Ghosted by my letter writer

[Wahed]

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Two months ago I asked a professor I had during school to write a letter for me. He is retired now, but he seems to like me. I worked closely with him during my time in undergrad, even organizing a protest that he attended (he was a sociology teacher, I majored in Environmental Studies as an undergrad). He had written me one letter of recommendation previously (to a post-bacc program) that got me into school.

When I asked him to write on my behalf for application to MD school, he was very supportive and said he'd be happy to write for me. *But* he said that it was my responsibility to make sure the letter got sent on time. That I was supposed to "bother him" until it got done. I've messaged him about the letter every two weeks since I asked, and he responded to the first few messages, but about 2 weeks ago (as I was preparing to take the MCAT) he stopped responding. I have ramped up my communication because I really need this letter by mid-June - it's the very last piece of my app that I need.

I posted on his facebook wall today, telling him to check his messages. I saw him log on (green icon next to his name) and then promptly log off. I know he knows I'm trying to get ahold of him at this point, but he's just flat out ignoring me.

There are other people I could ask for my third letter, but those letters wouldn't carry as much weight.

This sounds bad right? Is it time to give up on this letter?

 

[HomeSkool]

Time to cut your losses and move on. It's a bummer, dude. Sorry.

 

[potato51]

This sounds bad right? Is it time to give up on this letter?

This happened to me when I was applying for residency programs, and I promptly moved on and asked someone else. Even if I had successfully nagged this attending to eventually write me a letter, they probably would've done it half-assed, so I wasn't willing to risk it. Too bad your professor couldn't be more supportive. Good luck!

 

[Wahed]

This happened to me when I was applying for residency programs, and I promptly moved on and asked someone else. Even if I had successfully nagged this attending to eventually write me a letter, they probably would've done it half-assed, so I wasn't willing to risk it. Too bad your professor couldn't be more supportive. Good luck!

Thanks! He actually just submitted my letter, and sent me a nice note saying he’d finished it. Lol he was like “hope you weren’t too anxious”. Like man, you have no idea

Do you think I should be concerned that he half assed it though?

 

[potato51]

Thanks! He actually just submitted my letter, and sent me a nice note saying he’d finished it. Lol he was like “hope you weren’t too anxious”. Like man, you have no idea

Do you think I should be concerned that he half assed it though?

Sounds like probably felt guilty about putting you through the wringer. I'm sure his letter on your behalf was legit. Glad to hear he came through for you!