How to ask lor from prof by mail

The art of asking for a letter of recommendation (LOR) from a professor via email!

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft a polite and effective email:

Before you start:

1. Choose the right professor: Select a professor who knows you well and can speak to your academic abilities and achievements.
2. Prepare your materials: Make sure you have a copy of your resume, a brief summary of your research interests, and any relevant projects or achievements you'd like to highlight.

The email structure:

1. Subject line: Use a clear and concise subject line, such as "Request for Letter of Recommendation" or "LOR Request for [Your Name]".
2. Introduction: Start with a formal greeting and introduce yourself, mentioning your name, course(s) you've taken with the professor, and any relevant interactions you've had with them.
3. Purpose of the email: Clearly state the purpose of the email: you're requesting a letter of recommendation for [specific opportunity, e.g., graduate school, scholarship, job application].
4. Provide context: Briefly explain why you're requesting a letter of recommendation from this professor, highlighting your academic achievements and any relevant projects or experiences you've had with them.
5. Request specific details: Specify the following:
   • The type of letter you need (e.g., academic, professional, or both).
   • The deadline for the letter.
   • Any specific information you'd like the professor to include in the letter (e.g., your research interests, skills, or achievements).
6. Show appreciation: Express your gratitude for the professor's time and consideration.
7. Closing: End with a polite closing and your contact information (email address and phone number).

Example email:

Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation

Dear Professor [Professor's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you for my application to [specific opportunity, e.g., graduate school in [field]]. I had the pleasure of taking your [course name] course in [semester] and was impressed by your expertise in [specific area of interest].

As you may recall, I was a [briefly describe your role in the course or project]. I believe your endorsement would carry significant weight in my application, and I would be grateful if you could speak to my academic abilities and achievements.

If you are able to recommend me, please let me know if you require any additional information from me. The deadline for the letter is [specific date]. I would appreciate it if you could include information about my research interests, skills, and achievements in the letter.

Thank you in advance for considering my request. I appreciate your time and expertise, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

Tips and reminders:

• Be respectful of the professor's time and consider their workload.
• Give them enough time to write the letter (at least 2-3 weeks).
• Proofread your email carefully to ensure it is well-written and free of errors.
• Follow up with a polite email or phone call if you haven't received a response within a week or two.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to crafting a professional and effective email requesting a letter of recommendation from your professor. Good luck!