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[pubtoboot]

I am applying for a prestigious fellowship (term-time, not post-degree) again this year - I did not make it last year though I thought I would. One of my professors this semester would serve as a good potential referee because of the type of project that I would institute should I got the fellowship this year.

Is it even legitimate to ask him to do me such a favor before the semester has ended and before grades are turned in? He actually is going to read my draft of the seminar paper - I am striving for a higher grade and so am turning in my draft pretty early. He's agreed to read my second draft/ re-draft too.

I have to admit, though, that I hope to leave a good impression - to let him know that I am motivated and persevering... although I am confident that my work on its own will earn me a good grade.

[pubtoboot]

of course, i meant to say I plan to ask him when he has gone over my 1st draft or re-draft...

[smallways]

Don't see why it would be a problem to ask. I would make sure to ask him, though, if he felt that he could still give you a very strong letter of support given that he has somewhat limited knowledge of your work.

[jacaranda_]

OP:  I hope you don't mind my asking what sort of field you work in, and what languages you speak / write in.

Also, it's fine to be concerned about your performance, but you don't want to go overboard with that and be perceived as a "high maintenance" student.

Yes, you can ask for a letter.  You should probably also be speaking with another advisor (so that you're not dumping too much on this one professor's plate) about the fellowship application materials you submitted last year to see what needs work. 

[john_drake]

At my institution, students make requests like this all the time.  Go ahead.

[jacaranda_]

Hi Dora -- welcome to the fora.  Check out the posting guidelines -- you'll need to take down your personal link for future posts.  You can ask one of the moderators to remove it from this one.