Transfer LoR Forum

[clshopeful]

Is it weird to go in and ask a professor for a LoR a week after grades were released from fall semester? Really like a certain professor of mine, met with her in office hours regularly, and got an A in her class. Would it be ok to go in next week and ask? Feel like it might a bit "fast"... first semester grades out, next week kid showing up prepared to transfer. She could easily say "let's just wait on spring grades first?" even though I've been wanting to transfer before I even began classes.


Should I wait a bit? Only downfall is waiting like 2 months causes her to forget who I even am, lol. Srs

[sdancer89]

I was risk-averse (and a sucker) so did the GULC ED thing, which resulted in me having to ask for LORs very early 2nd semester. I didn't get any pushback at all and actually both professors I asked encouraged me to transfer. It's not a big deal at all. Most schools are used to some transfers after 1L.

[Companion Cube]

I did it even sooner than that because LoRs take time. If anything, they'll have a fresher memory of you in their class/how you did on their test. Start by asking whether they think transferring is a good idea. Get the ball rolling on that conversation and more likely than not they'll eventually offer to write for you without you having to even ask. Most profs at lower ranked schools will understand bc you're likely considering transferring to a school more of the caliber they went to. It's not as awkward as you think. Dealing with the registrar for dean's certs etc., however, is another story.

[SowhatsNU]

I'd do it as soon as possible- like other posters have said these things take time, and you'll feel even worse if you have to constantly hound them to get the LOR in because the deadline is approaching. The biggest thing for profs is that you did well in their class, and the fact that you visited often is a big plus. Go in tomorrow, and do work!

Also, just in case this isn't obvious, bring an envelope containing all the materials your prof will need to write the letter (resume, transcript, even your transfer personal statement if you have one) and print out the LSAC thing just in case they don't want to submit it online. They'll appreciate you making it easier for them.

Good luck!

[clshopeful]

I'd do it as soon as possible- like other posters have said these things take time, and you'll feel even worse if you have to constantly hound them to get the LOR in because the deadline is approaching. The biggest thing for profs is that you did well in their class, and the fact that you visited often is a big plus. Go in tomorrow, and do work!

Also, just in case this isn't obvious, bring an envelope containing all the materials your prof will need to write the letter (resume, transcript, even your transfer personal statement if you have one) and print out the LSAC thing just in case they don't want to submit it online. They'll appreciate you making it easier for them.

Good luck!

Solid advice

[clshopeful]

I did it even sooner than that because LoRs take time. If anything, they'll have a fresher memory of you in their class/how you did on their test. Start by asking whether they think transferring is a good idea. Get the ball rolling on that conversation and more likely than not they'll eventually offer to write for you without you having to even ask. Most profs at lower ranked schools will understand bc you're likely considering transferring to a school more of the caliber they went to. It's not as awkward as you think. Dealing with the registrar for dean's certs etc., however, is another story.

lol deans office trouble? what did they say? Like, "Why transfer?" and "It's about networking; 1L connections; you'll lose your rank at your new school" and stuff?

[Companion Cube]

I did it even sooner than that because LoRs take time. If anything, they'll have a fresher memory of you in their class/how you did on their test. Start by asking whether they think transferring is a good idea. Get the ball rolling on that conversation and more likely than not they'll eventually offer to write for you without you having to even ask. Most profs at lower ranked schools will understand bc you're likely considering transferring to a school more of the caliber they went to. It's not as awkward as you think. Dealing with the registrar for dean's certs etc., however, is another story.

lol deans office trouble? what did they say? Like, "Why transfer?" and "It's about networking; 1L connections; you'll lose your rank at your new school" and stuff?

No, they didn't ask me anything, It just felt a bit more awkward than when I talked to profs. But obviously my experience may not be the norm

[Nodbugger]

I did it even sooner than that because LoRs take time. If anything, they'll have a fresher memory of you in their class/how you did on their test. Start by asking whether they think transferring is a good idea. Get the ball rolling on that conversation and more likely than not they'll eventually offer to write for you without you having to even ask. Most profs at lower ranked schools will understand bc you're likely considering transferring to a school more of the caliber they went to. It's not as awkward as you think. Dealing with the registrar for dean's certs etc., however, is another story.

lol deans office trouble? what did they say? Like, "Why transfer?" and "It's about networking; 1L connections; you'll lose your rank at your new school" and stuff?

No, they didn't ask me anything, It just felt a bit more awkward than when I talked to profs. But obviously my experience may not be the norm

My school lets you do it online, $50 for an official transcript and full transfer packet sent to wherever you need it. No need to talk to an actual person.

[jphiggo]

Also, just in case this isn't obvious, bring an envelope containing all the materials your prof will need to write the letter (resume, transcript, even your transfer personal statement if you have one) and print out the LSAC thing just in case they don't want to submit it online. They'll appreciate you making it easier for them.

Good luck!

I agree with this and it's what I did as well. You may also want to provide them with an envelope and stamp. Just make it easy for them. Most, if not all, will just submit the LOR online, but it really is helpful to provide them everything they could possibly need. In the end, they are doing you a big favor and they are busy.

[clshopeful]

Should I be asking only first-semester professors? Two of them are on sabbatical now, so can't really ask them. Other one I never really spoke with and class was huge... WIth that being said, could I want until second semester grades are out, then ask a professsor (during the summer?...) for a letter? Or is that pushing it too close to transfer deadlines?

I have 1 prof. from fall semester Ill be asking... but I need two LoRs

How to go about asking a teacher, now on sabbatical and not at the school day-to-day until next school year, for a letter? Email them? Pretty sure professor wouldn't recognize my name, although he would know me if he saw me