0) Letters of Rec

Ask well in advance.

I know that technically when you are counting down in lists like I have been, then you usually don't use the number zero in your list, but I decided that this was important enough to warrant the use.

When you begin your senior year, or a phase of your life that you anticipate needing letters of recommendation don't wait around to ask for them. Give the people that you are asking a heads up. This will get you a more quality letter, and it will be less stressful for the person that you are asking as well as less stressful for you.