Is email inappropriate?

[notEinstein]

I’ve found old threads discussing this, but as times change so do what is thought of as inappropriate.

Is asking for a LOR via email inappropriate?

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[polymerization]

I prefer to ask for LORs over e-mail. I do this to standardize my letters as much as possible (I know I asked everyone for a strong letter, and provided them with AAMC guidance for evaluators and my personal statement and CV).

But the most important part for me was also having the ability to give them a huge outsie. Like, something to the effect of "if you feel like you cannot write a strong letter for any reason, I appreciate your candor." I'll thank them for a great class either way. And that makes the whole request less imposing and (barring any outliers) can assure that your recommender will be appreciative you value their time.

Something I never would have guessed this process would bring came when my professors actually approached me for recommendations, for various institutional awards, tenure portfolios, etc. It really challenged me to think about what really enriched my learning environment, and allowed me to see my professors as people—works in progress—and helped me reconcile my role as a student in transition. It was really sort of illuminating, and so having the opportunity to write for professors I interacted with well made the ask seem less daunting (because I already had objective proof of what they think is an appropriate ask).

They are usually extremely gracious to support you and genuinely do want to see you succeed. I think to straddle the line of impropriety isn't too hard as long as you aren't offering them a gift, trying to coerce a recommendation, giving short notice, or insisting on what you would like written. Even professors I didn't write letters for were extremely happy to submit on my behalf.

I think a good strategy is to overshoot the number of letters you need by 1-2 recommenders if possible. I noticed some of mine became unresponsive over time. I gave (out of an abundance of caution) almost a year to my early recommenders. At this point, I've graduated and they're unlikely to remember me. I didn't want to potentially get them to write poorly, so I just let them go and still had a good amount.

 

[Pile O' Nephritis]

Maybe ask in person, and then send a follow-up email with more info.

"Great, thanks! I'll send you an email with more information later today."

 

[RoamingTexan]

I've done both, and I don't think it makes a big difference either way. As long as you are cordial in how you ask, nobody will think twice about your method of communication.

 

[diltiazemm]

Maybe this is against the grain, but I think it's better to ask in-person. Mainly to avoid getting ghosted (usually accidental ghosting).

I'd imagine that it's really easy for professors to lose track of emails, especially when they're receiving emails from undergrads, grad students, admin, and then other people requesting LORs. I requested all of mine in person, and just sent follow-up emails with my personal statement and resume.

But, I'm sure email usually works fine!

 

[notEinstein]

Maybe this is against the grain, but I think it's better to ask in-person. Mainly to avoid getting ghosted (usually accidental ghosting).

I'd imagine that it's really easy for professors to lose track of emails, especially when they're receiving emails from undergrads, grad students, admin, and then other people requesting LORs. I requested all of mine in person, and just sent follow-up emails with my personal statement and resume.

But, I'm sure email usually works fine!

I would prefer to ask in person. But that would require waiting until Mid May. And If like to give the person ample time to write the letter.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Ask by email, offer yourself for any follow-up meetings, bring requested documents, and have a timeline in mind. Bring homemade cookies (*).

(*) Read "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch.

 

[notEinstein]

Ask by email, offer yourself for any follow-up meetings, bring requested documents, and have a timeline in mind. Bring homemade cookies (*).

(*) Read "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch.

You never fail to be helpful Mr. Smile. Really appreciate you!

 

[Goro]

I’ve found old threads discussing this, but as times change so do what is thought of as inappropriate.

Is asking for a LOR via email inappropriate?

It's fine, but better in person