Hi all,
I asked a recommender for a letter in January, and he wrote back saying he would write it on the 17th. I added him to the Common App and everything, but he hasn’t yet
uploaded the letter. I reminded him last week and got no answer. The more concerning part is he actually wrote a recommendation last year when I initially applied for transfer, so the letter is written. They are due in a few weeks, so I have time. However, I’m still a little concerned. Any thoughts?
You reminded him…how? This is kind of important–I’d go and physically talk to him. An e-mail won’t suffice.
Sometimes the letter has been saved in the common app but not submitted, so be sure to discuss the problem politely. The recommender may honestly think it was done.
@mohammadmohd18 unfortunately he doesn’t teach here anymore.
@AroundHere since he does not teach at my school anymore, I sent him an email politely asking about the status of my letter.
Wow, this is an unusual circumstance. Were you on good terms prior to his departure? Try to track him down and let him know you need it now. Anyone in their right mind will try to come thru for you.
Start contemplating plan B. You don’t want to have to drop this request on someone at the last minute in case he doesn’t come through for you. Sometimes things work out for the best. Have you had much interaction (class, research, etc) with this individual in the last year such that he could update the letter to make it current? You don’t want to submit a stale recommendation as it doesn’t speak to what you have been doing for the past year. This may be the hold up or the reluctance because he can’t just submit a year old recommendation.
@preppedparent we were on very good terms, and I did a research project with him.
Put your energy into finding him.
@paveyourpath he said he would, though. And up until last may we interacted a great deal.
@preppedparent thanks, will do!
@preppedparent I’m a little scared he’s gonna get pissed off if I keep asking.
im going through the exact same problem
my recommender stopped teaching here a semester ago so i cant ask him physically but ive sent two emails now (2 weeks inbetween) and he still hasnt responded
we were on very good terms, last time we messaged each other was 3 months ago.
im freaking out because i dont have anyone else to ask for that letter of rec, i havent had that great of a connection/bond w/ any other professors besides the other one im already asking a letter for (need 2 letters).
i have his phone number but that was because it was necessary for another application about a year ago, but i dont want to call him since officially it wasn’t given to me for the purpose of contacting him, and it might seem creepy to know that i saved it without permission…dont want to annoy him either and leave a bad taste in case he does end up writing it.
@otoribashi sorry to hear this. At least we both know what its like! I think things will work out for the best! Where are you applying to if you don’t mind me asking (I also need 2 letters)?
@seinfeldfan1 not sure why someone you would ask for a recommendation would not be responsible and send your recommendation. Send the recommendation to him that he did for you last year (change the date), and give him instructions (as a reminder) to upload letter.
@Byrdie12 I’m not sure how I would though because it was confidential on the common app and I waived my right.
Oh. I see. Then send him another email and remind him saying it is fine to use the letter of recommendation from last year. You need this. Don’t be so concerned about having to ask him again. He may have literally forgotten, or Life just got in his way. When you send him an email this time, give him a specific date that the school needs it. This date doesn’t have to be the actual date either. Especially, since he appears to procrastinate. Good Luck!!
@Byrdie12 gonna try that, thanks!
@SeinfeldFan1 When in doubt, talk to your guidance or college counselor about it. S/he can always call the colleges and explain what happened to X letter, and advise on whether you should send another teacher’s letter asap.
@preppedparent thank you for your assistance. Fortunately, I reached out to a recommender who said she will complete the letter by March 1st, which is the deadline. Things work out sometimes I guess! Thanks again for your help!