Hey! Might be overthinking this, but when do I need to ask my teachers for recommendation letters? I want to give them enough time without being ridiculous and asking way too early. What's the etiquette here?
Hey there! It's definitely a good idea to plan ahead with recommendation letters. I'd suggest you reach out to your teachers at least two months before your application deadlines. This gives them ample time to reflect on your performance and write a thoughtful letter. If you're aiming for Early Decision or Early Action applications, consider asking your teachers before the school year ends, so they have the summer to work on your letter if they choose to do so.
Just let them know the earliest deadline and ask if they're comfortable submitting the letter by that time. And remember, a personalized thank you note after they agree to write the letter (and another after they've submitted it) goes a long way in showing your appreciation for their help. It's common courtesy and keeps your relationship with your teachers strong, which is always a good thing!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.