<p>So it's slowly getting closer to the end of the first semester(1 more month!!) and I'm getting a bit nervous about the recs. When do you think is the ABSOLUTE latest I should ask for a rec? I'm still working on "getting to know" better one of the profs I'm planning on asking but the more time I have the better. I read on the Transfer Admissions 101 thread to ask just before Winter Break, which is just before the end of the 1st semester correct? Any help is appreciated</p>
<p>The earlier is usually the better. Make sure if your school has a sheet it wants them to fill out to have that and also where and how they can send the rec. If you give them everything they need they should be able to crank it out in a week if they aren’t too busy. I’ve heard horror stories of people waiting to hear if they got in and finding out their teacher forgot to send the rec in so be sure to touch base within a few weeks and see how it’s going. In all honesty, If you have displayed enough academic work and appreciation and personality in front of the teacher I would ask before thanksgiving… but it does really depend on your school schedule and your interaction with that teacher. </p>
<p>I just asked my teacher from last years spring semester and she sent it out last week 
yay transfer!</p>
<p>Earlier is MUCH better. I had a politics professor pull out of writing the rec two weeks before my NYU app was due because he suddenly had a change of heart. I had to scramble, and in the end, I guess it was okay. My econ professor happened to be an NYU alumni. </p>
<p>Besides, professors are also teachers, and if you wait until right before winter break, there’s a high possibility they will forget/lose your paperwork. Usually, while struggling to grade work and fill out grade sheets for their current students.</p>
<p>So if the deadline is March 15, then early April might be an okay time to ask? </p>
<p>I don’t see why I’d need to ask after winter break in January. Does it take two months to write a rec?</p>
<p>It’s always better to err on the side of being early. You’d be surprised how long it takes some professors to actually write and sign for your rec. They’re rather forgetful people.</p>