What's the best way to ask for a recommendation?

[DHaynes]

I have a couple teachers that I would like to ask for recommendation letters. I have an A so far in each class. I'm unsure how to go about asking for letters. One teacher is a well known economist and I'm sure he'd write a letter, however he's trying to steer me towards Princeton. Another economics teacher is not well known and I don't know him that well, however I have proven my competence. Should I seek out professors that teach mathematically intense classes, ones that are well known, or simply ones that know me well?

 

[doug reich]

The best way is to just go and ask them. Not sure what the question is there.

Your probably need a few recs, so it should be easier to ask all of them, or pick 2 or 3 rather than 1 or 3... As for which, it would have to depend on who will say things that complement or reinforce your application -- it definitely depends on where you need more augmentation.

 

[luke]

I thinking getting recs from teachers who understand your competence (even if you got a B) is more important than from ones that just gave you A's. I'm pretty sure a lot of applications ask them to place you in the Xth top percentile of the class in terms of ability/intellectual curiosity/etc.. so a good impression is better than just a generic good grade. good luck man.