What is a reasonable time-frame to give someone to write a letter of recommendation for school application? I've had a series of lucky events happen that could result in a paid for PhD, but due to timing, I only have one month to put everything together. I don't know if one month is plenty of notice to request a recommendation, or if it is unreasonable. Any thoughts?

Hmmm...I guess that would depend on who's doing the writing. If it's a retired family member or friend then they should be able to get right on it. If it's the CEO of a major company then I'd give them as much time as possible. A month would be reasonable to me.

FWIW, I had a friend get accepted to the Naval Academy & he had to get letters of recommendation from a member of Congress. That obviously took a little time & probably a campaign contribution from his family.

Hope this helps.

I also write the letter of recommendation for the person and offer it up as a template for them to correct as they see fit or to totally scratch it they want to go another route. But, it will also remind them of accomplishments that they may not remember if they tend to go another direction with it.

Thanks, Tightwad. The program to which I will apply requires three letters. My intent was to ask some combination of current/former professors, mentors and supervisors (none of whom are members of Congress ). I just hate asking favors of people, and don't want to request something that has a huge burden like a short turn-around.

Bichon, thanks for the suggestion. My intent is to provide each person with a summary of accomplishments, plus my statement of objectives for the degree program so they're familiar with the program I intend to pursue and how that fits with my accomplishments and overall objectives. I've thought about providing a template letter, but wonder if that would seem too presumptuous. Plus, these folks know me in a different capacity (professional v. educational), so it would require different templates for each one. (Not that I mind putting in that kind of work, but I'd hate to do it and it be seen as inappropriate.)

If you need the letter quickly then there is nothing wrong with telling the writer that. There is nothing wrong in my opinion with saying "This fantastic opportunity just opened up and I am trying to meet a very tight deadline. Can you write me a letter of recommendation by next Tuesday?" Most professionals will be responsible enough to either get it done or just decline because they cannot meet the deadline.

I have mixed opinions about writing the letter yourself. I have written quite a few letters and I've had a few written for me. I find that I always say better things about the person than they say about themselves and that was exactly what happened to me as well. I walk on water according to the people who've written letters for me even though I personally only say I'm a mediocre swimmer. I personally don't like it when people offer to write the letter for me but I don't hold it against them either.

In your case maybe you should ask people and be up front about expecting them to meet the deadline. Then offer to write a letter yourself to facilitate meeting the deadline.

Thanks for weighing in, DH. I like your suggestion on how to open my request. And you're right; the people I'm asking will simply say "no" if the turn-around time is too short.