When to ask...

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

I'm curious as to when people typically ask professors to write letters of recommendation. In my mind, I'd like to wait until I have my final list of schools to which I'll be applying in hand. That way I can give my letter writers the specifics for each school not long after I ask (probably in early/mid-September). But now I'm starting to worry that that might be too late. When do you guys plan to ask your letter writers? Have you asked already?

[Eigen]

I started asking in July, when I was doing my first application, and then gave the prof's as much notice as possible with each successive school.

But then I asked slightly different people for each school, depending on what concentration I was most interested in at that university.

The more notice you give, the more sure you are that letters will not hold up your application.

The better you know the professors, the easier it is to ask way in advance, and then update them along.

The "general rule" I've been told is to allow 4-6 weeks between when you ask and when the letter will be finished, at least. And to remind the writers along.

Edited August 23, 2010 by Eigen

[tskinner]

The answer to the question, "When should I ask my professors to write letters?" is ALWAYS: TODAY!

Professors get extremely busy, and the more notice they have, the happier they will be.

If you're worried about them "forgetting," I have put together this 5-step plan to send reminders to them that are disguised as "updates" so you're not pestering them:

1. 
   
   
2. TODAY: I'm thinking of applying to grad school. Will you write me a letter? I want to research x, y, and z. My goals are a, b, and c. I'm looking at applying to l, m, n, o, p, and q, but at not sure yet (or if you are sure, let them know). I haven't taken the GRE yet (or if you have, let them know how you did), but when I do, I'll give you an update. Of course you don't need to write it now, but I just wanted to give you a heads up before the semester gets busy.
   
3. A month later: I just took the GRE and got perfect 800s on both sections. I will be applying to schools a-g. I'll input you into their system today and send you a list of all their deadlines. (You then go into your applications and input their information and e-mail addresses. The application then e-mails them a link to fill out the form EXCEPT FOR UCLA, WHO ARE IDIOTS, BECAUSE THEY WANT PAPER LETTERS, AND WHEN ONE OF YOUR REVIEWERS MOVED TO TAIWAN, IT GETS COMPLICATED! /rant)
   
4. The day after 2: Here are a list of the deadlines. Did you get notifications from all the schools?
   
5. Perhaps a month or so later: Here is my current draft of my Statement of Purpose. Though I would appreciate feedback if you had the time, I expect you are too busy with research and LOR writing, so I just wanted to send it to you to get a better idea of my plans and state of mind when you write my letters.
   
6. A week before your last deadline: Hi Professor! I just wanted to let you know that I've submitted all my application information, and I wanted to thank you for all your support in the process and I'll keep you updated on the results. In case you need them, here are the deadlines again.
   

If the professors is going to put it off and forget about it, they're going to do it whether or not you ask them now, or a week before the deadline. Better do it now.

Edited August 23, 2010 by tskinner

[schoolpsych_hopeful]

Thank you tkskinner!! I think that was the push I needed. I just e-mailed all three of my potential letter writers, and one already e-mailed back saying yes! I think maybe I was putting it off because now it's sort of official that I'm applying, if that makes sense. No turning back now...

[tskinner]

Thank you tkskinner!! I think that was the push I needed. I just e-mailed all three of my potential letter writers, and one already e-mailed back saying yes! I think maybe I was putting it off because now it's sort of official that I'm applying, if that makes sense. No turning back now...

The first step is always the hardest! Glad to hear it.

[kaz]

Thank you tkskinner!! I think that was the push I needed. I just e-mailed all three of my potential letter writers, and one already e-mailed back saying yes! I think maybe I was putting it off because now it's sort of official that I'm applying, if that makes sense. No turning back now...

OMG that makes complete sense, considering that I actually changed my mind every 2 months from last December till about July before I made up my mind. Although the 'no turning back thing' was after I studied a month for the GRE (since it would be a waste of effort not to take the test after studying for it, and since I took the test it would be a waste of money not to apply etc. kind of discussion with myself)

That was a good outline Tskinner, so far I've compeleted Step 1 !

[TheDude]

I'm asking tomorrow in person. Two of the three know I am asking them and I am on really great grounds with both so not really nervous. The third might be a bit surprised. I am going to bring a copy of my CV to everyone tomorrow if they want to write the letter. Then when sites update their application deadlines and addresses for the winter, probably all will have by next week, I am going to print off any papers and materials needed and put them in an envelope with deadline dates/addresses. If things need to be done online I'll mark it.

I figure that way it is all there.

In December, once deadlines have arrived, I'll bring in some kind of nice gesture for each of them.

Edited September 1, 2010 by musicforfun

[natsteel]

I voted August but I've known who my three letter writers were gonna be since January at least. Luckily, all three offered to write so I didn't have to worry about asking, but they are my mentors so it's kind of expected. I would think that you should be pretty certain a professor is not only going to be willing to write for you but will write a very strong letter if you're going to wait until September.

[Presbygeek]

Reading this thread just made me realize that I have yet to ask for recommendations!!!!!!

I have the people all lined up and apparently my brain thought I had asked....but no!

Crap, I really need to get on that!