<p>I have a bit of a problem. I just did the peer recommendation for my friend for Davidson College (and put quite a bit of time into it, may I add!) however I'm worried that I won't be able to meet the deadline. The POSTMARK deadline is January 2nd, which is actually quite ridiculous given that the post office is closed tomorrow and Sunday (January 2nd!) Should I:</p>
<p>1) Beg my Mom to drive me up to the airport (which distributes mail) on Sunday so I can get the postmark date stamped and get it in the mail on time</p>
<p>2) Mail it from the local post office on Monday, 1 day after the deadline</p>
<p>I feel really lousy about potentially missing the deadline, however I didn't account for the fact that the post office is going to be closed tomorrow. In truth, the thought never really crossed my mind! What should I do?</p>
<p>If you've checked other fora/threads on which posters have consoled applicants whose teachers didn't make the deadline with their recs, I think you may consider yourself in that same category. The deadline is more important for the applicant; however, if you feel strongly about having your rec in on time, you may want to have your mom take you to the airport. The only other alternative is two-day FedEx that can be costly. Good luck!</p>
<p>Anyone who has concerns about deadline and postmarks should consider signing up for the online services of USPS. The services are free -not the postage, of course. One of the great tools is the online purchase of prepaid Priority mailers. You can print the mailer on your computer and call the mailmen to pick it up or drop in the mailboxes. The mailer comes with the date when you PRINTED the ticket and can be tracked. </p>
<p>Conclusion: guaranteed postmarks from the privacyu of your home, no more mad rushes to the post office, and as an additional bonus ... a few hours for the procrastinators. </p>