Is the end of junior year too early to ask for recommendation letters, or is it an ideal time? I don’t want teachers to feel obligated to write letters over the summers, but I know some teachers cap the number of letters they write so I want to ask with enough time.
Thanks in advance.
I’d ask now. There was already a thread on these boards where a popular teacher had to draw the line because she reached her limit. This doesn’t mean every junior needs to stampede into their favorite teacher’s classroom tomorrow, but recognize that word does get around that some teachers write better letters than others (warmer, more personal and customized, less “cookie cutter”), and those teachers will book up quickly.
Make sure you ask if he/she would be willing to write a GOOD recommendation.
@Groundwork2022 Thanks for the advice! Also, what would be the best way to phrase that? Just tell them directly that if they don’t feel entirely comfortable writing a letter for me, it’s okay?
Spring junior year is an ideal time to ask. My kids’ teachers had different procedures. Many said remind them again in the fall. Some had handouts for all the info they wanted from the kid in order to write the recommendation.
Yes ask now. And if they say yes, ask them if they would like a few lines about what you liked and learned in their class.