When should I ask for LOR?

[msee]

Hello, All!

I am applying for a master's degree and planing to get LORs from 3 professors.

I am meeting with these professors regularly(at least once a week)

But I am still considering the timing to ask them for LORs.

Should I ask them now? or sometime early November?

If it's better to ask them now, should I tell them I will submit the APPs in Nov(meaning LOR links will be sent a month later)?

Thank you for advices!

[orst11]

I would say ask sooner than later just so you can get everything in on time. You can easily tell profs that you will be submitting apps in Nov and to expect links then. I always send a reminder when I send links just because certain things may end up in their spam.

Given you are in contact with these profs regularly, it makes the process easier when reminding them about filling things out. I know all three of my professors typically do this sort of thing last minute so if you want it done by a certain time frame just be aware and send kindly reminders.

[ktel]

I would ask them as soon as possible. The more notice the better. They might not want to write it right away, but they'll know to plan accordingly.

[msee]

Thank you for quick responses!

[DrKT]

I agree with everyone else. Ask for the LORs now. You want to make sure that they have plenty of time to consider your request and get your letter ready. Good luck and I hope everyone agrees to do it for you!

[Sigaba]

I would ask them as soon as possible. The more notice the better. They might not want to write it right away, but they'll know to plan accordingly.

An additional advantage of asking sooner rather than latter is that a professor may decide to use the extra time to do some mentoring.