Sally_Rubenstone

Question: I am applying Early Decision to UPenn. I am using the Common App. My HS counselor says it’s all right for her to submit her recommendation letter after the Nov. 1 deadline. But don’t the universities wait to have the complete application before they even consider it? Thanks Colleges won’t penalize students if materials [...]

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Roger_Dooley

Sally answers, "a few days probably won't hurt" but notes that any significant delay could derail an app by preventing it from being read in a timely manner. (Follow the link for the whole reply!)

What's your experience - have you had difficulties in getting recommendation letters on time? How have you dealt with the problem without aggravating the person you hope writes a great recommendation?

Sally_Rubenstone

Good point, Alexa8355. I often observe from the "Ask the Dean" questions I receive that some students are terrified of contacting admission officers. So they send questions to me, "The Dean," that should really go directly to the college itself.

Of course, there are always some students (or parents) who pester admission folks, and that isn't appropriate either. But, more commonly, the opposite is true. Applicants suffer in silence when a quick call to the admission office could put them out of their misery.

my3gr8boyz

Penn extended its deadline to Nov 6th (yesterday) and I'm guessing will be a little lenient due to the storm, especially if you live in an area affected by the Sandy. My son is applied to Duke ED, and they extended to Nov 4th (which didn't help with the teacher recommendations, since school was out the entire week and didn't start up again til the 5th) so his LORs just got there today. I called a few times (they didn't even ask my name) to get impressions about lateness, and they were definitely more concerned with the student portion of the application. I would contact the school and just ask.

Dionram28

Unless she sends it in at an excessive late day u shouldn't however you should check on the status of the recommendation with her and urge her to finish asap.

rincehoro

Nope, totally fine. They usually have about a month after the application deadline to send in their letter of rec!

monkeys12

^^^ Yeah, things like test scores or recommendations doesn't need to be exactly on time because they don't want to penalize you for something that was not in your control.