<p>OK, so the US postal service has screwed me...big time. One of my teacher recommendation forms was sent back because there wasn't enough money on it (yeah...a whole two cents). I'm going to try to send it off as soon as I can, but in the worst case scenario in which I miss the postmark deadline, should I expect extreme disapproval from the admissions office?</p>
<p>Should have used a messenger pigeon.</p>
<p>Don't think it would have survived the journey into the cold.</p>
<p>How can you blame your lack of proper postage on the US postal system? I think you actually screwed yourself and aren't owning up to it (just keeping with the diction you used in reference to the postal system). I know I put extra stamps on my applications just to be safe. I don't think the admissions office will care if it's a few days late, it's just a recommendation.</p>
<p>I think you'll be fine, just send it Express. I had two instances where the letters I sent had postal problems. The first was one of my teacher recommendation forms, which Cornell took a few days late. The second was FAR worse: my Common Application. After calling repeatedly they never reported getting my common application, even though I sent it with correct postage and the check attached (I printed out my online application). In the beginning Cornell took very long to process all of the applications that came in, but as time passed the website said Cornell got everything but my application.
When the check I had paper clipped to my common application was cashed I knew something was wrong. I called again, well after they had processed all of the applications and the person said they never received my common application. I knew they had to have gotten it because the check was cashed, so I ended up having to fax my application to the office with a copy I got online of the cashed check.</p>
<p>In summary, the admissions people at Cornell are human, and most likely will not mind putting your application back into the pile while your recommendation is mailed. They obviously made the mistake in processing my application.</p>
<p>Spanks, you're right on one point: I screwed myself over. But it was because I wasn't expecting the price of stamps to rise two cents suddenly...though this is supposed to go into effect on the eight, for some reason, I guess the people at the postal office wanted to implement it starting now. Yes, I'll keep in mind to slap on more stamps for security.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter, though, Cornell won't care.</p>
<p>Deadline was pushed, send it by saturday.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The deadline has been extended</p></li>
<li><p>If stuff is a little late it doesn't matter.</p></li>
<li><p>If recommendations are a little late it REALLY doesn't matter.</p></li>
<li><p>Relax, you're not screwed and cornell won't hold it against you.</p></li>
</ol>