when to get LORs

[muhali3]

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When should you ask for LORs from instructors? Right before applying or right after you're done taking your last class with them?

this seems like common sense but I couldn't find the answer anywhere. I would guess it's the latter...

 

[addo]

I got mine right before applying, and from professors whom i had not seen in years. It worked out, but I think it would be a better idea if you got them sometime after the semester is over. That way theyll remember you better and that may make the letter more personal. Just have them submit the letter to interfolio and have them ready by the time you are ready to apply. Also, something to keep in mind, the letters kept me from being completely done by about a month, so you really want to have them ready to go to avoid delaying your app.

 

[StudyShy]

I'm going to ask my profs if they would consider writing an LOR for me and give them a couple of months to do it. This gives them time to think things over and to see you in action during class/lab/etc.

For graduate school, it took a couple of months for my dean and another prof to actually write and send in letters. It was a very formal process. In fact, I wrote a letter of LOR intent and included my personal statement for the graduate program with my CV. After they sent in LOR's, I wrote them another formal letter to thank them for their time.

Overall, it was a good experience. One of my old profs still e-mail me to see what I'm up to. It's kind of neat to see that somebody cares and wants to see you do well.