Help - asking for LORs!

[TurkTurkleton]

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To qualify for my school's committee letter, we have to have a minimum number of LORs turned in by the end of February.

I know I need to give my profs various materials (transcript, resume,) when I ask them, so I held off asking them until I could write a Personal Statement to give them (one prof already told me to bring a PS if I ever wanted an LOR from them). But I've been so busy with end of semester stuff, exams, and papers that I just haven't had time to write a PS.

Most other people don't seem concerned, but I am worried it's getting late. Now the only time I might be able to meet with my writers is Friday or next Monday early morning. If I wait until we get back from winter break, my profs will only have about 6 weeks to write my letter and send it to the office.

Should I go ahead and ask to meet with my profs even if I don't have the PS I requested? Do you think waiting until the start of spring semester will give my professors too little time? How should I even approach them to ask for an LOR? I know it's common practice for them, but it seems very awkward to me, like I'm arrogant and I'm assuming that my professor thinks I'm worthy of his/her recommendation.

Thank you in advance. I have a huge cumulative final I have to study for all in one day tomorrow, but the thing keeping me from falling asleep is this LOR business!

 

[dmoney2010]

obviously make sure you killed in their class, professors all had to ask superiors for letters when they were subordinate, most are happy to write letters. If they asked for a PS dont go to them without it. 6 weeks should be plenty of time to write a letter, most people say give a month or so. Just worry about finishing up school first, write a PS over break then give it to them at beginning of spring.

 

[TurkTurkleton]

I was thinking I could just tell them I don't have my PS completed yet and would bring it to them after break? I guess I just don't know what's considered "ample time" to write an LOR.

The thing is, if my profs don't turn them in on time and I don't get the minimum #, I don't get a committee letter at all. My advisor said it would be a good idea to ask my profs before winter break. But they didn't tell us about the process for getting committee letters until right before Thanksgiving and I just haven't had time to get everything prepared.

 

[sketo43]

I would meet with the professors now, and tell them as much as you can. I'd let them know that you'll get the PS to them as soon as you can. Only one of my professors wanted a copy of my PS, but I didn't have it ready at the time. So I wrote a paragraph or 2 about why I want to be a dentist, told him about some of my ECs, and gave that to him instead. You don't have to give them your official PS that you submit to dental schools - the profs just want to know something about you besides your grade in their class.

Some of my professors wrote LORs right away, while others took several months. I'd give them as much time as you can. If possible, write a couple paragraphs and give it to them before break.

 

[doc toothache]

If you are too busy writing a ps, as they have requested, they might be too busy to write you an lor.

 

[SmilezZz]

Just write your PS as soon as you can and turn it in to them. It doesn't have to be perfect for your professors. They just want to know a little more about you on a personal level (if they didn't get to when you took their class) and why you are choosing the profession that you have chosen. The PS you submit to them is not set in stone. You can still change/tweek your personal statement for the AADSAS application which starts in June. 🙂