LOR via email

[Youngm2194]

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I have a question regarding letters of rec. I need one for various summer research programs and I am on winter break and live 80mi from school. I was planning on asking either my physics, orgo, or bio of nervous system diseases teachers in which i all received either an A- or A. I was planning on asking politely via email and attaching a resume. Since I don't live too close, should I still offer to meet with them if they would like to to discuss? I'm just not sure what to do since I don't know any of them personally since these classes are large and I never really went to office hours, only for orgo once a week to pick up quizzes/tests etc. Also, if I'm applying to a program thats the alma mater for one of the professors, should I ask them specifically compared to the professors? I'm not sure if this seems pretentious I guess and makes it seem like I believe that they would have an upside for the adcoms.

Thanks for any help.

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

In my opinion you should do like you said and send a polite email and offer to meet with them. If you are 80 mins away I think that drive is doable and worth it to ensure you don't get a generic letter. Make sure you ask for a "strong" letter though.

 

[Youngm2194]

I also feel "annoying" for lack of a better word regarding the LOR online process for these programs. All of them require a letter and a questionnaire, but they are all different for each program. Should I limit the amount of programs I apply to in order to minimize all this work for the writer? Or do you think they won't mind? Like I feel bad if I apply to 15 summer programs(no application fee) and they have to fill out 15 different recommendation forms. Ultimately I just want to have a chance of getting accepted to one