Help!!! One of my recommenders can't write a letter anymore!

[Tma27]

Hello everyone! One of my former professors who was supposed to write me a letter of recommendation has just emailed to let me know that he has had a family emergency over winter break, and now does not think that he will be able to meet my deadlines for graduate school applications. My deadline is January 15, so I'm absolutely freaking out!! Should I ask someone else? Do I even have enough time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[GreenEyedTrombonist]

Do you have someone you can ask? If so, yes, ask. This happens sometimes (and definitely let the first prof know your thoughts are with them if you have that kind of relationship). If a new writer agrees, I'd probably also get them a thank you card and a nice-ish gift in appreciation (I like to give my writers chocolate and plan to stop by with some in the new semester).

[fuzzylogician]

You still have over two weeks -- that's fairly last minute, but doable. If you have someone to ask, do it now. Explain the situation, apologize for any inconvenience, offer to send them anything they might need to write you a better letter, and thank them profusely. You don't have to give them any kind of gift after the fact, but you could if you want. A nice thank you is enough.