Regarding recommenders

[Scottstein]

HI,I am finishing up my applications but relying on nice but slightly forgetful recommender.While I have provided them my CV and SOP and Writing sample myself---I would like it better if they can access these materials available at the online app portal directly each time they receive the recommendation request from the application site?It would be convenient then.

Does this happen?

[Dr. Old Bill]

No, I'm pretty sure it doesn't. Recommenders often take their time, and other than a gentle reminder every once in awhile, you just have to let them do their thing. If they have your SOP, WS, and even your CV, there's really not much more you can do unless they ask for other items specifically. I had one ask for a couple of my essays with his comments on them, as he had lost his grade book from last semester. But generally, they'll write and submit your recommendations when they have the time to do so.

[ProfLorax]

HI,I am finishing up my applications but relying on nice but slightly forgetful recommender.While I have provided them my CV and SOP and Writing sample myself---I would like it better if they can access these materials available at the online app portal directly each time they receive the recommendation request from the application site?It would be convenient then.

Does this happen?

Are you asking if letter writers can access your application materials when they sign-in to write their recommendation letter on the app portal? If so, no, they can't. I'm pretty sure privacy laws here in the states would forbid that. Also, from what I've observed, most letter writers write one letter on MS Word, so they can spell check and save it, and only once the letter is complete will they hop onto the web portal to submit the letter. 

 

I would definitely send an email the week before the first due date to whomever hasn't submitted their letters yet and the day before the application is due if needed. My letter recommenders actually appreciated the little polite reminders I sent out. Good luck!

[Vene]

I would definitely send an email the week before the first due date to whomever hasn't submitted their letters yet and the day before the application is due if needed. My letter recommenders actually appreciated the little polite reminders I sent out. Good luck!

If possible, meet with them in person. I stopped by the office of a former professor of mine to chat (I was working in the same city as said university so I stopped by after work). We chatted for a bit, I told her a bit about my experiences post-graduation and about doing industrial research (something not a lot of professors have experience with, actually). I did direct the conversation to needing the letters of recommendation and it was clear that was the reason I was there. But, I think it was far more effective than sending an email. She sent out the letters almost immediately afterwards.

[mikers86]

I sent out an initial list of schools and deadlines for LOR, followed by asking them in person if they needed other materials, and then emails two days before deadlines if they hadn't submitted their letters yet. You potentially run the risk of them not having written the letter if you ask the day before (Yes, ideally they won't wait until the day before, but stranger and worse things have happened)

[ProfLorax]

If possible, meet with them in person. I stopped by the office of a former professor of mine to chat (I was working in the same city as said university so I stopped by after work). We chatted for a bit, I told her a bit about my experiences post-graduation and about doing industrial research (something not a lot of professors have experience with, actually). I did direct the conversation to needing the letters of recommendation and it was clear that was the reason I was there. But, I think it was far more effective than sending an email. She sent out the letters almost immediately afterwards.

Oh, most definitely. If you can, meet with them for their initial ask. I was speaking to the OP's anxieties about a forgetful letter writer, in which I found reminder emails immensely helpful. 

[danieleWrites]

I chatted with mine in person, as well as an email at specific points that I felt would be helpful (you should be receiving information from these particular universities about where/how to send letters by this date; the deadline for all my applications is today, would you like copies of any of my updated materials; the universities would like the letters by this date, is there anything you need from me to help you out) all the while keeping the semester schedules in mind. I didn't bother them during the last two weeks of class nor the week before class started or during the first week of class. One of my recommenders was a month late with the rec letter, anyway.

 

I think bugging them is important, to remind them. Professors are super busy people. I also think it should be done in a way that is courteous to them, conscientious of their workload, and done in such a way that helps them help you. Dropping by during their office hours (a call to the secretary can get those for you) for a brief chat is always great because it reminds them of who you are and you can remind them of your scholarship. A phone call during office hours can work, too.