Is it appropriate for a professor to ask you for your grades and personal statement when you ask them for an LOR? Forum

[lawstudent2999]

Some background: I'm attempting a transfer. I did very well in one of my classes. I am not incredibly close with the professor, but I spoke and volunteered a lot in class.

I just emailed her about her writing one for me. She first asked why, but she seems to want to write it after I gave her an explanation. However, she asked for my personal statement, transcript, and resume. No other professor has ever asked for this information from me when I asked them for a Letter of Rec.

Is this normal? It seems a bit inappropriate. Thinking about biting the bullet and sending the stuff because I have nothing to hide, but it just seems like an invasion of privacy.

[A. Nony Mouse]

No, it's normal. It means that the prof wants to know more about you, so they can write a more compelling LOR.

[rpupkin]

Yep, totally normal.

[lawstudent2999]

Much appreciated guys.

I can see how the personal statement would help her write about me, but asking for a transcript is normal, too? That's what got me most uncomfortable. Like I said, I'm not hiding anything, I just can't think of reason why she'd need it.

I sent it regardless, by the way. I'd be stupid not to. That was a tough class and I worked my ass off to do well (plus it's weighted pretty heavily).

[El Pollito]

Much appreciated guys.

I can see how the personal statement would help her write about me, but asking for a transcript is normal, too? That's what got me most uncomfortable. Like I said, I'm not hiding anything, I just can't think of reason why she'd need it.

I sent it regardless, by the way. I'd be stupid not to. That was a tough class and I worked my ass off to do well (plus it's weighted pretty heavily).

Yes, normal.

[raven1231]

Much appreciated guys.

I can see how the personal statement would help her write about me, but asking for a transcript is normal, too? That's what got me most uncomfortable. Like I said, I'm not hiding anything, I just can't think of reason why she'd need it.

I sent it regardless, by the way. I'd be stupid not to. That was a tough class and I worked my ass off to do well (plus it's weighted pretty heavily).

Likely because their reputation is on the line anytime they recommend someone. I'd want to know that what I was saying was true as well.

[stillwun]

I don't think it's normal, but I don't think it's completely unexpected either. It's probably up to their discretion and since you're the one asking for a LOR, you'll either have to go along with it or find another professor.

[rpupkin]

I don't think it's normal, but I don't think it's completely unexpected either. It's probably up to their discretion and since you're the one asking for a LOR, you'll either have to go along with it or find another professor.

I don't have any experience with transfer applications. But when it comes to professors writing LORs in support of clerkship applications, it's pretty much expected that the applicant will provide a resume and transcript to the professor.

[Winter is Coming]

No reason to be cagey about this. It's 100% normal.

[BVest]

I don't think it's normal, but I don't think it's completely unexpected either. It's probably up to their discretion and since you're the one asking for a LOR, you'll either have to go along with it or find another professor.

I don't have any experience with transfer applications. But when it comes to professors writing LORs in support of clerkship applications, it's pretty much expected that the applicant will provide a resume and transcript to the professor.

This was my experience with clerkship LORs as well.

I did also have the transfer experience, so I can comment on that specifically: I only got one prof to write me a transfer LOR and she knew me well, knew why I was transferring (which was the content of my personal statement), and I provided a copy of my resume when I asked her to write it. I don't think I provided her with a transcript, but since my GPA (on my resume) was commensurate my performance in her class, she basically had that info too.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Here's another (more specific) anecdote - when I was a prof and wrote LORs for people, I always asked for transcripts and personal statements.

[lavarman84]

I don't think it's normal, but I don't think it's completely unexpected either. It's probably up to their discretion and since you're the one asking for a LOR, you'll either have to go along with it or find another professor.

It was normal for me when I asked professors to write clerkship letters and transfer letters. I wouldn't think anything of it, OP.