Mariana Smit Vega Garcia

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If you're feeling shy about asking professors for recommentation letters, remember that it's normal to feel a bit anxious and unsure on how to go about it. Know that most professors do not mind at all (a little secret: most are quite happy and flattered to be asked).
When a professor says no, it's usually because they don't have the time to write or don't feel they know you well enough, not because they don't feel you deserve it. If they say no, there's no problem, just thank them and ask someone else.

A few tips to help you:

Prepare to ask for letters at least 4-5 weeks before the date by which the recommendation must be received. Don't wait until the last minute to ask.
Give the professor plenty of time to upload the letter: even if you give them plenty of time to prepare the letter, if you only send them the link to submit it a few days before the deadline, you risk them not having the time to do so at those dates (or being away, without internet, etc). If the letter has to be submitted online, make sure they have the link to do so at least 2 weeks before the deadline.
Choose an appropriate professor. Before you choose which professor to ask for a recommendation, ask yourself: how well does this professor know me? Have you ever spoken to this professor outside of class (exchanged emails maybe)? Did this professor give you a grade of 'B' or higher in the course? Have you taken more than one course with this professor? Perhaps a nice choice would be a professor whose course was very important to you - either because you learned a lot, their course broadened your views, or encouraged you to pursue your major. Explain that when you write them.
Put "Recommendation for [your name]?" as the subject line.
Start the first paragraph by stating what you want: "I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me." Don't keep him or her guessing. In the next few sentences, lay out the facts:
- Your name;
- Year in school;
- Major;
- Why you need a recommendation; [that is, what you are applying for]
- When the recommendation letter is due.
Very important: outline your relationship with the professor in a paragraph or two and point out why you have asked him or her specifically.

Highlight relevant activities or clubs that you participated in. Describe any projects that you worked on. The more details you provide, the more the professors can work with. Attaching a resume and a transcript in the email is very helpful and beneficial.
If your experience with this professor had any influence on your choice, say so. It does not hurt to use a little flattery - say that you remember their class, feel you learned a lot in it and that you did good work :)

Give them the details on the process of the letter. Where does the letter need to be sent and by when? Explain that if they agree to write the letter, they'll receive an email from X institution with instructions on how to submit it.
Close with information about how you will follow-up: "I need to submit the letter of recommendation by (date). If you're willing to write me a recommendation letter, please let me know and I'll ask X institution to send you an email with the link to submit the letter." (or something like this).
Thank them, whether or not they write the letter."Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I also wanted to extend an additional thank you for the time I spent under your instruction. I really enjoyed your course, and I can't express how much I've taken away from (whichever course)."
Before the deadline, check with the program to verify that the recommendation was received. If not, send a brief, polite email to the professor to remind them.
Thank them again. After you get your letter of recommendation, send a thank you note to the professor. If the letter does the trick and gets you the position, send a quick note to the professor to share the good news!

CONTACT

Email
Mariana.SmitVegaGarcia@wwu.edu

Adress
BH 230, Western Washington University, Department of Mathematics
Bellingham, WA 98225, USA

Phone
+1 360-650-3454

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