[Asking for LOR last minute]

Does anyone have an experience with asking for a LOR last minute? Because of unforeseen circumstances, I have to ask another professor for a LOR but first of my apps are due on Dec. 16, which is less than a month away. How should I go about asking...? 

[Scholarship from Columbia MODA or IFA]

Thanks! I'm applying to Williams (and Courtauld) as well but Columbia and IFA are my top choices. I really can't afford their tuition though so have been considering just applying for their PhD program instead but I don't know how good my chances are, especially since I've started working on my apps only a month ago. 

[Scholarship from Columbia MODA or IFA]

I know that Columbia and IFA usually don't give out funding to their MA students but I'm wondering if there have been exceptions in the past? Have you heard of anyone receiving any kind of need or merit-based scholarship from them?