Phantom Letter Writer

[smartypants14]

Hi Everyone,

I have a dilemma to say the least. My anxiety has reached a new level. My applications, for my second time around, are due THIS Wednesday. I have a letter writer that has yet to submit three letters to programs. I have sent an email and I have resent the link to my applications. I have no idea what to do. I am considering asking my Spanish professor whose class I took at an adult school, but I don't know how much credibility that will have. Does anyone have any suggestions? I cant imagine a professional do this to a student so I am still holding on to hope,

 

Good luck everyone.

[fuzzylogician]

First off, your LOR writer hasn't missed the deadline yet. You might be surprised how many academics do things very last minute. Second, the deadline is really just for the student's portion of the application. LOR writers generally have some leeway and are able to submit letters late, as long as they arrive before the applications are reviewed. Many professors know this (because they have served on committees before) and take advantage of this fact. Adcoms know that the student can't control when the letter is submitted, so a late submission doesn't count against the student. So, two questions: has the prof already submitted some letters on your behalf? If so, then the letter is basically ready and there is no reason to think that the prof will not submit it this time. Second, when was the last time you were in touch with the prof? Is there any reason to expect the prof not to be available or have personal issues that have taken over their life? If all is well and you have been communicating the the prof about your LORs, I again don't see cause for concern. I wouldn't contact another LOR writer unless you think something is really off, and if it's possible to submit this letter as a 4th letter for at least some applications in case your original letter writer comes through. You don't want to have someone work on a letter last-minute and then not use it at all. 

 

That said, one of my letter writers submitted all their letters on the day of the deadline, generally in the last hour before the deadline, and it made me more than a little worried. You have my sympathy. 

 

(For job applications, basically all my letter writers submitted past the deadline but explained the "the deadline is just for the applicant" business and actually contacted colleagues to ask when they really needed to submit, so that helped. But still, those missing letters can cause anxiety.)

[smartypants14]

I was in contact with my letter writer on the 16th. They have submitted two other letters already. What concerns me is that when they responded to my email, the link for an application had already been sent out and they just did not complete it. Should I contact the programs and ask them, what do you think about using my Spanish professor?

[fuzzylogician]

I don't think it makes sense to contact the programs. This is your choice, not theirs. Obviously they can't tell you which letter to go with, but it seems fairly clear that the letter from the prof is better and the only reason to submit the other letter is if otherwise your application will be incomplete. I don't think you're at that point yet. It seems clear that the prof received the link and clicked on it, even if they didn't complete the letter at the time. The link is not a one time deal, they can go back to the application and complete it when they have the time. I'd be optimistic that the prof has the letter ready and has the link, so there is no problem (other than doing things last minute and causing you all this anxiety!). 

 

(Meanwhile, I'd email again to express your anxiety and ask if they have the link and all is well, and I'd probably also devise a plan to be on campus and try and find them in person to make sure they're doing it, if that's at all possible.)

Edited September 30, 2014 by fuzzylogician

[geographyrocks]

Stop with the emails and find them in person if you can. I've been in your situation , and it's definitely frustrating.

[smartypants14]

I called my school's department and my writer isn't on campus this semester. I know they picked up my packet with the dates of when my application was due. Im still hesitant as to whether or not I should submit my CSDCAS application, since it is $140 and Idk if it'll even be complete.

[smartypants14]

so I have my CSDCAS letter submitted! but now CSDCAS wont let me submit until I find one more reference! who am I going to find the due date?! my letter writer has yet to submit the other two letters, this is kind of discouraging.