Etiquette for this Late LOR writer?

[jaymeowmeow]

Hi! This is my first post because I am little bit worried. 2 of the 20 math/stats grad programs I am applying to want 4 letter of recommendations. So, I asked a prof from last year who helped me get into the program I am in now. He submitted the letters on time last year, everything was fine.

I thought the same would be true this time! I asked for letters just for those 2 schools from him. One of which was due yesterday! The program informed me a few days late on letters is okay. However, here is my problem: 

I emailed him over the weekend, he responded to me Monday, December 14th saying he "will submit the letters tomorrow (day of deadline)". I waited for an email yesterday from the schools saying he submitted them, but never got them, which means he still hasn't (and now it's one day late). Should I email him again? If so, what should I say? I can't imagine he forgot if he told me he would submit them on time just 2 days ago! I know maybe he got busy, but I also feel that his letter should be similar from last year... how much time could it take? 

It's just weird.... and I don't know how long I should wait before I ask him "hey, uhhhh what happened?" lol. 

Thank you! 

[sjoh197]

Does the school application site have a reminder link.... some do and you can send an auto reminder from the application page, I would do that now

[jaymeowmeow]

No.. unfortunately. The app that was due yesterday was CU Boulder, who only sends the recommendation link after you submit it (I submitted on Saturday to give professors 4 days, 3 of 4 submitted on time). And then when you log in, you can't do anything.. no options to send a reminder. The page after you login doesn't even show you if the recommenders submitted it. It just states their info. They only way I know if they submitted is when an email from Boulder is sent to me saying: This person has submitted the LOR. 

I can send a reminder for the second institution, but the deadline for that school is actually February 1st. 

[sjoh197]

I would maybe just send an email along the lines of "Hey Dr. X, I noticed that you weren't able to send in my LOR yesterday, just wanted to make sure that everything is still ok, as my deadline was yesterday, and I need it as quickly as possible. Cheers.... "

 

Personally, I would have sent "Dr X, You are the suck" and left it at that.... but I don't think that would have the desired results. Lol. He probably had something dropped in his lap that really distracted him. Good luck  

[jaymeowmeow]

Great idea! Thanks. I'll give him until tonight, in case he just couldn't get to it yesterday. Well phrased! 

25 minutes ago, sjoh197 said:

I would maybe just send an email along the lines of "Hey Dr. X, I noticed that you weren't able to send in my LOR yesterday, just wanted to make sure that everything is still ok, as my deadline was yesterday, and I need it as quickly as possible. Cheers.... "

 

Personally, I would have sent "Dr X, You are the suck" and left it at that.... but I don't think that would have the desired results. Lol. He probably had something dropped in his lap that really distracted him. Good luck  

 

[TakeruK]

Personally, I would advise to remove the "I need it as quickly as possible" part from the email. You already said the deadline has passed, so it's clear what you are asking. Just my thoughts.

[Elvidi]

i agree, wouldn't put the quickly as possible part in. I'm personally a fan of blaming the application portal ("I just wanted to make sure the information for recommenders got to you, I know these portals can be unreliable sometimes ...") followed by a quick reminder of the deadline.

Good luck from a CU undergrad!

[jaymeowmeow]

He submitted it today! Thanks for the advice. I sent him an email playing it cool, but also checking in to make sure things were okay. He said he got swamped with finals, which is understandable. All is good now! 

This was my first post on thegradcafe, thanks for making it great!!!