How long did it take for an initial response from Referees?

[LucySera]

What it says on the tin - how long did it take you to get an initial response from academic staff who you contacted regarding references? I graduated last year but due to ill health needing several surgical interventions I decided to apply for postgraduate study commencing 2012/13. Things have been rather hectic, and I've been running around trying to get everything together and developing my research proposals etc etc. I need 3 referees for the majority of my postgrad courses and was initially rather unsure - I have two professors who I thought would certainly write me good references (lots of personal contact over the years of undergrad, as well as assisting one of them with research), but had to deliberate over the third - eventually chosing my dissertation supervisor.

I sent emails off on Monday enquiring as to whether each would be able to write me a reference but although I heard back from my dissertation supervisor immediately, I have yet to hear from Professor 1 and Professor 2 in any capacity. Now whilst I logically know this simply means that they are very busy and will get back to me soon enough (and failing that I will email them next Tuesday), my inner panic monkey is conjuring all sorts of negative suspicions about what could be causing the delay.

Sooooooo - what I want to know is how long did it take you to hear back? Reassure me please!

[ktel]

Well I asked most of my referees in person, so got an instant response. That is what I would recommend you do if possible. The referees I did e-mail are notoriously prompt with e-mail, and got back to me that day or the next. Some professors are really slow with e-mail, and once I realize this I try to ask them things in person as much as possible.

[Loimographia]

I had one professor respond only after several months. I'd e-mailed him right as he was going to a conference and professors receive so many e-mails daily that they can be easily missed; this is the most likely explanation for any delay. Thankfully, I'd e-mailed this professor in question far in advance, so the delay wasn't a huge issue. But if they haven't responded within, say, a week, try e-mailing them again, or consider calling them at their office.

[thinking]

I am in a similar position and started a similar post. THe responses have been helpful, so you may want to check it out. Good luck!

[Sigaba]

With one exception, I've asked for all of my academic references in person and received an affirmative reply then and there. The one time I asked via a telephone call (as the professor was off campus that day), my "inner panic monkey" went just slightly bat shit crazy. (When I heard back from the PoI, he gave me a friendly but firm chewing out. )