<p>is asking teachers for recommendations by e-mail discouraged? should you always do it in person? the reason i ask is because my professor will definitely be busy this week during her office hours since she will have to meet with her advisees, and i thought that i could ask her for the recommendation and set up a meeting with her by e-mail.</p>
<p>I would call over the email...</p>
<p>If the prof knows who you are and has a generally good opinion of you, then just send an email saying you knew she was going to be busy during OH, and could you meet her when it's convenient for her. Most of my profs appreciate this much more than calls, since it means they can reply at their convenience and aren't getting interrupted by the phone. </p>
<p>If you don't know the prof at all and just randomly go ask for a rec, well... I think no matter what format you ask in, the fact that the prof doesn't know you at all will be much more of a problem than whether you email or call.</p>
<p>it's generally better to do in person, but email should be alright.
I did two of mine by email because I knew it was more convenient for the people. you do want to actually set up a meeting though. don't do it all by email.</p>
<p>as doublespresso said, set up an appointment via email, and discuss it in more detail in person.</p>