I have a few questions about letters of recommendation. I have almost no experience asking for these letters, so any advice is much appreciated.
First off, I plan to ask for my letters this week, about a month before the deadline. Is this good timing, or is it too late or too early?
Secondly, what should I provide for my teachers? There are different things that I’d really like for each teacher to specifically mention. Is it off-putting for the teachers if I provide them with a list of suggestions for things to mention? Also should I provide each teacher with my general resume even if their letter doesn’t necessarily pertain to the things on that resume? What else do I need to include, if anything?
Lastly, is it better to ask in person or over email? Personally, I’d prefer email because I can attach all my documents and the info (and it’s a lot easier to ask for a favor over email than in-person, not gonna lie ). However, does it show more initiative to ask face-to-face?
– The protocol may vary from area to area but at least where I’m from asking for a LOR a month before the due date is definitely late. Many students in my district line up recommendations the end of junior year or at the latest at the very start of senior year. Again, the procedures may be different where you live. In any event ask ASAP.
–Once teachers agreed to write a LOR my kids asked the if there was anything they could provide to help them right the letter of recommendation (ex. a resume, list of activities, some accomplishments in his/her class etc.) and let them decide what, if anything they wanted. Some teachers had specific requests, others did not want anything , and one had a prepared a form for students requesting LORs to fill out. Any requested information was provided within a day or two.
–You should absolutely ask in person if possible (ex. unless school is still remote). No doubt about it. I would call it courtesy, not necessarily initiative, to ask for a favor in person.
–Unsolicited advice – since you would like the LORs done quickly (within a month) discuss this upfront with the teachers when you ask for the LOR and see if they can meet your deadline. There is a chance that they may not be able to get the letter done that quickly (especially if they have others that they have already agreed to write - keep in mind that teachers write LORs on their own time).
Also look for school-specific info that might help. MIT has a specific “what we are looking for” page that could serve as a way to align a teachers feedback with the school’s desires/expectations.
I agree you are a bit behind schedule. Our HS had a form for students to fill out to give to teachers once they agreed to write one. Many students asked before the end of junior year so teachers could work on them over the summer instead of squeezing them in while still planning lessons and grading. The most popular teachers (and ones who taught classes that had students most likely to ask, like Physics or Calc) would only agree to write a certain number and it was first come, first serve. Your school may be more flexible but I would get on this ASAP!
). However, does it show more initiative to ask face-to-face?