Hi,

I aim to submit applications to PhD programs this winter, and want to get my LOR from undergrad professors as soon as possible. I have been researching the best way to go about this.

I have 3 professors from undergrad who I took multiple classes with, 2 were advisors for my senior thesis and one was my general academic advisor. A lot of websites I have read through describing strategies for obtaining LOR talk about having an in person meeting with the professors you’d like to get letters from. Is this totally necessary, or could I contact these individuals through email for this request? I have been out of undergrad for about two years, work full time and don’t live in close proximity to my alma mater. I will take a trip up to my old school to ask for the letters if it is entirely necessary, but I don’t want to take a day off of work and take a 3 hr drive to do this unless it is totally warranted.

tldr: do you have to ask for LOR in person or can I contact professors for letters via email?

Thanks for the help in advance!!