Asking for letters of recommendation

[Yellowbird]

Is there any specific etiquette to use when asking for letters of recommendation? Is it okay to ask by email or is it better to ask in person?

[Simple Twist of Fate]

If I see the prof. on a regular basis, I prefer to ask them in person. Otherwise, email is fine. I chose to email them asking for a time to meet so that we could discuss the possibility of a letter of recommendation. I preferred that phrasing because it lets them know what's coming, but also doesn't force them to respond over email. In the meeting, I formally asked them if they would write for me. This was easier, knowing that they probably wouldn't set up the meeting if they were planning to say no. (but then, I'm pretty close with all three of my recommenders, so I wasn't worried about that)

Meeting with them gives you a chance to hand them a file with your information in it. I included an unofficial transcript, a template SOP (not specific to any particular program), a writing sample they had not seen before, a resume, a copy of the undergraduate history journal I edited and contributed to, and a list of programs with their deadlines. They each really seemed to appreciate it.

[ktel]

I say it depends on how you usually interact with the professor. For example, my current supervisor is a very busy man, and we often communicate via e-mail as it's difficult to just drop into his office. So I asked for the LoR via e-mail. Other professors who are more easy to drop in on, I asked by going to their office.

[crazedandinfused]

One of my letter writers just had heart surgery and is now convalescing, so i guess the etiquette there is NOT TO ASK.......... Thankfully another professor stepped up!