<p>OK, the deadline for one of my schools has already passed (been a few days) and one reference letter is still not in. I know there was a similar thread on this issue and someone said that the committee might make decisions very quickly (done even in January!), so I am starting to worry a bit. </p>
<p>I sent an initial notification of the deadline, plus one reminder. I don't want to email anymore for fear of escalating the situation. I was told by this referee that referees have a bit longer (i.e. past the deadline) to submit their letters. I have no idea if this is true - I imagine some online systems might just lock up after the deadline so nothing can be uploaded.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how to proceed in this tricky situation. Any advice would be appreciated. I have put a tremendous amount of preparation and work into this entire process and I have a lot at stake and this late stuff is trying my nerves.</p>
<p>Thank you y'all.</p>
<p>It can be the case at highly selective schools that the application deadline means all materials on campus, but most other schools are indeed more flexible with materials coming after the deadline. Not sure which kind you are applying to.</p>
<p>Ask the school directly and relay that response to the reference provider.</p>
<p>I have contacted the school already. I apologized (ridiculous as this is seeing as it really is not my fault) for the letter being late and expressed the hope that they’ll take a look at my file in the meantime. I’ll see what is said in response. As for emailing my referee again, the tone of this person’s responses have already indicated annoyance. I don’t know if it would be a good idea. I’ve mentioned the deadline about 3 times now, the letter request email generated by the application has been sent…do you think it is wise, given this referee’s temperament, to email again?</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies as of late straightadmit.</p>
<p>
This is absolutely true. The systems are generally set up so that letters of recommendation can be uploaded after the deadline, because many referees are like yours.</p>
<p>Hi molliebatmit,</p>
<p>How much is reasonable, though, in terms of lateness? We are coming to the one week mark soon for this one particular school and I don’t know how widespread this acceptability (i.e. about late letters) is from school to school and department to department.</p>
<p>The amount of flexibility for late letters varies significantly and is in no small part influenced by the personalities of people handling the processing. Talk to the school(s) to ask how late is too late. Also ask what kind of backup plan they recommend in case the document doesn’t come. It is a good sign that you are proactive and not just paranoid. It may be possible to substitute a new provider for the late one. Not that you have to give up, but this will let you put together a plan B.</p>