Helpful suggestions to students who are asking for letters of recommendation:
 
Put into writing that you would like a letter of recommendation. Requests via e-mail are fine. Do not rely on word of mouth. State simply that you would like a letter of recommendation. It is very helpful if you include in your letter of request as much of the following information as you can.

Explain very breifly why you need a letter of recommendation.

"I'm applying for/to …"
graduate school at New York University (in Political Science)
a merit scholarship for students studying Applied Psychology
a study abroad program to the Academy of Poruguese in Lisbon
an internship with the Department of Labor

Indicate to whom the letter should be addressed. If the letter of recommendation is to be written on a pre-printed form, then make sure that information appears on the form somewhere.

"Please address the letter to …"
Chairperson of the Selection Committee
Dean of Arts and Sciences
Graduate Committe for new student selection
etc., etc.

Give specicic dates to all courses you have attended taught by your recommender.
Be as specific as possible and feel free to mention the grade you earned in the class.

"I attended your German 1010 Class in the fall of 1992"
"I took German 3050, Spring 92 and Ger 3020, Fall 92. I earned "A's" in both classes."

List any specific traits that you feel should be included in the letter of recommendation.

"The committee is looking for an applicant who has a good command of written English."
"The foundation gives scholarships to students who work well with others in group settings."
"They want to know about my creative and research abilities."

List any other details that you would like to have mentioned in the letter. The more specific you are, the better the letter will be. Don't be afraid to mention personal affiliations, especially if the addressee of the letter is looking for a character reference.

Name a specific date when the letter is due. Even if you are in no hurry to have the letter, please mention a final deadline by which you would like the letter sent (or given to you).

"Please send the letter …"
by Friday of this week
on or before March 15 of next year
any time before the first day of fall semester
ASAP (tomorrow if possible)