How long do letter writers have re: app deadline

[xolo]

I'm adding up all the time it takes to get a LOR from a professor and the process takes a lot of time.  Must LORs be on file by the app deadline? In other words, should I send out the request for LORs well before the app deadline even if it is before I submit the application?

Edited August 16, 2014 by eyepod

[Vene]

I contacted my letter writers in September, about the same time that I had the schools in mind and when I started filling out the online form. For most of the schools there was a page within the online application where I filled in the information for my recommendations and it sent then an email with the information to submit their letter. I think for one program it didn't send out LOR info until after I had submitted my application. I don't really know quite when they need the LORs by, but its best for it to be in by the deadline. I had programs contacting me in December, only a couple weeks after the application deadline.

 

So, right now, this is the time to consider who you want to write letters for you and in the next month or so approach people to see if they're willing to do it.

[perpetuavix]

Some schools will tell you their policy on the application page. They might specifically say that all application materials must be received before the deadline to be considered. Some schools only expect you to complete your parts of the application by the deadline, and will accept materials after the deadline. I had at least one school email me the day applications were due to inform me that a recommendation was missing. I think it was submitted the next day, and I ended up being accepted there. Most applications have some kind of automated system for getting LORs and notifying you when they're complete, and it's generally your responsibility to stay on top of your recommenders. As long as you give them adequate time and send a few reminder emails, you won't bump up against the deadlines anyway. 

[iphi]

I'm adding up all the time it takes to get a LOR from a professor and the process takes a lot of time.  Must LORs be on file by the app deadline? In other words, should I send out the request for LORs well before the app deadline even if it is before I submit the application?

 

Yes, the school will keep them on file even without your submitted application. So it's best to request early, not wait until after you have completed the application.