First deadline December 1st, Recommender hasn't responded

[mj53]

Sent an e-mail on Sunday about my recommendations to one of my recommenders and haven't heard anything from him. With it being Thanksgiving break now, time to panic? At best I hear from him Monday Im guessing. And that's cutting it really close in my opinion.

Really hating how unreliable professors can be. I have my other two letters already done from employers and he was my only professor recommendation. I have the option to get another one from another employer which would basically result in me writing the letter for myself though. It's pretty much my emergency "out" if you will.

Wondering when I should pull the cord on that emergency out right about now.....

How long would you guys give the professor until? Should I try emailing him more over the holidays or just wait until Sunday to email if I havent heard anything still.

[gellert]

I'd wait until Sunday, personally. I still have two recommendations that haven't been turned in yet (one of which hasn't even acknowledged receipt of the supplementary materials I sent!), even for my NSF (LOR deadline 29 Nov). Some professors like to hand things in last minute. (I'm assuming I've read this correctly and your letter writer has at least already agreed to write for you.)

[ktel]

Well it's Thanksgiving now, but can you go to his office on Monday?

[mj53]

I'd wait until Sunday, personally. I still have two recommendations that haven't been turned in yet (one of which hasn't even acknowledged receipt of the supplementary materials I sent!), even for my NSF (LOR deadline 29 Nov). Some professors like to hand things in last minute. (I'm assuming I've read this correctly and your letter writer has at least already agreed to write for you.)

Yes he has. I stopped by his office and dropped off all the information for my schools in a packet back in mid-October. Then dropped off another form I forgot to include at the end of October. Then I thought I'd give him some time and be patient because he wrote a letter for me last year as well. Last year he got them done before Thanksgiving though.

Well it's Thanksgiving now, but can you go to his office on Monday?

Im giving him Monday to respond to the email, will be at his office on Tuesday if I hear nothing. Will be cutting him and writing the letter myself (and letting my other LOR submit it) on Wednesday if I can't get in contact with him.

[joyx]

Call his office Monday morning. If you know him to be the super hardcore researcher kind, call him during the Break. That's what I did with one of my professors. And I had to call twice. Mad awkward but worth it.

If despite many calls he doesn't pick up, be at his office on Tuesday.

[emmm]

One of my letters was sent in late, and it did not seem to hurt me at all. Adcomm members are professors themselves; they realize how busy your profs are. I think they will generally give you some leeway on when your letters arrive, provided they are not too late. Mine arrived the week AFTER it was due.