Letters of Recommendations... Asking for them and Protocol

Transfer Students
1

<p>Is it just me or does anyone else not like asking for them? I feel like I'm being such a bother on my professors, especially when I need 7 or so. I asked three professors, all said yes. One I am dropping off addressed/stamped envelopes for, so he'll send them. The other two though... What do I do? </p>

<p>I just asked and they said yes. I'm assuming, and hoping, they are just writing a single letter that I can photocopy and send/fax to the schools but/or is it better for each letter to be personalized to the school? I feel like that would be an immense burden so I'm wondering if that's expected. </p>

<p>Also, is it safe sending these letters out before submitting application? I want the whole month so I can do multiple essays and decide the best. In the meantime I'm sending transcriptions and letters and etc. Nothing should get lost right? =/</p>

2

<p>I think you only need two LoRs from instructors for most institutions. As for the LoRs themselves, it’s a common courtesy to allow the instructors themselves to decide if they wish for you to see the letters. Just provide them with one big (stamped and addressed to you) envelope with seven unsealed envelopes inside, or seven envelopes stamped and addressed to your selected schools. </p>

<p>As for the letters getting lost…that’s for fate, luck, the post office, or whatever you believe in to decide.</p>

3

<p>Profs are used to writing LORs, it’s part of their job; they said yes, so don’t worry. They don’t have to individualize letters, they can just write 1 and make copies. Please see the last post of this thread if you are using the CA IE form:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/1271843-letters.html?highlight=ie[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/1271843-letters.html?highlight=ie&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You can send letters before the app is submitted. The IE form has all of your information at the top, so that LORs can be matched with your app. If schools don’t use the IE, be sure your full name as it appears on your app and date of birth are on the LOR.</p>