<p>I need 2 letters of recommendation for a research internship over the summer program. My adviser was more than willing to write me one, but the two other people I emailed haven't responded yet. Does that mean they don't want to write me a letter, or did they just not check their email etc? What should I do about it? My subject line was kind of generic, like "summer research internship", should I make it more blunt with something like "Dr. <name>, would you like to write me a letter of rec?" Should I resend my requests with the same subject lines, or would that look rude? Thanks!</name></p>
<p>How long ago did you write the request? Some professors can take some time to reply. If it has been a while and they still aren't replying, I would send a polite but clear note along the lines of "I understand if it's not possible for you to write me a letter of recommendation, but please let me know so I can ask someone else."</p>
<p>I wouldn't resend the same note. That might look rude and overly insistent. For future reference, a clear title like "[Your Name Here] Letter of Recommendation?" has worked well for me.</p>
<p>I'd skip the email and go to their office hours to ask for a letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>Not only is it more likely to get you a fast response, but it's a chance to remind them that they do know you and your work.</p>
<p>I agree with nontraditional. Ask in person. Also help them out by giving them copies of papers/exams that you did for their class. That will help you get a recommendation that contains specifics, not generalities.</p>
<p>It's always far better to ask for a recc by calling or asking in person instead of sending an e-mail, which is too impersonal and may get overlooked or result in only a vague recommendation.</p>
<p>I totally agree with nontraditional and Northstarmom. My D has applied a few summer internship programs for this coming up summer. She went directly to her teachers' office and asked for if they would like to write a letter of recommendation for her. She even asked the teachers weather or not if the letter will be written for "positive" or "negative" support. She received all the letter of recommendations in the seal envelopes. Some teachers did them on-line for her, since some internship programs requested the teachers must do on-line. After that she sent them a very polite "thank you" email.</p>
<p>we count so much on email and then freak when it doesn't get a response</p>
<p>some have filters, some don't check, some put alot in junk mail...if it is REALLY important, fax or call or snail mail</p>
<p>ps- when you go to the office and ask, have a copy of some information on the program you are interested in to give the recommender...along with an envelope and stamp if that is helpful....this way, they can start right away</p>
<p>Never ask for letters of rec through email if you can help it.</p>
<p>Agreeing with GoldShadow here. I'd never ask for something that important through e-mail; if possible I'd always show up in person to ask, and if that's not feasible then a phone call is due.</p>
<p>Show up and ask them in front of their face. Not only you'll get a faster response but you'll be able to detect the tone of their voice and expression on their face to see what they really think of you. Any signs of uncertainty equals possible trouble.</p>