How many reminders are too many for letter writers?

[Chrysippus'Doge]

As my first deadline is approaching (Jan.4) I'm starting to get a little uneasy about one of my letter writers (The other two have submitted theirs). I asked him to write it in October and he agreed, but he has yet to submit it to any school. I reminded him in November and again in early December. So now my question is: how many reminders can I send without annoying the daylights out of him? Especially since it's the holiday break, and he probably is trying to relax with his family. Anyone have thoughts/advice? 

[themefromthebottom]

Has he responded to your reminders?

Yeah, it's winter break, but he agreed to do this months ago. There's no problem with being pushy, so long as you're polite.

[fuzzylogician]

Since the deadline is two weeks away, I don't think you have a reason to be concerned yet. Your previous reminders sound well timed, but you have to realize that it's entirely legitimate for your professor to prioritize tasks with earlier deadlines over your letter, which still has a lot of time before it needs to be done, so the fact that he hasn't done it yet doesn't mean that there is any problem. Since the holidays are right around the corner, I don't think it's helpful to email just now. I would try again around the 28-29th, so you can say the deadline is a week away, and you'll follow up again right before the deadline if you don't hear from him earlier than that. Also keep in mind that letters can often be submitted a little later than the official deadline, and letter writers know this and may plan accordingly, despite the anxiety that this causes some students. But as of right now, the deadline is still a long time away, and there is no indication that there is anything to worry about.

[TakeruK]

I agree with fuzzy. Many faculty I know will do a little bit of work between Christmas and New Years, even though my school is technically closed that whole week. Looking at the calendar, I think Dec 28 / Dec 29 is a good time to send that automatic email reminder from the application portal (that way, they get the link to the submission form). You might even follow it up with a personal email wishing them a happy new year and saying that you just sent some automatic reminders for Jan 4 deadline.

Then, I probably would not send another reminder email until January 5.

[Chrysippus'Doge]

Well good, looks like the 28th/29th it is then. Thanks for the input all!

[rising_star]

Yea, I have several rec letters due Jan 1 that I haven't even written yet. They'll happen around the 29/30th because that's when I have time to deal with them. DON'T PANIC just yet.

[philosophe]

Almost all of my recommenders submitted within 1-3 days of my first deadline. Drove me crazy, but as long as it's in on time that's all that matters! Don't worry unless it's the day of and no letter's been submitted.