LOR from a prof you met in the last semester before you applied

[alexamasan]

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I'm just wondering if you guys ever got a LOR from a professor you only knew in the last semester before you applied? If so, did your prof act a little reluctant knowing they didn't have much time to write it? Would you recommend not doing this and trying to get LORs before that last semester?

 

[saycheeese]

I'm just wondering if you guys ever got a LOR from a professor you only knew in the last semester before you applied? If so, did your prof act a little reluctant knowing they didn't have much time to write it? Would you recommend not doing this and trying to get LORs before that last semester?

I got an LOR from a professor I knew in the Fall semester before applying. I asked him in April and he was surprised I asked him so early because people normally ask 1 month in advance. I think 3 weeks to a month is a good time frame. You don't want them to be rushed, and besides, it looks better on your part if you ask early!

 

[alexamasan]

I always thought you should give them more time than that, but does anyone else agree?

 

[Chesnok]

i asked my prof from fall semester to write a letter right before Christmas...he had a break and he didn't do that...then after I sent some emails to him, he was done by April or so because proffesors (especially, research ones) are so busy...so, you see where i'm going. Ask them as early as possible and always politely remind them about it or give them a reasonable deadline, but not like 1 day before applying.
GL.

 

[Ryltar]

I would be persistent by reminding them about once a week indicating urgency, but in a polite manner. Also, if it's possible to visit the professor in person and talk to them about it, I would do that.