Trying to politely nudge a professor to finish LOR!

[tandem7]

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Hello,
Two months ago, I asked one of my chem professors for a LOR. He said he'd be happy to write it as I have received the highest grade in his class for two semesters and that he thought I'd make a great applicant. Since then, I sent him my resume and reminded him that I needed it uploaded in Interfolio by June 3rd to be an early applicant. Two weeks ago, after finals, I called his office to see how I did on my ACS final. He said I also got the highest grade on that which is what he'd include in his LOR for me (he brought up the LOR, not me). He said he'd get in the "next week or so" (which was two weeks ago).

Last Tuesday (after one week of that phone call), I emailed him my final personal statement just in case it would help him and reminded him of the June 3rd date.

I still have not heard back from him. I think he is a little spacey (which is one of the reasons I got inter folio--just for him since I knew he might procrastinate), but June 3rd is here. What should I do? Should I physically drive to his office to remind him today? Should I call him? Anything else? I really want to be first batch!

Thank you!

 

[doc toothache]

Asking for a favor with a deadline.

 

[deleted480308]

I asked all of my science profs for a letter, starting in january...i have received 3 of the 7 promised with an avg turn around time of 2.5 months.

We are asking for a favor and no leverage, they don't owe us anything (nor should they feel they do). I sent a polite email twice a month asking if they had any more questions they needed answered for the letter and the ones I still saw in person I would ask in person once a month.

I still don't have the one I need from the DO I shadowed....she will either write it or she won't, all I can do keep reminding politely

There are too many things in this process you control to kill yourself stessing over the few you can't

 

[ATG20]

Just send a nice email asking if they need anything else. It opens the door to them possibly having questions, and also reminds them they need to get to it. I had to get after a particular professor too; it happens. They're very busy with research, teaching and their own lives, and just because they're slacking doesn't mean they don't want to write it.

 

[periopocket]

Keep sending nice emails, try dropping by there office too! Reminders are key, sometimes they conveniently forget!

 

[Bottle]

you should've visited his office after that week passed by.

don't be lilke " where is ma LOR ?! " walk up to him say hi and chat little bit. asking him in this way " I'm sorry for taking some of your time, but i came here for the LOR. you said it will be ready in this week"

if he says no im sorry .. bla bla. jump on him and say " ooh its totally ok, don't worry about it. take as much time as you need 🙂 "

that what i would do.

 

[shootingstar7]

Next time you politely remind him, include the fact that there is timeline associated with your application and that early applications have an advantage. He will most likely want to do what's best for you and won't want to put you at a disadvantage in any way. 2 months is plenty of time.