Mini vent

[hallows]

I'm in the process of applying to grad school. I've actually been "in the process" since April. I've gotten everything in EXCEPT 2 of the 3 required letters of recommendation.

I told them about the August 1 deadline when I started working on getting my stuff in back in April, and told them "but sooner is better so they can go ahead with the application/interview process." They both assured me they sent the letter in. So imagine my surprise when I was assigned an advisor who told me he's still waiting on my other 2 letters. I sent emails to both of the people again saying that they haven't gotten the letter, so would you mind sending it again in case it got lost in the mail? They both let me know they'd send a 2nd one.

Today I get another email from my advisor saying it's a week past the deadline and he still doesn't have the other 2 letters. WTF?? Someone is dropping the ball somewhere, and I'm SO annoyed!

I feel like I'm hounding these people, who I know are very busy, but come on! They either sent the letters and they got lost in the mail twice, they told me they sent the letters but actually didn't, or they're not making it to the advisor's desk.

Full application and interview process needs to be done by Sept. 1, and classes are supposed to start first week in October. I feel like I'm running out of time and getting panicky. :-(

[jennlin]

aww i'm so sorry, that sucks. who are these two people? can you talk to them more personally, and say, you're sorry to keep bugging you, but i need this? or can you write a basic letter, and just have them sign it?

i'm sorry.

[Deleted]

Aug 9, 2012 15:32:57 GMT -5 jennlin said:

aww i'm so sorry, that sucks. who are these two people? can you talk to them more personally, and say, you're sorry to keep bugging you, but i need this? or can you write a basic letter, and just have them sign it?

i'm sorry.

This.

That sucks, I'm sorry!

[Deleted]

Can you have them email it to you and then you can send it directly to your advisor?

That's what I did with mine.....I asked them to do it that way so that "I don't have to bug you every time I need one..."

[hallows]

One was my previous employer, so a very good recommendation, and the other way my trainer. Neither are flaky, so I dunno what happened. I reminded them both and they were all "My bad. I'll take care of it Right. Now." So hopefully I won't have to worry about it anymore.

Also, they needed to be in sealed envelopes with their signature across the back, so email was a no-go.

[amandasw]

Aug 9, 2012 17:35:06 GMT -5 @kinmir30 said:

Can you have them email it to you and then you can send it directly to your advisor?

That's what I did with mine.....I asked them to do it that way so that "I don't have to bug you every time I need one..."

for situations where email doesn't work, I know that UW has an awesome system where they can hold letters for you! Whatever college you went to, it might be worth checking out if they offer this service to alumni. Basically, they will hold them (you sign away your right to see it, like with a paper copy that has a sealed/signed envelope) and you can have them send out a copy of the letter whenever. It was a pretty small fee, maybe $5, but was awesome when I was applying for grad school.

ETA: it was also awesome because my letter writers only had to write one letter and send it to one place - then I could send it out to the 20 places I was applying.

[hallows]

I'll look into that amanda, thanks!