I emailed one of my references for a recommendation and he didn't reply?

[studentdoctor08]

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He knows me and likes me, and I'm thinking that he just got busy or forgot to reply. Should I email again, or is that rude?

 

[kpcrew]

maybe go to his office and talk to him

 

[samsunimomo]

How long has it been? Sometimes, professors do need a gentle reminder.

 

[studentdoctor08]

I don't see him very often. He doesn't work at my university, he works at another facility close by so I can't just pop into his office.

 

[studentdoctor08]

I sent the email Wednesday. I thought that usually professionals get back pretty quickly.

 

[mybubbles627]

I would wait and e-mail him next week. It is the holiday season and they could easily be on vacation and not concerned with checking e-mails. Two days is not enough time to worry, especially during this time of the year.

 

[Stumpyman]

I sent the email Wednesday. I thought that usually professionals get back pretty quickly.

.....It's hardly been two days. I'd say give it 7-10 days at the LEAST. Not to mention the holidays are here and he there's a strong chance he's out of town.

 

[samsunimomo]

I sent the email Wednesday. I thought that usually professionals get back pretty quickly.

It may be because it's the holiday season, and in my experience, professors have taken anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. I don't think you need to sweat just yet. Just send him a casual reminder after Christmas, or even better, New Years.

 

[Danlee07]

Dude professors are one of the worst at responding...getting someone who responds quickly is an exception, not the normal...

 

[CougarMD]

maybe go to his office and talk to him

This.

I know a lot of people who think that if you want someone to do you a favor (and make no mistake, a letter of rec is a favor) that you need to do it in person. Writing you a letter does nothing for them, and everything for you. I would go talk to him in person, at least for the initial asking.

 

[scarshapedstar]

I sent the email Wednesday. I thought that usually professionals get back pretty quickly.

😆

He's definitely not going to be writing your letter on Christmas eve anyway. No sense fretting over this.

 

[Kadava Reviva]

Send him a christmas card and thank him in it. It may jot his memory.