Ask for LoR via email?

[deleted390966]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Is it inappropriate? 🙁 I'm living in a different state; due to my work schedule I can't travel to meet him in person.....

 

[Elpenor]

Maybe ask about it through email and then leave your phone number and discuss it with him over the phone?

Or skype

 

[StoicJosher]

I asked all my LOR writer's via email - and I live in the same state/city.

I did add that I can meet with them if they wanted, but nobody wanted to. Just let the LOR writer know your situation and ask them to write a letter.

 

[deleted390966]

Thanks!! I'll try that.

 

[alienwares]

If you're far away, you're far away. I asked two people for LORs via email and noone gave me a hard time about it. Best of luck!

 

[doctorshateher]

4 of my 5 LOR requests were via email. As long as its someone you think you knew well enough, i think it can be ok. Although, I would also recommend in the email adding something about "if you would like to discuss this over the phone, then call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX" to cover your bases.

 

[hiyaman]

It's not inappropriate, however they may not reply to you

 

[BirdIsTheWord]

I ask for my LoR in person at the end of the school year, but I reminded them via email

 

[JESSFALLING]

I think it depends on if they know you well....if so, email is fine. If not, I'd want to call them so I could clarify any questions immediately.

 

[zwitterion34]

Email is fine, but some might choose to ignore your email. Phone calls are fine too, and again, some might choose to ignore your call.

 

[kpcrew]

I went and asked them personally. I knew them from my classes and office hours, so it was okay. I feel like an email is more impersonal and if they actually see your face, it could help your cause but yeah if you're far away, it can't be helped.

 

[zwitterion34]

I went and asked them personally. I knew them from my classes and office hours, so it was okay. I feel like an email is more impersonal and if they actually see your face, it could help your cause but yeah if you're far away, it can't be helped.

You could perhaps attach a picture of yourself in teh email to help the person riting the LOR remember who you is. 😎

 

[ncrassa]

If they choose to ignore your e-mail, then what kind of letter would that person even write for you?!

I say it's perfectly OK to ask via e-mail. Do write a bit about how much you enjoyed the potential referee's class, about how you benefited from office hour conversations, etc. And remember to mention that it's perfectly OK if that person is too busy or unwilling to write a letter for you as well.

 

[1stmeds]

I also asked for letters (3) via email. I couldn't give my phone number (because I was overseas) but would recommend doing so, if nothing else to show that you put thought into asking these people and its not some token email you whipped up without consideration.