<p>I graduated last year and am planning to apply to graduate schools in engineering this fall. I have three professors in mind whom I was close to during my undergrad years and have written rec letters for me. Do you think it's necessary to make a trip up to my undergrad school and drop in for a visit this summer? or do you think that a phone call should be sufficient? I'm currently on a "volunteer" in cali and the only time I can see them is during the summer. Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>E-mail them first. If the school isn’t too far for you, tell them that you’d be happy to drive in to say hello. Otherwise, I would just set up at phone conversation at THEIR convenience. They may want you to call on their cellphones or at home because they may not always be in their office.</p>