<p>I asked a teacher for a rec a few weeks ago when I realized a few of my schools needed 2 teachers--he agreed, and asked me to send him the Common App link, which I did. It's now two days till the deadline for some of the schools, and he still hasn't sent his letter in; this is after a few emails, two resent links, and an attempted phone call. What should I do? Will I be penalized for a teacher who broke his promise?</p>
<p>There’s usually quite a bit of leeway given for recommendations that don’t make it in before the deadline. As long as you’ve submitted all your components of the application, you’re fine. Admissions offices are well aware that it’s not your fault that teachers aren’t always on top of things.</p>
<p>I think you’re pestering him a bit too much, though. Give it a while before you remind him again, especially since he hasn’t missed the deadline yet.</p>
<p>It’s very late to ask a teacher, two weeks before it’s due.</p>
<p>It’s also the holidays for lots of folks. They are traveling, busy with family, enjoying a well needed rest, etc.</p>
<p>He may have sent it hard copy, too.</p>
<p>I agree with RedSeven. I am having the same problem for Cornell. I have 1 teacher rec but the other one still hasn’t sent one. I originally sent him the email in October, and reminded him about it at least 4 times but he still won’t budge. I contacted Cornell and a couple other universities, and all of them said that it was alright if the letters were late. Cornell even said that they remind applicants in February whether they are missing any material from them (applicants). Just make sure you send in the application, supplement, and payment before the deadline and you should be fine.</p>
<p>Also, its better to have a teacher rec that isn’t amazing, than having no rec at all. So if this teacher keeps procrastinating, get another teacher to do it.</p>
<p>^
Someone from my high school got a full ride to Cornell despite one of her teachers being ridiculously late in submitting a letter of rec.</p>
<p>The recs can be a little late and it’s not on you.</p>
<p>Our college counselor told us specifically that admissions officers were fine with teacher recs being past OUR deadline…the deadline posted is for US and not our teachers :)</p>
<p>^
In effect, yes. But it usually says “Your completed application must be received by DATE.”</p>
<p>RedSeven: Cornell gives only need-based Fin Aid. A “full ride” to Cornell means the student qualified for tons of aid-- not that he/she was particularly sought after than the normal admittees.</p>
<p>Wiz: i agree w/others. Don’t sweat the docs getting in late. If anything is missing come the crucial decision deadlines, they will contact you or the school. Imagine that.</p>
<p>I know that it’s true your LORs can come in late (you can even be accepted without the school having even received them) but if you are a borderline student for admissions or needing financial aid, they need to come in, the sooner the better. IF that’s the case, then if they aren’t in by the end of January, find someone else.</p>