I have two LOR writers for all my schools, and I’d like to ask a current professor in a class that has a few weeks left (ends before Thanksgiving) for a 3rd. Anyway, there will be plenty of time for 12/15-1/15 deadlines after the class ends, but I have one school with a 12/1 deadline I’m concerned about.
I’m thinking about asking a different professor for the LOR for that one school. I think he actually has some connections at that school (no, that’s not the main reason I’d ask him). I did well in a grad class taught by him in my desired subfield, although it probably would more or less be a DWIC letter (maybe also did well in group work).
Anyway, is it awkward to say “right now I’m just asking for one LOR. If I change my mind and want to ask you for a LOR from other schools, I will let you know soon”?
Trust me, this is something undergrads think about way more than professors. A professor’s reaction is more likely to be along the lines of “whoo, I only have to write one letter!” They can get dozens of requests each year.
Besides, you don’t even have to phrase it that way. Just ask him if he can write you a letter, and tell him the school you’re applying to. Most likely he’ll just say yes or no without further comment. In the unlikely case that he asks whether or not you are only applying to one school, you can then mention that you are but you only need a recommendation for this one (without the extra bit about “letting him know” if you need more). But trust me, you aren’t going to hurt his feelings or anything like that.