<p>I haven't asked anyone for a letter of recommendation yet. I'll do it tonight through interfolio but my first deadline for an MPA is January 5th.. </p>
<p>Am I screwed?</p>
<p>That’s about a month in advance. Most professors I know prefer at minimum of 2 weeks prior notice, but this will differ with the individual. If you contact people ASAP, that should give them ample time, but also keep in mind that some may say they don’t have the time, holidays are coming up, and finals are coming up as well.</p>
<p>I would contact them anyway and see what they say. The worst that will happen is they’ll say “no” or indicate they don’t have enough time.</p>
<p>A month is more than enough notice normally, but this particular month includes holidays and (generally) end-of-semester schedules and paperwork. You are not screwed, but I would start asking ASAP.</p>