December 15th deadline and teacher recs

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I already submitted my part of the common app, but I just found out about Harvard's preferred December 15 deadline and my teachers have not submitted my recs yet. I emailed them over the weekend and they still haven't replied, but I've nagged them too much already (it's a long story but I made a pretty disrespectful request) and I really don't think I should see them again just to push for this deadline.</p>

<p>I just want to know how big of a deal it is to get the recs in by that day. I mean, my portion is already in, so is it really that bad if the recs aren't in? Do adcoms still start reading apps without recs?</p>

2

<p>Not to worry. </p>

<p>First off, Harvard’s preferred deadline is a courtesy deadline, which will allow Admissions Directors to get a jump start on reading applications. But, it’s not a firm deadline – not like the one at the end of the month.</p>

<p>Secondly, YOUR part of the application needs to be submitted on time, but teacher recommendations, transcript, guidance counselor’s SSR, test scores can all dribble in a little bit late (one week or two weeks late). Many admitted students, my daughter included, applied at the last minute on December 31st, so no worries. </p>

<p>FWIW: Generally, Admissions doesn’t start reading an application until your file is complete, which means they want your teacher recommendations before reading your file, as those are read with great care: <a href=“Guidance Office: Answers From Harvard's Dean, Part 1 - The New York Times”>http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/harvarddean-part1/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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