How to ask for Letters of Recommendation-Feel embarrassed!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I want to get a letter of rec. from one of my science professors, since I had a high A, but I feel embarrassed to ask for one. I think it's because I don't know how she would respond to my request. She knew my name, but I felt that I might have annoyed her due to my numerous questions. I basically need a letter of rec. from a science professor, but it feels odd for me to ask her by saying, "I'm asking you, because you're a science professor." I do plan to e-mail her. Any tips or suggestions?

Thank you! :)

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Personally, I would always be upfront. Tell the professor you are applying for nursing school and would he/she mind writing a recommendation for you? I would not tell them it's because they are the teacher of your science course. Usually I say it's because I really enjoyed or thrived in their class. Good luck to you! And don't be embarassed!

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I felt embarrassed when I asked my professor so I just cut straight to the point. I said I was applying to nursing school and asked if she would mind writing a letter for me. It ended up that I wrote the letter and she signed it, and I wound up getting an acceptance letter before I even picked it up. Haha.

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^Thanks for the replies! :)

It ended up that I wrote the letter and she signed it

I think that this is what I am afraid of, because I wouldn't really know what to write. It seems more stressful to write a letter about yourself (without sounding too pretentious) than to ask for one in the first place lol.

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Specializes in nursing education.

I had to get over this fear, too. Anyone that said, "just write it and I'll sign it," or "tell me what to write," I asked someone else, because that just does not seem right to me. It is a big favor. However, the couple times people used me for a reference, I did feel honored to be asked.

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^Thanks for the replies! :)

I think that this is what I am afraid of, because I wouldn't really know what to write. It seems more stressful to write a letter about yourself (without sounding too pretentious) than to ask for one in the first place lol.

My sister was a marketing major and is a great talker so I talked to her and she ended up writing it for me. It was really good!

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Hi everyone, I'm in 2nd year of a collab. nursing program (RN track) and wondering if I can ask my clinical instructor for a reference letter without really being too clear about future goals at this point? I think I want to do my Master's but I am not sure yet. Can I still ask for a reference letter? Or do I have to be applying somewhere specific? Any help would be so appreciated! Thanks so much.

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They've been asked hundreds of times I'm sure. Most people I've asked had done it many times and were not at all surprised. If you asked questions that's a good thing! You could state you learned a lot in her class and felt it was very fitting for your career path thus you'd greatly appreciate a letter of rec.

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I would not think twice about asking for a letter of recommendation from any of my professors. If you scored an "A", that is also a testament to their ability to teach. I don't think they would have a problem doing it.... besides.... They can't eat you if you ask. The worse case scenario is they politely tell you they can't.

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Specializes in Maternal Child, Home Health, Med/Surg.

What kind of grades should someone ask for a recommendation?

I'm wondering because I got a B+ in Chem, but was getting 95-100 on everything except exams.

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