hsampath wrote:
Also, another issue to consider is, is the recommender going to be easily approachable during the process? Working in the same company at least somewhat makes it easier - even with that sometimes busy recommenders are difficult to find when deadlines are looming. Take into account, you will probably need to "gently" remind them at least a couple of times.
I agree, vote early and vote often.
That is let them know WELL in advance and provide kind reminders throughout. if you give them like 2-3 months notice, they will feel that they are responsible if it is a few weeks before the deadline and they haven't done squat. If you give them only 3 weeks notice, they're going to be flat out be pissed off because then you are really putting some more pressure on them and potentially conflicting with meetings, vacations, personal events, etc. As I also said, kindly remind them along the way. I found that the backhand method to doing so was just providing an update of my own. "I just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I'm almost done with Ross" or "I've finished 2 out of the 5 schools." They'll feel obligated to provide an update of their own.