LOR Freak Out!

[truckbasket]

It's actually rare for LORs to be individualized, and frankly, not the norm -- and certainly not expected by programs. I've been on the receiving end of various committees that required them in the past (and I have read hundreds of them), and they're hardly ever doctored for individual institutions. Their function is to present your ability as a candidate in general (i.e. in any program) rather than your ability within one specific program. It doesn't say anything bad about you--or the writer--if she doesn't personalize it -- so don't worry!

There are far, far better ways to put your "best foot forward" in the application process. And I can 99% guarantee that departments will be far too busy to go snooping around other department's submissions to verify that your letters have been personalized for you. At best, the only kind of personalization your LORs should be concerned with is the address of the institution you provide for them to mail the letter to (not that many are mailed these days).

[0000000000AAA]

I suspect a personalized LOR looks deceptive--like what is the writer hiding? It should be about the skills and potential of the student and that shouldn't change depending on the program.

I think programs came smell out when they're being pandered to.

[HaruNoKaze]

hmmm.... very interesting... I will consider all of this...

Thanks guys!!

[Timshel]

But I do feel like it should be different and emphasize different things if they are for completely different disciplines.....

[user_name]

checking app status and an LOR for a Dec 5th deadline has still not been posted. i'm a few years out of school, plan on emailing the school i'm applying to and calling my professor on monday, but am starting to worry about it...

[Timshel]

checking app status and an LOR for a Dec 5th deadline has still not been posted. i'm a few years out of school, plan on emailing the school i'm applying to and calling my professor on monday, but am starting to worry about it...

I wouldn't worry too much about it. One of my LOR hadn't uploaded mine 3 days before the December 1st deadline, so I just sent her an email checking in and reminding her of the deadline, and she uploaded it the next day. I would just check in with your LOR first.

[TripWillis]

One of my letter writers is 4 days late on a December 1st deadline. I registered her in early September and she's known about this since August. I am livid.

I mean, if she ends up being a total flake, what do I do? Do I make her pay me the application fee, or what? What about applications after that?

Edited December 5, 2011 by TripWillis

[truckbasket]

One of my letter writers is 4 days late on a December 1st deadline. I registered her in early September and she's known about this since August. I am livid.

I mean, if she ends up being a total flake, what do I do? Do I make her pay me the application fee, or what? What about applications after that?

Several of mine ran late as well. My own advisor submitted 3 weeks after the due date. Despite the stress, it didn't cause a problem with any of my applications. I'd assume most programs expect the letters to run late. Just keep on her without blowing up.

[yank in the M20]

My first deadline is the 9th but none of my LORs had sent their letters in yet and, as I used all three last year and they submitted them well in advance of any deadlines, I was beginning to get nervous. When completing one of my application forms I noticed that you can send your referees a reminder from the university so you don't have to chase them yourself. It worked like a charm--I sent it Sat night and by Sun afternoon I had an email from one of my professors asking for a reminder of upcoming deadlines and saying he was doing my letters this week and emails from universities saying another letter writer submitted--just waiting on the third and it's only Monday morning. It's a great way to remind the letter writers without having to email them yourself and appearing pushy.

[indalomena]

So in this thread right now. I have a really excellent recommender whose letter is an extremely important part of my application and I'm getting worried... he's missed one deadline now and another is coming up really soon. Fortunately the one university has written to me to say that they'll just add the letter later and continue to review my application without it, but now I'm in a total panic situation. Not sure if I should try to get someone else (who doesn't know me as well but would probably get it done) or just sit it out. I have, of course, contacted this professor, but I've heard nothing. Nightmare :'( :'(