1. Prepare your email request early. 2. Choose an appropriate professor 3. Address the letter properly. 4. Put "Recommendation for [your name]" as the subject line. 5. Start the first paragraph by stating what you want. 6. Outline your relationship with the professor. 7. Use the third paragraph as an opportunity to hint at what you'd like the professor to say about you. 8. Give the details. 9. Close with information about how you will follow-up. 10. Thank the professor, whether or not s/he writes the letter. 11. Follow through as promised by delivering necessary materials and sending a reminder 12. Take responsibility for checking with the scholarship program, graduate school, or prospective employer before the deadline 1. Thank the professor again.