I already have some letters of recommendation from professors but I was hoping to get one from a professor I worked for. I put my package of information in her office but she never confirm that she got them. I am not in school anymore so I won't likely meet her. My friend said she might not write a good one due to the late replies to my request and also never replying my mail on whether or not she received it. I am not sure what to do because I can't just tell her I want my documents back. Any suggestions? From your experience, do people who write good recommendations reply promptly? my other professors always replied within reasonable time frame.
Letter of Recommendation trouble, please help!
- Thread starter taylor11
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I was in the exact same situation last year....I emailed, called, did everything I could for about a month. He never once responded to me. I ended up just canceling his letter through AMCAS. Unfortunately his sketchyness cost me a month in the application cycle, which put me behind in the application season.
My advice is forget about the letter. Even if you get it, like your friend says, it probably won't be that great.
My advice is forget about the letter. Even if you get it, like your friend says, it probably won't be that great.
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Most professors are busy (grants, grad students, meetings,talks, family etc. etc.). I would say email her again and ask her politely if she received the stuff you sent.
Usually the reason for late replies is way more innocuous than one's imagination makes one think 👍
Usually the reason for late replies is way more innocuous than one's imagination makes one think 👍
Thanks for the advice! Just now I got an e-mail from that professor's grad student asking me to complete 5-10 hours a day. I am afraid if I don't do it, then my letter will be affected. I would do it if I have time but I need to work to pay rents, etc.
Can you cancel letters through AMCAS? What if I am sending one letter compiled by my school's committee?
Can you cancel letters through AMCAS? What if I am sending one letter compiled by my school's committee?
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I don't think the professor's grad student would be trying to blackmail you into working for them...
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It doesn't sound like this professor is very enthusiastic about writing you a letter, which is usually a red flag not to ask for one. It would have been better if you had talked to her in person before giving her the application materials, in order to ask her some questions. This way, you could have ensured that she felt comfortable with writing you a strong letter and doing so in a timely fashion. That being said, what's done is done.
I'd cancel her letter, or try to see her in person and let her know you have someone else to write a letter for you. The last thing you need is a sub-par letter or rec from a prof too lazy to check her emails and a less than enthusiastic reaction to writing you a letter.
I'd cancel her letter, or try to see her in person and let her know you have someone else to write a letter for you. The last thing you need is a sub-par letter or rec from a prof too lazy to check her emails and a less than enthusiastic reaction to writing you a letter.
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If a letter writer is not enthusiastic about the idea of writing you a letter of rec, then you don't want it.
Also help your letter writers by sending him/her lots of background info, transcript, activities, resume, job experiences, etc. The more materials at his/her disposal, the easier it is to write it. Also include a picture of yourself, as this can really help a writer recall traits or personality.
Also help your letter writers by sending him/her lots of background info, transcript, activities, resume, job experiences, etc. The more materials at his/her disposal, the easier it is to write it. Also include a picture of yourself, as this can really help a writer recall traits or personality.
