in office with door closed). Then, I saw him in the hall and tried to say hello, and he just blew me off. By acted terribly I just mean he was visibly upset, had about a five minute conversation (argument) about whether I should transfer, and then it just kind of ended with something like "if that's what you want to do, I guess I can't stop you, and I'll write the letter."

I had a good relationship with this professor and did well in his class, but I'm worried that he may write a less flattering letter.My other professor was really understanding, even though he wasn't thrilled, he suggested schools and offered advice. I guess I'm leaning towards not using the letter.

[UnderrateOverachieve]

Have you considered just talking to him as a person? If he is that upset over you leaving then it probably means he has more invested in you than just a regular student (unless he is just taking it as a sleight against the institution).

Might be worth to sit down again and explain where you are coming from and see what his objections are. Ultimately if he does care about you then you can probably get him to side with you.