Approaching profs by email or in person

[greenthumb]

Maybe I'm thinking too much about this, but is it preferable to approach one's professors in person to ask for a letter of recommendation? Is email sufficient?

[ktel]

Some of the profs I e-mailed didn't respond, but when I went to their office they were more than happy to talk to me (for a long time too, and they offered me spots in their lab). So I would e-mail first then go in if they don't e-mail back

[orst11]

I would typically agree with ktel in this instance. Professors do have lives and are busy at times, so email does usually work when setting up meetings to discuss recommendations. As far as doing the whole process via email, it can be done, but I would recommend it only if you feel you both know each other fairly well both in and out of the classroom.