asking for LoR

[whoshotya15]

Also, if I am in the person's class now, should I go to their office hours and ask them for a letter? Or is e-mail best? I have been putting this off forever....

I prefer to go in person because I think that is most informative and respectful way to go about it. But, if e-mail-a-request is the norm that might be better and less nervous-making.

Comments

[brittdreams]

The answer depends on which way of communication works best for you. If you're socially awkward, it might be better to ask via email.

[foxxywith2xs]

in my experience when ive asked for lor, it depended on how well i knew the prof. my debate coach/prof and i spent so much time outside of class that it was no big deal to shoot him a casual email, but most of my others i did in person during office hours, gave them a copy of the LOR materials, a current resume, etc.

[anonymous]

I would recommend sending an e-mail saying you're applying to grad school for X programs. You'd like to have a conversation with him or her about it. I think that makes your intentions pretty clear. When you go to the appointment, bring all the appropriate materials.

Also, I'm not sure when most of your deadlines are but you should confirm your LoRs very soon. You want to give all writers at least a month if not longer to do this.

[papergreen]

i did a combination of the two: i sent emails explaining that i am applying to such and such program, can i come in to your office hours to discuss whether you might be comfortable writing me a letter of recommendation. that way i'll be able to discuss it with them, but i got the question out over email so i don't have to stumble over asking it in person.

[hermionemalfoy]

This is TOTALLY what I should have done. Instead I just crashed the office hours (which I found via online stalking since I wasn't even in the class) after loitering, waiting for other students to leave...

It was a little awkward. (I laugh now, but at the time...)