How to ask for LORs

[RelicLTD]

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So I have what I feel to be a good non-science prof letter, and potentially a good clinical/volunteer one.

My problem is I was never very proactive at getting to know professors in my big classes (all the science ones). I NEED a science letter, and was wondering the best way to go about this.

I was considering just talking to him about it, letting him know I understand it would be hard to write a positive letter for someone he doesn't know that well, and asking if he was willing to sit down with me a few times and talk about it until he was comfortable writing a letter. Does this sound like my best option?

Also, should I have these letters done ASAP for the AMCAS? Or could I potentially wait until partially into the summer, when I could TA, and am taking another course from a previous professor?

I would love any other advice.

 

[Omni]

"Hello, Prof. _______. I was in your _______ class in the semester of _______ and I was hoping if you could write me a LOR for med school. This is my resume that indicates everything that I have done and is pertinent for medical school, and if this is not enough to write an LOR, I would like to sit down with you at your convenience"

If you're planning on sending out your applications June 2010, then it would be a good idea to not wait until summer.

 

[BlueElmo]

Email him or her first to set up an appointment, and take it from there. Don't just show up like you came out of the center of the earth.

 

[TexasMDtobe]

I agree with the above, set up an appointment. When you go, bring a folder/portfolio with you with a resume, your personal statement, unofficial transcript with GPAs calculated and MCAT scores (if you have them already). Each professor I met with was pleasantly surprised when I already had everthing they requested during the appointment arranged in a folder. If they don't know you that well as it is, this might help make a positive impression.

As to timing, get on it right now. All of my professors took at least a month, with one professor taking 4 months, to write their letter and send it to my school's pre-med committee.