weird situation

[jean21]

Hi everyone, I need some advice on a situation I have found myself in. I have submitted all my applications and am just waiting for my recommenders to submit their letters. 2 out of the 3 have submitted, but the third has not, and is not answering any of my emails. This is really strange because when I first asked him if he would write my recommendation he said he would be “delighted” and asked if there was anything else he could do to help with the application process. I then asked him to read over one of my essays. Again he said he would be happy to. I sent him a copy of my essay over a month ago and never got a response. I just figured he was really busy with class right now so I wouldn’t bug him about it. Seeing as he hasn’t even started any of my recommendations, I emailed him last week and asked if he has been getting the requests and if not, to let me know. Nothing. I should mention I resent one of the recommendation request forms 3 times throughout the past month as a reminder (both other recommenders responded after the second time I sent it). So then yesterday I sent him another email saying the deadline for all my application materials is Dec. 1. I still haven’t heard anything. He was my thesis advisor so his recommendation is very important, I don’t think I could get someone to write one in his place. Does anyone have an idea where I should go from here? Thank you!

[Bearcat1]

Can you call him during his office hours, when you know he'll be around? Since he was your advisor, I agree that it's important (and also strange that he isn't responding).

[psychsquirrel]

That exact thing happened to me. Luckily, I had asked 4 people to write me letters, so now I have 3. A grad student told me to be SO obnoxiously persistent. Good luck!

[Pinkman]

I would continue to be persistent. Perhaps he's anticipating some time to do them all together but phrase your email as a question as to whether he would still be able to help. Good luck, I'm sure he'll come through.

[iowaguy]

I would try to meet with him in person if at all possible, perhaps during his open office hours. It is crucial that your thesis advisor write one of your LOR's, it will look suspicious if he doesn't...

[jean21]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I’m going to give him a call today. It’s just so weird because this is so unlike him...