Shulchan Aruch (581) states, “The custom is to awaken early and to say Selichos from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur.” The Rema adds, “The custom for bnei ashkanez isn’t so…”

Reb Shmuel Wosner zt’l explained that the Ashkenazi custom is that they don’t begin saying Selichos from Rosh Chodesh Elul, but they also have the custom to awaken early to daven. Because all opinions agree that these are special days for tefillah. As the Tur writes, “Whoever prays more, it is for his benefit.” It will help him on the days of judgment. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita