when to start freaking out...

[jfsaunders]

... that a prof still hasn't submitted LORs due yesterday, and hasn't responded to reminder email?

Also, any suggestions on how to track the letter down?

[newms]

Is it possible for you to call the prof?

[kaykaykay]

I would say it is reasonable to freak out in January. No one will read your file before Jan. and they will not throw it out because a missing LOR. Try to remind your prof but definitely do not freak out.

[eklavya]

... that a prof still hasn't submitted LORs due yesterday, and hasn't responded to reminder email?

Also, any suggestions on how to track the letter down?

your prof might be working on it, and therefore hasn't responded to your email. the hard deadlines are generally for your application materials excluding the LoRs.... because you might have noticed that the instruction on the application page says it's ok/allowed to come back and edit the recommendation providers' info. as someone said above, it's not like your application will be tossed out because the LoRs were little late.

[modernity]

There are people on this board whose applications were tossed out because of late LORs - so its untrue that it won't be... however it IS true that most applications wont be looked at until the beginning of next year so you have time.

Suggestions:

Contact the graduate department who accepts the applications and ask them to make a note on your file, or to verify whether or not something hasn't been turned in - do it nicely though.

Wait another day or two to for your file to be updated (these websites are inundated on the due date, and sometimes take a while to be completely updated)... as long as your professor mailed it by the due date, or close to - that should be okay. If the grad department verifies when you call that it hasn't been submitted - ask them how much time you have/what your situation calls for... then contact your professor again as needed.

Schools are not unfamiliar with this - profs regularly forget to submit on time, and letters get lost in the mail... most schools are forgiving and will work with you if you keep in contact and let them know the situation.

Just make sure you stay on top of it!

[jfsaunders]

thanks for the feedback-- I calmed down for a few days and the letters were submitted yesterday.

[modernity]

thanks for the feedback-- I calmed down for a few days and the letters were submitted yesterday.

good to hear it!!