Things You'll Need:
- patience
- assertiveness
- strategy
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Step 1
It may take you a few semesters to get yourself situated in college with a clear idea of your major course of study. But once you have made your decision, keep track of the professors in your major's department by making a list of their names.
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Step 2
After your first set of classes within your major, take note of the professors you feel most comfortable approaching. Hopefully, at least half of the teachers give you a good vibe, but if not start with just one teacher. Double your efforts in participation in these teachers' classes. Let them see that you are absorbing their lessons and are interested in their specialties.
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Step 3
If you are more of the quiet passive type of student, then write down several questions that you could ask your professor after class or during office hours. If you have trouble coming up with questions that you need to ask, try to think of questions that you already know the answers to and play dumb. You will find that professors will appreciate the effort you make in learning the materials.
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Step 4
During junior year, you should find that you are taking classes with professors you had a year or two before. These professors are the ones who know your potential the best, and should be targeted for a recommendation. At this point you should volunteer to help them after class hours or participate in extracurricular groups that they take part in. You need to demonstrate that you can be active both inside and outside of a classroom setting. This also gives teachers a chance to get to know your personality outside of there class and see more of your talents.
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Step 5
Towards the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year (which should be the very latest you wait), you should think about asking your professors for recommendations. Write down your goals for your future. If you don't know whether you want to pursue graduate school at this point that is fine. You can generalize where needed but teacher's like to get a sense of where you are at in your life and where you wish to end up. Approach your professors during office hours for your recommendation requests. Allow them plenty of time to write the recommendations. If they feel rushed, they will likely write a less effective letter for you.
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Step 6
Finally, if your school has a file system for saving your recommendations you should take advantage of it. This way they keep your collection for you and can send each letter to you shortly upon your request. Many schools will save a file up to 5 years after a student has graduated. If your school lacks such a system, then ask your teacher if they could keep the copy for you until you request it from them. If that is not possible ask for several copies of their letters in sealed envelopes (that you provide for them). Make sure you keep one for yourself for to have for your own records.
