How to remind your professor about a recommendation letter?

Question

I asked my professor for a reference letter last April and said I needed it by Sept. Well it's September and I don't know how to ask him to remind him. Do I say, "do you remember that letter you were going to write for me?" How do I do it politely? I need the letter very soon!

Answer 1

A gentle reminder before now, would have been helpful. They are asked to do this for so  many students. Perhaps he did it and mailed it in?

Just say "I want to thank you in advance for writing that reference letter for me. I really do appreciate it!'

Answer 2

The most polite way to do it that I can think of is to act like you never asked him in the first place, that way you don't have to feel like you're badgering him. Just say "I've been requesting recommendation letters from other teachers to mail in this month, and I was wondering if you would consider writing me one?"  

If he remembers, great. If not, even better.  

Answer 3

If he said that he'd write you a recommendation letter than you shouldn't be afraid to remind him unless something about your attendance or your performance in class has changed.  Just ask!  He wouldn't have agreed if he didn't feel you deserved it.  "Professor So & so, I just wanted to ask if you've had time to write the letter of recommendation we'd talked about in April?  My deadline in coming up very soon."  

Answer 4

ayo i need that letter now

you promised me hand it over now

please

Answer 5

Make it sound urgent without putting direct pressure on him something like "I need that reference" or "I need to get that reference off of you urgently, would you mind?"

Answer 6

Very interesting!  This is all-too-common.

Don't be afraid, and do be polite, you have to come right out and ask.

Do not use the word "remember", it doesn't get to the point either.  Say "May I please have ......."

Answer 7

I know it is always awkward reminding people when they forget certain things (especially if they are your superior). It would be so much easier if they would just remember wouldn't it lol, but nevertheless sometimes it needs to be done. If I were you I would stay after a lecture or go to his office when he is available to talk to students and start by asking him about an assignment or something that you need advice on or some input from him. When he has answered your question politely say “oh I was also wondering when it would be ok to collect the recommendation letter as I need to submit it by the 18th (or whatever date it is). He should be fine with you asking and give it to you if it is ready or write it up for you fairly quickly so you can submit it on time. Xx

Answer 8

Just ask if he had time to write the letter of recommendation for you.  Than proceed to let him know when you need it by.  I wouldn't wait too long though because if he forgot and has to rush to write it it may not be very good.