I requested a letter of recommendation from my teacher in early September, and he told me he would be honored to write it. I followed up a couple of weeks later, and he said he was planning on getting it finished that week, however, that didn’t happen. I also wrote and delivered a heartfelt thank you letter last week to remind him. November 1 is in a week, and I’ve already submitted my Harvard REA application, and the rest of my recommendations are already uploaded. His recommendation status on the common app is still “not started.” I trust my teacher, but he’s forgetful and busy, and I’ve seen my resumé and info still sitting on his desk. I was wondering what’s the best way to remind/check in with him without pestering him or sounding impatient. Any advice would be much appreciated!
You can stop by his desk and say, “Hi, just checking on my recommendation letter. The application due date is next Thursday, and I wanted to make sure you have everything you need from me to get it done by then.” Know that most colleges cut a little slack if the school materials are late, but not your components.
Make sure to submit your application** BEFORE** the deadline. Your teacher can submit their letter of recommendation AFTER the deadline.: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/Can-I-submit-my-application-before-my-recommenders-submit-their-forms
Another way is asking your college guidance counselor to follow up with the teacher.
How about writing your teachers “thank you” cards for submitting a LOR for you?
Thanks for all your advice! I did exactly what @intparent said, and my teacher finally got it done a couple of days ago.
Glad it worked! :). Good luck!