On a related note, how much pull would a strong recommendation letter from a very well known and tough prof get you in job and grad school apps?

I'm confident I can get one and was hoping that it would help me out a good bit but idk.

This is a very dumb question but I'm throwing it out there. I just graduated a couple months ago and I know for sure I can get a LOR from a professor because he told me so. Would it be wise to get a LOR now even if it won't be used for some time? Also, how are LOR used for getting jobs (if they are used)?

Letters of recommendation are both easy to get and almost completely irrelevant to any numbers based admission process. I am sure there's probably an exception or two out there. That said, be polite when requesting them and make sure to thank the recommender. They do take time and they are still effectively putting themselves out there for you.

What field are you in? Some fields you get a letter anytime and keep it on file. Other fields you need to get a new one every time. Make sure you know which you need.

The prof in question is the PolySci program chair. He basically told me I'm the best undergrad hes had and was willing to write me a glowing review. IDK if it matters much for this subject but I do know if I wait like 5 years a lot of the glow will be gone.

Even if it's the case you need a new one each time, you might want to ask that the professor write a letter now, even though you won't need it for a while. And obviously be open with him about that.

That way, the prof is writing the letter when you are fresh in his mind. When you need it, he can pull it out, slap a new date on the letter (and maybe have to adjust some references to time in your letter--last quarter might change to something else) and then he's done with it.

That's true, but he's not going to be happy that you asked him to write a letter for nothing.

That's why I made the specific point to be honest with the professor and say you will be using the letter, but not for a while and would appreciate having him write it now when the student is fresh in his mind rather than 3-4 years down the road. Obviously that phrasing needs work, but the sentiment should be expressed.

Maybe the prof says "come back when you need it". If so, then do exactly that. Maybe he knows he'll be able to remember you well. But I don't see the issue with going in and saying "hey, I would like the letter. I won't need it for a while, but it'll probably be a better letter if you write it now, so what do you suggest/how do you want to handle this?"

Actually when I re-read my post, I missed the "and be open with him about that", so it is easy to miss. Let this be the emphasis on that line that should have been placed on it originally.

So I am a chemistry prof and I frequently teach large lecture classes (300+), so I write my fair share of LORs. I am actually wasting time here putting off writing a few that need written soon... I don't necessarily think I represent the opinions of all teachers, but I can probably provide a viewpoint from the side of the prof.

1. Frequently attending office hours is not required (or even a good idea) if you wish to get a solid LOR from me. Keep in mind that the more mature student does not need this level of help. Getting good grades (and consistently across all assignments) without standing out as being a nutcase is about half of what it takes to get a solid LOR from me regardless of how much we got to know each other during the class. More on the second half later.

2. If you need a LOR, the email I wish students would send would read:

"Dear Prof. xxxx, I need a LOR for __. Would you be willing to provide a recommendation? I would be grateful to meet with you to discuss my future plans if you wish. I am available (insert 2-3 times of availability over next 1-2weeks)."

Instead, emails are usually very detailed and include information/attachments I'd rather sit down and discuss rather than read. I recommend a very simple email and let the prof take the lead on what to do next. I personally never really read resumes, though I do like seeing a transcript and (well written) personal statement, but all profs are different here. I'd rather not read a poorly written personal statement. You might want to have some of these items prepared to reply with in case the prof asks for them.

3. The second half of getting a good letter from me is impressing upon me that you have a clear set of goals and that you are mature enough to reach them. For 95% of the letters I write, I sit down for about 20-30 minutes with the student and sort of interview them with the purpose of seeing if their goals, ambitions, and abilities are in order.

4. I give the students rank in the class with most LORs (such as the student's final total score ranked in the top 15% of the class). I end the letter very unscientifically by ranking the students "overall" across their peers. I tell students this I will do this, though I don't tell them their overall rank. If students impress me, this rank is higher than their performance in the class. I also let students know if they fail to impress me and why. I also try to offer suggestions to overcome these issues. I also would not ever provide a LOR if I cannot recommend the student.

5. You probably don't need a LOR to say you are the best thing ever, unless of course you want a choice of top 10 schools. You need your letter writer to attest that you are an honest, caring, hard-working, mature, etc. student. I have always felt that an important part of the letter is not to say intellectually how prepared the student is (that what test scores and gpa's are for), but rather to rank the student's motivation/maturity level and potential for success. Think of the LOR as being a check and balance on whether your performance in a course was above, below, or at your potential.

6. I prefer to meet with students and write the LOR close to when the letter is needed. I do not see the point of writing LORs in advance. I frequently write letters for students years after they were in my class without any problems. If you need your first letter submitted by say August 15, then ideally we would would meet on August 14. If I meet you on say May 14, I will probably procrastinate until Aug 15 to write your letter, though I wish I made it a habit to write the letter right after our meeting.

Ha, this is so true.


Also if you are applying to a something where they accept on a rolling basis (many places do this), get your application packet done as early as possible, not just on the due date.

I go to office hours with profs but not to get help. I usually go just to talk about related things related to the field and career plans. Most profs seem to really enjoy just chatting and helping students. What's your opinion on doing that?

It depends on the prof. Some like it, some would rather you left them alone so that they could work.

also depends on what else the prof has going on that day, how the prof is feeling, etc...

I don't mind random students showing up to office hours just to chat, though I only get annoyed if it becomes a regular habit. Talking with students is a really fun part of my job, but I also really like using office hour time to get work done if students don't show up.

Now if you showed up and offered to grade, that's a whole nother story...