Hi Aska,
I’m wondering when is the best time to ask for reference letters, and the best way to approach my professors. My programs were psychology and criminology, but I want to apply for a sociology degree. I want to apply for fall 2014, and the deadline is January 1 or around then. However, I’m about to graduate so I’m wondering when I should ask for the reference letters!
thanks,
Teneisha
?????????
Hey Teneisha,
That’s a great question.
Honestly, there’s no one true answer for this, but I suppose letting your prof know of your grad school intention while you’re in their class isn’t a bad idea — especially if they seem to take a liking to you. It’d help, for example, in letting them know how to comment on your papers and tell you what to improve on.
Now I suppose it would be best to ask the professor not too long after their class. So for example, if you’re going into third year right now and want a letter from your F-term prof to use in the next year, maybe ask him after your course is over just so he/she still remembers you and your work, but let him know that he/she can take his time.
But the LATEST to ask would be probably September 2014. Profs are used to writing reference letters — most have a template, actually! — but it’s always nice to give them ample time and let them know about your research intentions/take a look at your CV/yada yada yada. 🙂
Bottom line though, the best time to ask would be when they’re familiar with you.
Also, GO IN PERSON! No one wants to give a letter to an email.
Good luck!
aska