When/How to ask for letters of recommendation?

<p>When are you supposed to ask teachers for letters of rec? Over the summer or once school ends? Through email or in person?</p>

<p>And what should you say? I feel like it’s super awkward :-/ </p>

<p>I asked the end of Junior year (I believe prior to finals week) – it was a teacher that really liked me as a student so I just went up to him and said; “Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for college?” and he agreed and then asked me to send him a “self reflection” type essay over the summer – teachers (especially seasoned veterans to the college application process) find the whole ordeal a lot less awkward than students do. Just be polite and cordial - everything will work out just fine. </p>

<p>Good luck. </p>

<p>^ literally this, I asked word for word the same way. <3333</p>

<p>It’s very quick and they just give you quick instructions on any brag sheet-esque things they need afterward. It takes literally 2 mins. </p>

<p>Make sure to ask them end of junior year. Remind then again in September of Senior Year. During October/November, get them a little gift card or something, and politely say “I just wanted to thank you for teaching me “x subject” during Junior Year. It really helped me to understand the material well enough for my future (if you’re a major in that area blah blah blah). Thanks again for agreeing to write a Letter of Rec. for me!” (This allows you to remind your teacher again without actively nagging him/her, while also thanking him/her!)
And that’s it! Good luck!</p>

<p>I asked at the end of the school year. I basically just asked and I had a packet of information that would be helpful to them and I told them just to email me if they needed anything! I also have them a deadline for when I needed it.</p>