billbob98 wrote:
Just earning good grades in class isn't enough to warrant a letter of recommendation.
Disagree, kind of. At least in the US, professors should be willing to write *a* recommendation letter for pretty much any student who did well in the class, it's part of the job. (And I've written letters for students who didn't do particularly well, too.) The key is that the better your professor knows you, and the more things you did to make a positive impression on them, the more effective and helpful a letter they'll be able to write for you.
When a student asks me for a rec, I'll agree immediately if I have lots of specific positive things to say about them. If I know they did well in class but can't say much beyond that, I'll say that I'm willing to do it if they want me to, but also encourage them to think about if there's anyone who knows them better and might be able to write a stronger letter. I'd only flat-out refuse if the only honest letter I could write would reflect very badly on the student -- e.g., they cheated, or never came to class, or....
Definitely don't be afraid to ask. Again, it's part of the job. But I'd encourage you not to just ask if the prof will write *a* recommendation. Instead, ask if they are able to write you an enthusiastic letter (or something along those lines). What you don't want is for them to agree to write out of a sense of obligation but then write you a letter that will hurt your chances of getting whatever you're applying for.