Notifying professors about wanting LOR

[alter]

So I did the right thing and talked about my interest in grad school with 3 professors (in depth with 2 of them) and then went on to ace their classes all the while discussing their research with them (became an RA for one of them). When should I be asking them to write my letter of recommendation?

[TomRod]

Sometime between August and October is a good time to approach. Most of the time letter of recommendation acquisition is drawn out--lots of reminder emails, reminding of deadlines, and generous gratitude. Talk with each and find out what works for them in providing, and more important be sure to find out if they wholeheartedly recommend you (little is worse than a lukewarm rec!).

[applicant12]

I'd be blunt and ask them now whether they will be willing to write (good) LORs for me or not. At least that's what I did last year. You want to have time for a backup plan in case they are reluctant or they say they don't feel comfortable doing it.