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What to do about LOR

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 2:15 pm
by UMiamiCane
I have two LORs, one from my boss of the last several years, one from an UG professor. I wanted to apply to my #1 school the day applications were accepted; however, neither LOR is ready yet (yes I asked a long time ago). My boss said she'll have hers in the next few days, but my professor has not responded to my emails since she agreed to write it (I don't think she's changed her mind, she enthusiastically accepted). If I can't get in touch with her by the end of the month, should I submit with only one LOR? I want to apply very early since I am a splitter and want the best chance of acceptance and $$.

Thanks!

Re: What to do about LOR

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 2:17 pm
by rinkrat19
You can wait until mid-October and still be "very early." The first big rush of applications is around Halloween when October scores come out (and even those are early). I'd give it a few more weeks. Call or visit the prof, too; don't just rely on email.

Re: What to do about LOR

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 2:19 pm
by UMiamiCane
Thanks! I was going to call if I didn't hear from her by the end of the month. So there's not really a difference between Sept and Oct submission?

Re: What to do about LOR

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 2:20 pm
by rinkrat19
UMiamiCane wrote:Thanks! I was going to call if I didn't hear from her by the end of the month. So there's not really a difference between Sept and Oct submission?
Not really, no. They're still very early.

Re: What to do about LOR

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 2:24 pm
by UMiamiCane
Okay, thanks! I'm not sure what to do if I can't get in touch with her at all(I don't live in the same town anymore), but I guess I'll cross the bridge if I come to it.

Re: What to do about LOR

Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 3:27 pm
by rinkrat19
UMiamiCane wrote:Okay, thanks! I'm not sure what to do if I can't get in touch with her at all(I don't live in the same town anymore), but I guess I'll cross the bridge if I come to it.
Actually, you should probably start crossing that bridge before then, because "when you come to it" is too late. Start looking for another UG prof to write a letter. Even profs who don't necessarily remember you will frequently be willing. You might have to provide them with info on the class you took from them and your grade, and maybe send them your transcript and a paper you wrote in their class.

You NEED an academic letter. If that first one falls through in a month, you'll really have to scramble.

Re: What to do about LOR

Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 4:01 pm
by UMiamiCane
You NEED an academic letter. If that first one falls through in a month, you'll really have to scramble.
What if I'm 6 years out of undergrad? Would it be more understandable.