No one is calling me back for an LOR

[Loptometriste]

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I am waiting to hear back from 3 people whom I would like to ask for an LOR. I graduated a few years ago, and I no longer live in the city as my undergrad. Therefore, I can't just show up at their offices. I have only left phone messages asking for them to call me back. I have been playing phone tag with one optometrist, and the other two (one a science professor from 2007 and the other my TA supervisor, adviser, and professor who I last spoke to in July) I have heard nothing from. I already have one Optometrist's LOR complete and submitted.

What would you do?

I am wondering if I should send a letter to them requesting an LOR along with a copy of my essay and application. Then ask for them to call me and let me know either way. Or do I just keep leaving voice mails asking them to call me? I feel it's a bit crude to ask for an LOR in a voicemail so I have not.

Anyone know if I can submit my application now and add to my LOR section later? I E-mailed OptomCAS and have not heard back.

Thanks

 

[csandova]

You can submit your application without LOR's. OptomCAS will go ahead and send the rest of your applications to the schools you wish to apply to. Once the letters are submitted, OptomCAS will send them.

If I were in your place, I would be patient. Maybe contact some other professors so you have a backup incase one of the others can't write it. I was in a situation similar to yours. I asked a professor for a LOR back in June and he BARELY submitted it last month. I didn't want to bother him to remind him because I figured he was busy, plus I didn't want to nag. I basically played the waiting game until he finally emailed me saying he submitted and also apologized for taking so long. However I submitted my application in August - I didn't wait for him.

 

[MeShe1ly]

I would consider emailing them with your request, and attaching any information that would be useful to them (ie. CV/personal statement, etc). You might also want to write a cover letter, so that they (especially professors) know what you are applying for and also how you know them. Good luck!

 

[MeShe1ly]

Also, I would call Optomcas directly, rather than wait for their email.

 

[paasnaas]

How long ago did you ask for your letters? It's recommended you give them about 2-3 months to write your letter. That could be a reason why if you did not give them enough time. I asked my letter writers around 6 months in advance before I applied to give them plenty of time. Also, it's always better to go in-person to ask for your letters. Also, how did you ask for your letters? In-person? Phone? Email?

Regardless, I would try to explain to your writers that your application is ready to be submitted and you are awaiting for their letter in order to complete your application. But don't be so upfront and arrogant, try to be polite because they are doing you a HUGE favor by writing you a letter. And also just be honest. For example, if you want to apply by a certain date, let them know and why (because you would like to apply while it's still early in the application cycle...etc).

Just continue to follow up with them every 2 weeks. Hopefully this helps

 

[Loptometriste]

thanks everyone! my chem prof called me from home last night and said she'd love to write me a letter. 🙂 Now I can submit!