Timeline for asking for letter of rec?

[jcc4]

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How far in advance of the application opening in June do you recommend asking for a recommendation? Is January too early?

Thanks!

 

[Gluffalo]

I asked for letters of rec when applications were opened in June. Given that some of them were professors of mine, summers are (generally) slower and they can actually sit down and focus a little bit easy. I don't think any time is 'too early,' but given that applications are usually submitted in October, four months is a fair amount of time. I had no issues with my professors, boss, and veterinarian going by that time schedule.

I'm sure you're just as anxious as I was (and am)!

 

[Rainheart]

You could at least talk to them and ask if they would be willing to do one for you! I don't think asking this early for that is bad. But, when the application opens up in June, be sure to talk to them again or send them an email.

 

[that redhead]

I think it depends on the person. If you've known the writer for a while and think they can already write a solid letter, I would bring it up with them and mention the deadline is October. If you're taking their class, wait until the end of the class when you've had a chance to talk to them and have them know you a little better.

 

[dyachei]

Having written a letter of rec, as early as possible. Those things are a pain to write and I like to put a lot of thought into things. I also procrastinate

 

[dalmatiandoc17]

I asked the month before VMCAS opened and then sent them all everything they needed/a reminder as soon as it opened. To be honest only one of them did it right away, and most of them didn't start early. However it's obviously polite to not ask them last second...but because I got a ton of experience that summer at a new place, I ended up adding a new recommender a 3ish weeks before the submission deadline, and he was fine with that time line.

 

[Lab Vet]

Like Gluffalo, I submitted all requests for eLORs the day VMCAS opened (first week of June). That being said, I had asked all of my writers if they'd be willing to write solid letters of support for me well before this date. I had letters submitted from clinicians (human and veterinary), faculty, and industry scientists (5 total). Of these 5, 3 of them submitted the final week of the deadline. I highly recommend requesting your eLORS electronically as soon as the application opens (officially register your supporters in the VMCAS system). As the deadline for submission draws near, gently remind these individuals that the date is approaching. I reminded my writers at 1 month intervals, followed by two week and one week intervals in October (the month of submission). Good luck!