<p>Hi. At this point in my college application process, I know that I'm going to be applying to Yale SCEA. That means getting in my application by November 1, which is going to roll around pretty quickly. </p>
<p>My question is, would it be appropriate to email my teachers now, or soon, asking about recommendations before school even starts? I don't want to come across as neurotic, but I know that one particular teacher that I definitely want to write me a rec often complains about how much "paperwork" she has to do as a teacher. So I thought that, for her, it might not be the worst idea to email ahead of time. Just with a heads up of the fact that I'm going to be doing SCEA and thus would appreciate an earlier recommendation. I'd of course be very nice about it, but I don't know if its still a little rude to impede on her vacation or not. </p>
<p>P.S. School doesn't start for us until September 6th, and I feel bad asking for a recommendation the very first week with everything else that's going on...</p>
<p>You could wait until classes start up again. And it is usually better to ask in person. The actual asking only takes a minute or two and you can make an appointment (which I recommend) to see them.</p>
<p>But giving them lots of time is always good.</p>
<p>like ses mentioned, it's no big deal to wait, even until the <em>gasp</em> 2nd week of school. Most teachers do not like to worry about school during summer break, especially to think about writing recs for students; school is for school work, summer is for summer break (ideally). If you are worried about them getting it in on time, just make sure to give your teachers at least 4 weeks to a month to develop their recommendations and send them in. Remind the teachers politely 2-3 weeks before the early decision deadline to complete the recs ASAP and send them out, and make sure to give them at least a thank you card.</p>
<p>I was required by my school to have my teachers' committments to write recs in writing with a copy to my college counselor by June 1 last year. If you haven't asked for recs yet, ask as soon as you can. These teachers can get swamped and take a very long time to finish recs. There is a good chance something will happen and you will not have the rec by the date you asked. Yes, it is better to ask in person, but if you can't do that soon, try to contact the teachers by another method. You are in no way early in asking. </p>
<p>As far as asking during the summer, it is part of upperclassmen teachers' jobs to write recs. Many would actually probably prefer to write them at leisure over the course of a few months (summer) then have to be informed and then think about and write them during the hectic first few weeks of school.</p>