Is it possible to change recommendor?

[dreamerr33]

Hey guys,

So I was wondering, will it be possible for me in the future to change one of my recommendors?

The problem is, one of my recommendors is usually a very busy person, and I'm not sure if he would have the time to write a recommendation letter. Although he has confirmed of his willingness of providing me with a recommendation.

So in case the teacher doesn't submit the recommendation, does the online application system of universities allow me to delete a recommendor and add a new one whenever I would like to do it before the deadline?

Another problem I have is, as I am unsure of this third recommendor, So is it possible to just submit the details of two recommendors, while leaving the third one blank for now? Or the application system just takes the details of all three recommendors together?

Any help is highly appreciated. Thanking you.

[TakeruK]

It all depends on the application system. Each school may work differently.

At this point, most school application systems are open (some are due in a couple of days!) so you can go ahead and start an application to see what it will allow you to do.

[TheScienceHoney]

It really depends on the school. A few of the places I applied allowed up to five recommenders to be submitted and I also wasn't sure if one of my references would submit on time, so I entered four references just in case. However, one of the schools only allowed three to be submitted total and so I have one slot still open and the application is due Friday...I already submitted it, but they allow references to submit their letters after, so I am still holding out hope that the last writer will submit their letter today.

Some schools are also more lenient with the recommenders submitting after the application deadline, it just means they won't be able to completely review your application until the last one is received. 

Edit: meant to also include that you can reach out to the graduate coordinator or the department graduate contact to ask these questions as well. Would recommend doing that if you are unsure.

Edited November 29, 2017 by TheScienceHoney
Forgot to include info

[dreamerr33]

@TheScienceHoney@TakeruK

 

Thanks for your input guys.

I will check out the application system of each university and decide accordingly what to do.

Good luck with your applications!