LOR Reminders

[K8eCastle]

When is it appropriate to send professors an email and remind them about letters of recommendation? I asked them in person and sent email requests on November 1, but I'm still waiting on two professors to submit their letters. I know we just had a long break and the holidays make things hectic, but I have 3 applications due on the 15th and I'm starting to panic.

[fuzzylogician]

Since the deadline is more than 10 days away, it's entirely possible that your letter is not a high priority right now, given all the other things that your professors will have on their agenda right around now. Also keep in mind that there is some grace period for letters and professors know this, and sometimes use it, much to students' anxiety. But all this means that at the moment there is absolutely no reason to panic. You could email your professors about a week out and say something like "Hi Prof., I just wanted to remind you that the deadline for my application to School X is [date]. Please let me know if there is any information I can provide to assist you in writing the LOR. Thank you again for your time and for supporting my application! -me". I wouldn't send this right now because I'm sure that coming back from the break they are digging through lots of things that are already in their mailbox. In a few days they might be much freer. In any event, a week before the deadline is a good time to send a reminder, and if you don't hear back you could email again 1-2 days out. 

[amsullivan]

I only had to email one prof but I always asked them if they received the link from x school and a reminder of the deadline.