2 answers
9
Questions
Asked
1106 views
What would be the appropriate way to get in touch with the professors in school?
Most of time, when we apply for scholarship or grad. school, it requires to have a letter of recommendation from professors, but it is not an easy thing to make the professors remember all of their students. I am wondering how I can make my professor know and remember me. #professor #relations
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Wala'a’s Answer
Peace, Carmen,
I hope you are doing well!
I’m assuming you’re asking this while attending a larger college or university, where it’s understandably more difficult to build relationships with professors simply because of class size and how fast-paced things can feel. That said, there are intentional steps you can take to make yourself known, remembered, and genuinely supported.
Here’s what I’ve found helpful:
1. Make consistent use of office hours.
Go beyond just showing up for help on assignments — use office hours as an opportunity to ask questions about your professor’s field, how they got started in research, or even their thoughts on careers in the discipline. I did this when I was starting to look for research opportunities. I reached out to my Anatomy and Physiology professor via email and asked if we could set up a meeting to discuss how I could begin my research journey: what kind of labs to look for, how to frame my interests, and what realistic first steps could be. That conversation alone helped her remember me — not just as a student, but as a curious and intentional person.
2. Email professionally, but warmly.
When reaching out by email, introduce yourself briefly (include your full name and the class you're in), be clear about what you're asking, and express gratitude. Even if it's a small question, these interactions add up over time. Professors notice the students who reach out respectfully and sincerely.
3. Stay engaged in class.
Even in large lectures, sitting near the front, asking thoughtful questions, or staying a minute after class to say thank you or clarify a point goes a long way. It’s not about performing — it’s about presence and intention. Raise your hand, even if you aren't confident with then answer. It will show infinite potential with the passion to try.
4. Follow up and follow through.
If a professor gives you advice or a recommendation, try it out — and let them know how it went. I made a habit of updating professors who had helped me, even briefly. It showed them that I took their time and advice seriously, and those relationships organically deepened.
5. Build relationships early.
Don’t wait until your final semester to introduce yourself. The earlier you make these connections — even informally — the more time you give those relationships to grow naturally. Later, when you do need a letter of recommendation, your professors will already have a meaningful sense of who you are and what you stand for.
I repeated this process with several professors throughout undergrad, and because of those efforts, they were able to remember my name, recognize me, and even recommend me for opportunities I hadn’t heard about yet.
Wishing you the best on your journey — professors do want to support their students. Sometimes they just need a little help remembering who we are, and a little consistency and quality on our part can go a long way.
Let me know if you need anything else! You got this!
Step 1: Identify key professors Choose 1–2 professors whose classes you’re taking now or who are in a field you’re interested in (e.g., pre-med, research, or career-specific topics).
Step 2: Introduce yourself via email Use a short, professional subject line (e.g., “Introduction & Quick Question). In the email: Greet them respectfully. State your name, class, and why you’re reaching out. Ask to stop by office hours or request a short meeting. Express appreciation/thanks for their time and consideration. I usually insert a signature in all of my emails in order to make it easier for Professors to contact me or send me opportunities if need be. I add my name, school, latest or upcoming degree, number, email, and LinkedIn.
Step 3: Visit office hours with intention Prepare a few talking points or questions such as: “What advice would you give a student looking to explore research in your field?” “How did you get into this field?” “What are some common mistakes students make when trying to build connections in academia?”
Step 4: Engage in class and stay consistent. Ask questions when appropriate. Show up on time, prepared. Stay after class for a brief word now and then — even a small “thank you” is memorable
Step 5: Keep them updated Once you’ve made that initial connection, keep in touch! Let them know how an opportunity or class they recommended went, or share when you’re applying for scholarships or grad school — they’ll be more invested in helping you succeed.
I hope you are doing well!
I’m assuming you’re asking this while attending a larger college or university, where it’s understandably more difficult to build relationships with professors simply because of class size and how fast-paced things can feel. That said, there are intentional steps you can take to make yourself known, remembered, and genuinely supported.
Here’s what I’ve found helpful:
1. Make consistent use of office hours.
Go beyond just showing up for help on assignments — use office hours as an opportunity to ask questions about your professor’s field, how they got started in research, or even their thoughts on careers in the discipline. I did this when I was starting to look for research opportunities. I reached out to my Anatomy and Physiology professor via email and asked if we could set up a meeting to discuss how I could begin my research journey: what kind of labs to look for, how to frame my interests, and what realistic first steps could be. That conversation alone helped her remember me — not just as a student, but as a curious and intentional person.
2. Email professionally, but warmly.
When reaching out by email, introduce yourself briefly (include your full name and the class you're in), be clear about what you're asking, and express gratitude. Even if it's a small question, these interactions add up over time. Professors notice the students who reach out respectfully and sincerely.
3. Stay engaged in class.
Even in large lectures, sitting near the front, asking thoughtful questions, or staying a minute after class to say thank you or clarify a point goes a long way. It’s not about performing — it’s about presence and intention. Raise your hand, even if you aren't confident with then answer. It will show infinite potential with the passion to try.
4. Follow up and follow through.
If a professor gives you advice or a recommendation, try it out — and let them know how it went. I made a habit of updating professors who had helped me, even briefly. It showed them that I took their time and advice seriously, and those relationships organically deepened.
5. Build relationships early.
Don’t wait until your final semester to introduce yourself. The earlier you make these connections — even informally — the more time you give those relationships to grow naturally. Later, when you do need a letter of recommendation, your professors will already have a meaningful sense of who you are and what you stand for.
I repeated this process with several professors throughout undergrad, and because of those efforts, they were able to remember my name, recognize me, and even recommend me for opportunities I hadn’t heard about yet.
Wishing you the best on your journey — professors do want to support their students. Sometimes they just need a little help remembering who we are, and a little consistency and quality on our part can go a long way.
Let me know if you need anything else! You got this!
Wala'a recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Frank’s Answer
As someone who was a professor, my first piece of advice is to establish a relationship with someone you know and respect fairly rapidly. I am still quite good friends with someone who was one my Ph.D. mentors.
Also, should that not be possible, make note of when you had them, what school, year, and, course. The one thing to remember is that, like most people, we tend to remember bad things more than good. You may have to do some prodding.
I myself have never refused generating such a letter from good students. Frankly, I feel honored that someone asked. :)
Frank