Steps to requesting a letter of recommendation:

Ask for the letters well at least thirty days in advance of deadlines. 

1. Ask the recommender if they would like to meet with you first to talk about your plans. 
2. Give the recommender a copy of the written statement or letter you will be sending with your application (including any Statements of Purpose).  
3. Inform your recommender in advance if you do not intend to waive your right to review the letter of recommendation, and ask if they are still willing to provide one. (They are ordinarily assumed to be confidential.) 
4. Provide copies of all the forms required, including stamps on the envelopes the recommender is to send separately. 
5. If forms are online, provide complete links and access information (passwords, codes, etc.) that may be needed. 
6. When completing application forms (electronic and paper), make sure that you have filled in as much information as possible, as accurately as possible (e.g. the recommender’s work address at UCD, their faculty position, department, etc.). 
7. Understand that some recommenders do not write general recommendations
8. Give the recommender a separate note indicating what elements of your qualifications the recommender should emphasize, a list of the courses (with quarters and grades) you have taken from the recommender
9. Provide a schedule of deadlines for applications. 
10. Thank your recommender!