Good time to begin asking for teacher recs?

Applying to College
1

Hi, junior here. Had a question about teacher recs. A few of my friends say that junior year is a good time to begin asking for teacher recs, as teachers become increasingly impatient as more students begin to ask for them. Is it aight to ask for recs from a foreign-language teacher whom I’ve known for 2 years and who unequivocally loves me, or is it better to wait till next semester or next school year?

2

It depends on what is typical practice at your high school.

At some high schools, teachers are willing to write only a limited number of recommendations, and ration them on a first come first served basis. If this is the case at your high school, ask now.

3

Junior year is a good time, but I would suggest waiting till spring semester, around April or May. Don’t ask at the moment, because teachers may still be doing last-minutes recommendations for seniors. I followed that timeline last year, and it worked out well, as I secured a recommendation from a teacher who capped her recommendations by the first few weeks of school.

4

It is probably too early for the following reasons:
–some teachers may still be finishing up recommendations for current seniors;
–it would be better if you go through more of the school year with your junior year teachers before asking for LORs (you may decide to change what teachers you ask);
–the holidays are coming up and nobody (not even teachers) are looking for more things to add to their “to do” list.

Typically spring semester is the time. My kids asked around April/May. Why don’t you ask your guidance counselor what the norm is in your HS?

5

I assume you’re not asking the teacher to write a recommendation right now, just that you’d like one next fall. If so, I don’t see how this simple exchange would interfere with current Senior recs, or holidays.

Since you’ve had the teacher for 2 years, and have at least 1/3 of a year with other teachers, I’d say it’s probably enough info to make that decision. If this teacher is your choice, I see no problem giving as much notice as possible. Now or next semester may not make a difference. But I wouldn’t wait until next fall, and with the chance of maybe waiting and missing out if the teacher has a limit, I’d have the discussion now.

6

Thanks all for the info! My counselor agrees with your advice to ask around March or April. I’ll do so then.