sestina

Thank you everyone, I resent the notifications through the school websites. I hope he checks his email, though. (I'm doubtful.) I was able to snag a great recommender for my first choice school. He knows people at the program and wrote a very individualized letter. I am hoping that pulls through and then the others won't matter.

He did not forget to do it. He just... didn't do it. I see no benefit in emailing him AGAIN. I will take my chances with my 2 strong letters and if schools ask, I will tell them that the last recommender is having medical issues... Next time I go through this process, I know what to do differently...

I have an interesting story for you guys. I met with this prof back in early November, and he was very enthusiastic about writing a letter of recommendation for me. I emailed an organized spreadsheet with a list of schools and deadlines. I resent the email before Thanksgiving with a reminder of the Dec. 15 deadline. Finally I met with him in person on Dec. 7 and he assured me that he would be able to get it done in time. December 15 comes and goes. Letters not submitted. The following week I track him down in person, and he is still insistent that he will get it done. But it becomes clear to me that he is suffering from some mental problems. I think he may be having a nervous breakdown! At this point I have to go home for winter break, and I pray that he will get the letters done as promised. January 8 and letters still not sent. I have not contacted him over winter break because I don't think it would be in either of our best interests. At this point I have completely given up hope. It is one thing for a prof to be late with the letter, but to not write it at all?! A plea to all profs out there: if you cannot or do not want to write the letter, please just tell us. We will not be offended. But stringing someone along like this is just ridiculous!