tinyzombie
She of the Ass-Kicking Socks, and a
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,446
elevate from this point on - chuck d
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« on: December 08, 2011, 04:46:21 PM » |
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Hi all,
I think there are some old threads on this, and I apologize in advance for a semi-snowflakey question, but I'm not sure what next step to take.
I'm currently in the middle of applying to humanities doctoral programs,* and one of my recommenders is AWOL. I asked him to write two months ago, and sent along all of my information (PS, CV, papers, etc) when he said he'd do it. This is the last I've heard from him.
Today marks a week past the deadline of my first (and top choice) program (at the university where he teaches). I sent a reminder email before the deadline, and another a couple days after; in the latter, I reminded him about the HisUni rec, as well as restating the (later) deadlines for the other programs to which I'm applying. He is teaching abroad this semester, so I can't pop by his office for some face time.
I have a sense that the faculty in his department on the selection committee won't be surprised that his letter is late (he often needs a lot of reminding to get things in on time). I'm not sure how this situation will affect my application, however. Should I get in touch with the DGS if I don't hear from him? His letter is technically an extra one for my application to HisUni, but I think his comments about my work will be helpful, and in any case, the letter won't be extra for the other programs.
Apologies if this isn't clear. Any and all advice is appreciated.**
Thanks,
TZ
*Yes. I know.
**Except "don't apply." That's another thread.
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Correct, as usual, TZ. That's because you are not Dude. TZ, however, is Dude. TZ is my favorite. I wish YOU began with A. |
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systeme_d_
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« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2011, 05:15:42 PM » |
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TZ, does this mean you are in the MA program at HisUni? If so, go talk to the administrative assistant and ask what Professor Recommender's timeline usually is. Make it clear that you're stressing, and that his letter will be important to your other applications.
Don't worry so much about the letter for the PhD program at HisUni, since you're covered there with other letters, and since the faculty in that program know he's chronically tardy with such things.
But what you need to do is to get someone else to nudge him. The administrative assistant may even be able to get the chair to help.
If you have close relationship with the DGS, or with other faculty at HisUni, mention your anxiety to them, and ask how to light a fire under his butt. They might have just the ticket.
Good luck!
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Systeme_D is right. <rah rah RESEARCH!> |
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goaswerfraiejen
Junior member
Posts: 75
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« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2011, 01:35:53 AM » |
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LORs are often late. As long as the committee hasn't met yet, there's still time to get it in.
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tinyzombie
She of the Ass-Kicking Socks, and a
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,446
elevate from this point on - chuck d
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« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2011, 01:16:14 PM » |
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Thanks to both of you for your replies! The suggestions to get someone else to nudge and that there's still time are both much appreciated! I take both more seriously coming from someone else than telling myself.
Système, I'm not in the MA program for which he teaches, but I did graduate from a related one (he's in Books about Baskets, and I studied Basket Media). I can certainly reach out to the admin.
And thanks for the luck!
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Correct, as usual, TZ. That's because you are not Dude. TZ, however, is Dude. TZ is my favorite. I wish YOU began with A. |
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tinyzombie
She of the Ass-Kicking Socks, and a
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,446
elevate from this point on - chuck d
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« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2011, 01:48:12 PM » |
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Frustrated update: AWOL prof is still AWOL. I sent another reminder, and I'm getting in touch with the admin for his program. The only other thing I can think of to do is to comment on his blog, but he hasn't even posted there in a week or so.
TZ, feeling like a stalker, starting to panic
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Correct, as usual, TZ. That's because you are not Dude. TZ, however, is Dude. TZ is my favorite. I wish YOU began with A. |
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larryc
Hu hatin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 18,285
Eschew the hu.
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« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2011, 02:36:49 PM » |
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You need to find a backup letter writer, yesterday. Also have you contacted the department secretary?
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tinyzombie
She of the Ass-Kicking Socks, and a
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,446
elevate from this point on - chuck d
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« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2011, 03:07:15 PM » |
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You need to find a backup letter writer, yesterday. Also have you contacted the department secretary?
I was afraid of that. It'll have to be an undergrad prof. (And yes - I sent the email to the admin that I had drafted.) FFS. |
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Correct, as usual, TZ. That's because you are not Dude. TZ, however, is Dude. TZ is my favorite. I wish YOU began with A. |
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systeme_d_
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« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2011, 12:23:37 AM » |
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There's nothing wrong with one letter from undergrad.
This guy sucks, though. Sorry, TZ.
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Systeme_D is right. <rah rah RESEARCH!> |
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tinyzombie
She of the Ass-Kicking Socks, and a
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 7,446
elevate from this point on - chuck d
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« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2011, 03:13:42 PM » |
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There's nothing wrong with one letter from undergrad.
This guy sucks, though. Sorry, TZ.
Thanks, système - and thanks, larry, for the kick in the butt. An undergrad prof is busting her butt to write for my four remaining schools. The kicker? I haven't heard a peep from Deadbeat Prof, but one of the schools has apparently received a letter from him. The deadline? 12/31. I need a nap. |
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Correct, as usual, TZ. That's because you are not Dude. TZ, however, is Dude. TZ is my favorite. I wish YOU began with A. |
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tuxedo_cat
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« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2011, 08:50:40 PM » |
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The kicker? I haven't heard a peep from Deadbeat Prof, but one of the schools has apparently received a letter from him. The deadline? 12/31.
Oooh. . . that sounds hopeful! Perhaps the other letters will magically get there, too? And I'll bet the Prof. Emergency Letter is pulling out all the stops for you. Good luck! |
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The only protection from zombies is a good friend who runs slightly more slowly than you do.
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