How late can rec letters be?

[janaca]

Hi,

 

So I've heard many times that most schools will take letters of recommendation that come in a little late, but I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on exactly how late these rec letters can be. I'm still waiting on one that's nine days late right now, and it looks like the system will actually let me swap this recommender out for another one. I do have an extra recommender, so I could do that, but I'd really prefer to keep waiting for my original recommender, since I worked with her a lot more closely than I have with my "back up" recommender, and she's in my field.

 

Thanks for any advice!!

[iphi]

Last year some of mine were 2 or maybe even 3 weeks late. They told me that as long as they were in by the time the committee sat down to read applications that it would be fine. I would say if your committees aren't meeting until after the winter break you should be pretty safe! If it's before then you'll want to get it in. You might ask them if they know when the committee will be meeting.

[janaca]

Thanks! I totally just asked them. Looks like I've probably got a couple more weeks. Whew!

[gliaful]

I think as long as they're in before actual review of applications begins you should be okay. I know that professors are granted some lenience in getting letters in by the deadline, but if these letters are going to help your application, you would want them to be submitted prior to review.

[12345678900987654321]

Glad to see you asked! That was going to be my advice. If there's a letter missing by the deadline and you haven't contacted me to explain, it doesn't look very good. 

 

Life happens and professors can be forgetful. 

[AuldReekie]

Glad to see you asked! That was going to be my advice. If there's a letter missing by the deadline and you haven't contacted me to explain, it doesn't look very good. 

 

Life happens and professors can be forgetful. 

 

I'm having trouble with one of my referees too and I'll be sure to email the Grad Secretary/coordinators now. Thanks!