LOR/LOE from a Backup Source Forum

[PearsonSpecter614]

When I graduated from college this past May, I met with my professor with whom I took the final, graduate level class I needed to complete one of my majors. We had a very good relationship and I earned an A in her class. She promised me if I needed a recommendation for law school, that I could absolutely depend on her to write me one. In mid-September, I emailed her school email address refreshing her memory of me and asking if she would be so kind as to write me a recommendation as we had discussed a few months ago. A week went by and I didn't hear from her. I followed up that email with a second one and cc'd her personal Gmail account to it, which she used to communicate with me when I was writing my paper. Still no response. I called her department at my school to see if they could connect me and they told me she was on a leave of absence this semester; my professor never told me she was thinking about doing that when we met. Recently, I called her personal cell number (which I had because we communicated frequently when I was writing my final paper for my major) and left her a voicemail saying I had called the department and heard she was on a leave of absence and was glad she was alright because I thought something was wrong since she wasn't answering my emails. I said in my message how she was my first choice for a recommendation and I felt she could best speak for my academic accomplishments and my work ethic and asked if she could please call me back. It has been two days and I have yet to hear from her. I think I need to give up on this potential recommend-er, but I was wondering, since it is a bit late to ask for recommendations, how to go about asking another professor for a LOR/LOE. I have a few in mind I can ask, but neither have a close a connection to me as this professor did, and they haven't had me in a class as recently as this professor did. Any advice in this situation will help! Thank you, and I apologize for this novel long post!

[ihenry]

Seems you have exhausted your means to get back in touch with her, so yeah, I would turn to a different professor. In my experience the turnaround time is usually two to three weeks, from I ask to they submit the letters. Thus, you would probably have your application ready before the end of this month if you ask now, which is still not late. Also, while it is advisable to pick professors who know you best, it's unlikely to make a difference if you submit a not so stellar, or even mediocre letter; and if she later replies you can always assign her letter to schools. Anyway, don't let this professor hamper your application process.

[Abraham Lincoln Uni.]

At this point, it is wise to find another letter of recommendation. In the event this professor does get back to you within the time frame of applying, you may always continue with her. However, at this point, you may contact any professor that you believe would write you a solid letter. It is suggested to send them an email and if you live close to the campus, schedule a visit so the professor can see you face to face, you can provide a CV/resume and reason why you are going to law school to give him or her a better idea of what to write. Professors are asked to write letters all the time, even for students they do not know that well. That is why it is suggested to have a phone conversation or meet them in person.

Best of luck!