<p>Almost all of the colleges (that I'm applying to) that need recs have deadlines in January. I'm wondering if I should ask my teachers if they're willing to write recs for me right now or wait until October or something, so it'll be fresher on their minds? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’d say ask now. It’s better to give them some time. If they forget remind them in October/November. I asked all three of mine junior year and only one of them finished before December of my senior year. Teachers are busy people I guess lol. Also, I don’t know about your school but in my high school some teachers would only write a certain amount of recommendations. You could probably ask your guidance counselor too (or whoever helps with your college stuff), maybe they know a thing or two about the teachers you want to ask.</p>
<p>I would say you can ASK them to write it, as in you want them to fill you out a recommendation, but teachers are busy and hard workers for some part! Give them the summer off, don’t ask for it now. But this way they know you are ahead of the game and want them to give you a recommendation. I think this can make you priority for them.</p>
<p>Although GET your common apps done NOW if you haven’t already. Be the first kid in your class to hand them to your teacher, and remind them you would like a recommendation and that you asked. If possible, give this to them within the first week of school, when they don’t be as busy. Especially if you know it’s a popular teacher, this gives them ample time to get it done and do it well.</p>
<p>haha I guess I didn’t mean ask now, I meant ask when school starts. :P</p>
<p>Some of my colleges ask for just 1 recommendation while others want 2. Should I give 2 for every college or just what they ask for?</p>
<p>Just give what they ask for. Unless they specifically say they don’t mind getting more, and even then make sure the letters are significantly different. The admissions committee doesn’t need to read the same thing over and over, so make sure everything you submit adds a new layer to your application.</p>
<p>As for when to ask, I’d say the sooner the better. Asking early not only gives your teacher more time to write the letter, it also means s/he wont yet be overwhelmed with the tons of letters s/he’ll undoubtedly have to write. If you’re worried about them forgetting, just politely ask them about it closer to the deadline to make sure they still remember / the letter has been sent.</p>