A- question.

[nessadub]

My professor is really stingy with solid A's. How would I go about asking him or is it not worth it? Any tips? Also how early is too early to ask? I'm applying next Fall.

Edited December 20, 2010 by nessadub

[starmaker]

The issue isn't really what grade he gave you, it's what he can say about you. If, for example, you didn't get a top grade, but you showed particular interest and talent in a certain topic, and that's the topic you want to study in grad school, he might be able to write a nice letter talking about that.

The standard wording that I've heard for asking a prof is something like "Do you feel that you could write me a strong letter of recommendation?"

[qbtacoma]

It would be helpful in many cases to include a letter from a professor who has witnessed your learning and growth. For me, one of my letter writers taught me three classes in my freshman year, and I know I didn't start college with a lot of impressive work. (I didn't know double spacing was a thing, for instance.) However, by the end of the year I had learned a lot and responded to his suggestions - I wrote my final paper for one of the classes based entirely on a comment he made on a previous minor assignment. So he can speak to my willingness to use criticism constructively, etc. Being a superstar and having all your professors say "this student's a superstar!" can be comparatively bland. I've done B work at times for my other letter writers too.

I informed all my letter writers the semester before that I was going to apply for things. I just gave them a heads up to see if they would be willing, and then about 2 months before the deadlines I got back to them with specifics. Also asking so early gives you a chance to find new people. For you, I'd wait until the end of this year and ask. They might forget over the summer, but if you remind them with plenty of time that should be fine. Whatever you do, don't spring it on them (e.g. less than 2 weeks before the deadline) - it takes a long time to write letters.

[nessadub]

Thanks so much! I was one of those students who responded to the professors suggestions and did better as the semester progressed. Thanks for the encouragement you guys!