I'm currently in the Anthropology program and I am going into my 3rd year. Basically I'm planning on applying for my second degree program this Winter/Spring and I need an academic reference. I was wondering if anyone in the social science faculty had an idea of how to go about getting to know profs better. I've found that it's difficult thus far.

Any advice would be awesome from people in any faculty though.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by sarahsullz

I'm currently in the Anthropology program and I am going into my 3rd year. Basically I'm planning on applying for my second degree program this Winter/Spring and I need an academic reference. I was wondering if anyone in the social science faculty had an idea of how to go about getting to know profs better. I've found that it's difficult thus far.

Any advice would be awesome from people in any faculty though.

Thanks!

i'm not in your faculty but i will be applying for graduate school in Economics this upcoming term and have contacted a few profs about academic references. All have agreed and I am sure they will be personalized. What i usually do is i tend to sit in the front row and engage in discussion with the prof before and after class. I also google profs and look up the research that they are doing and i like to go in during offers to discuss it and share my opinion. Lastly having a high mark in the course serves as a catalase.

when i applied for my masters i asked one prof that i had 4 times and another that had taught me 3 times in total and in my fourth year, when i took their courses (which had about 20 ppl) i made sure to participate alot in class and on the discussion board so that they would notice me.

Hm, okay! Thank you both. I'll definitely try engaging in discussion more in order to get a better relationship with my prof. Of course, that is slightly different with such large classes (always over 100) but I'm sure it can be done if I'm persistent.

Both my references were from profs who taught my 4th year seminars. class sizes are typically smaller (15-20) and so they are able to get to know you better. I also find that going to office hours during the term is helpful. it shows the prof that you are interested in learning and want to do well. It was rare that I would go to an office hour and there was already someone there.. So I think it sets you apart from other students .. so that is something you could do.

Originally Posted by Jessicaaaa

Both my references were from profs who taught my 4th year seminars. class sizes are typically smaller (15-20) and so they are able to get to know you better. I also find that going to office hours during the term is helpful. it shows the prof that you are interested in learning and want to do well. It was rare that I would go to an office hour and there was already someone there.. So I think it sets you apart from other students .. so that is something you could do.

Thanks! The office hour idea is great too. I have a feeling that my class sizes will be staying fairly large this year, it's my 3rd not 4th ahah.