Will universities commute the 3 rec letter requirement?

Graduate School
1

Hey everyone!

Future grad student here. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

In the most polite manner possible, I requested rec letters from professors who know me quite well. I’ve been to office hours, and have been on good terms with all. One professor even offered to write me a letter out of the blue, when we were conversing. To another, I allowed use of my materials for a class, not expecting anything in return, but things are different now.

It’s been a week and a half, and NO ONE has responded. I even checked my email just to make sure Gmail was working properly.

I want to give my recommenders time so they don’t feel rushed. I’d be mad too if someone gave me two weeks to write a rec letter! I also understand that things are different due to COVID, so I made sure I didn’t bug them right after the quarter ended. They need a break too! So I waited a couple weeks before sending my emails. I wish I could’ve asked in-person, but COVIDs here yayyyyy.

In the event that none of them ever respond, what are my options? I’ve got two professors as backup, but I’m not positive on that front… Will universities understand?

I did not expect all to ditch me in my hour of need… feels bad.

Am I overlooking something? These professors were usually fast to respond - within three days, max. And we are on good terms.
Help!
-Your Confused Friend

2

It’s July. They may not be checking their emails.

Or… did you use your college email account to send the emails? If you used a personal email address, it may have been caught up in spam filters.

3

Hey there!

Yes I did use my College account. My university uses the gmail suite for email.
I’m concerned. When will they check their college email? Will it be too late to ask for a rec letter then?

4

I would give them a bit more time. I know at my D’s school profs are scrambling to add sections, work on hybrid models, etc…

If you don’t hear anything by the end of the month, then try reaching out again.

When are your applications due?

5

In November. I wanted to ask in advance so that they don’t feel rushed and annoyed.

6

If it has been two weeks or longer, I think it is safe to send a “Hey, I wanted to check if you got my email” email. Also, maybe call the phone number of the department. If anyone picks up, you might ask when Professor Z will be back in his office.

Be patient, though. It can be very difficult to reach everyone right now.

7

It’s July. Many professors do not respond or even check email over the summer…and while it is good to be early and prepared, there is such a thing as being too early. It’s good to give professors 6-8 weeks to write a recommendation letter.

I’d wait until late August and try again.