Basic_Space Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 I did volunteer work that is a very big part of my CV and SOP. Before I left, my supervisor told me herself that if I needed a LOR, she'd be more than happy to write me one. Well, that time has come a few months later and I sent her a text message last night on her cellphone and haven't heard from her still. My question: How soon should I contact her again? Should I text her again or call? Or should I ask the department instead, through e-mail or a phone call? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssk2 Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Call her - text messages can be easily missed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TakeruK Posted October 2, 2012 Share Posted October 2, 2012 Since there's still lots of time before most applications are due, maybe wait a few days and then try to contact her via a different method. I personally don't think text messages are very reliable -- phones might be off, etc. (unless you regularly text this person). I think most busy people prefer to get emails, since they can respond at their leisure. But you know your relationship with your supervisor best -- maybe they would like a phone call and get an update from you. You can do both -- maybe a phone call to personally connect with the supervisor (i.e. so you know they got your message), ask if they would write you a letter in the coming weeks and then say you'll follow up with an email containing the details (so they can refer to it when they write the LORs). sareth 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basic_Space Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 (edited) ssk2 and TakeruK, Thank you for your replies. I got a reply via text after 2 days. I think I'm starting to freak out too often. Please tell me this is normal? Edited October 3, 2012 by Basic_Space comp12 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed_psy Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 I'm going through a similar situation except I emailed the professor and he never responded. He said I can go to his office and meet with him. But I figured I would email him first before I head up there and now that I emailed him he haven't responded. Should I send out another email? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basic_Space Posted October 3, 2012 Author Share Posted October 3, 2012 Do you know his office hours? If you're e-mailing him to find out when he'll be in his office, then yes, e-mail him again a few days later. If he offered for you to meet with him in person and you know his office hours, I would just go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssk2 Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Just go see him. Professors are much less scary than you think! Go visit his office, ask him if he has a minute and say what you need to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed_psy Posted October 4, 2012 Share Posted October 4, 2012 Don't know his office hours. I'll try to email him again and then go up there if he don't respond again..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notker the Stammerer Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 At what point are you being ignored and not likely to get a LOR, as opposed to just having a busy professor? I sent three e-mails at the same time last week (out of the country, so office visits aren't possible), and I've gotten one positive response. At this point, an email that said "Go away, I hate you" would be preferable to just waiting and wondering if you have a future or not. Which is of course melodramatic. But still not, in a way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssk2 Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Three e-mails to different professors I hope? Follow up the e-mail with a phone call if you know there's a time when they are likely to pick up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notker the Stammerer Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Haha, yes, three different professors. I could call, but if they'd rather not write me a letter of recommendation, I don't want to harass them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssk2 Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Yeah, but if they're not going to write you a letter, what's the harm in bothering them briefly to find out? It's better for your own sake that you find out sooner rather than later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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