Good morning/afternoon everyone, I just had a couple of questions I was hoping to get answered.
I’m applying to Allegheny College in PA. Since I’ve been out of high school for four years (military), I called admissions about a month ago to ask them if it would be OK if I substituted the Guidance Councilor reccomendation section for my unit commander. I got the all clear, and submitted the request to my command. Unfortunately, we’ve been very busy this past month, and my Commander wasn’t able to get around to emailing the recommendation until today. The application deadline was March 1st.
I submited the rest of the application, plus transcripts and scores, on time. Will the fact that my commander sent his email a few days late hurt me?
As a follow up question, I’m considering calling the admissions councilor I’ve been in touch with, just to make sure that he got the email. During the phone call I plan on letting him know that I’m highly interested in this school, and ask if there is anything else I can do to increase my chances of accpetance while I wait. Is this a good idea, or will I just be wasting his time?
What’s most important is that the main part of the application needs to be in on time - so you should be okay. Colleges are usually a bit lenient about test scores/recommendations - as long as it was submitted in a reasonable amount of time (ex. a week or so of the deadline).
I don’t have a solid answer about the second question - so hopefully someone else can help you out. Good luck!
You have nothing to lose by making a genuine phone call to express your worry about the late rec letter (which is fine btw) and express your strong interest in the school. Do not get frustrated if your call does not yield an enthusiastic reply. I would not ask about “how can I make my application stronger” because it sends a message you believe the application was not as strong as it could have been. Be proud of what you submitted, and do not hesitate to send additional information that support your application if it became available. Be brief in your call. Time is precious to adcoms at this time.
Another alternative for you --if feasible-- is to have the commander who was late to make that phone call. Third party voices are stronger than your own.