When to ask professors for letter of rec? Forum

[ballsoharduniversity]

I'm graduating early this semester but am studying abroad, so I won't be back on campus ever after this December, unless I go up to visit my friends that are graduating on time. I had a professor last semester that I really connected with that I want to ask to write a letter of rec. The problem is that I am not applying for this upcoming cycle, but the next (Fall 2014). When would be the appropriate time to ask my professor about a letter of rec? I don't want to ask too late and have her forget about me, but I don't want to ask too early when I'm not applying for this upcoming cycle. Anyone know what the best course of action would be?

[eerie_erie]

Ask early and just explain your timing situation. Most profs rather write it while things are fresh.

[Cicero76]

Get the letter now and have them submit it to LSAC. They keep it on file with your account for five years

[nugnoy]

Get letter now. You can ask them to update it come October with new information from your end. Even if they don't update it for you, you have a letter you can use. If they do update it for you, they remember you better from their own writing.

[GuyLafleur]

I have a question too:

Are your LORs just generically-adressed letters (eg. "to whom it may concern") written as to why you would be a good fit for law school/a career in law? Or are they supposed to be tailored to each school you apply to?

[Cicero76]

I have a question too:

Are your LORs just generically-adressed letters (eg. "to whom it may concern") written as to why you would be a good fit for law school/a career in law? Or are they supposed to be tailored to each school you apply to?

Generic is best 98% of the time

[GuyLafleur]

I've sent my LOR requests to my recommenders by e-mail.

Will the form they need to send along with the LOR be included in the e-mail that was sent to them? Or will I need to print out the form myself, and mail or scan + e-mail it to them?

[ballsoharduniversity]

Get letter now. You can ask them to update it come October with new information from your end. Even if they don't update it for you, you have a letter you can use. If they do update it for you, they remember you better from their own writing.

So does this mean I should pay for CAS now? It says on the LSAC website you should register and pay for CAS 4-6 weeks before your first law school deadline, but I'm assuming if I want my professors to be able to upload their letters earlier than that, I should register for CAS now.