<p>Hey, all. I'm wondering about the timing of asking for letters of recommendation. Is now the right time to do so, when my professors will have several months to get around to it, or should I ask when I come back to school in January? I'm concerned because everything is just so incredibly busy right now. I'm also wondering about the best way to go about asking for a LOR - I assume it's best to do it in person by appointment, but that's just so awkward! Especially since one of the reasons I want to transfer is because I don't feel challenged by my current environment. What do you guys think? Also, is it a good idea to tell them why you're applying to transfer? Part of it is based on my financial situation as well, which I'm sure would seem a lot less offensive...</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!</p>
<p>There is no specific time a student should ask for a lor. Normally, a week before the end of the semester would be the most plausible. As long as you make yourself known to the professor by showing up in class, staying at the end of class asking questions or even took the time to visit their office hrs time to time, there should be no awkwardness or shame in asking for a lor. I’m sure he/she will write you one if you are worth their time. That said, most transfer application are submitted around January, so right now would be the perfect time to ask. However, i would not ask if the professor isn’t comfortable with me and doesn’t know my name.</p>
<p>My classes are really small, and I participate a lot, so it’s not so much the anonymity that’s a problem as I don’t want to offend my professors by making them think I didn’t enjoy their classes. But what you said makes sense, entomom. I’ll probably end up asking in a week or two since my school actually gets out really late. Thanks for the advice!</p>