<p>With budget cuts, many professors are lacking administrative support they previously had. In addition, administrative help is primarily dedicated to helping with ongoing teaching and grant support. LOR support is relatively low on the priority list for many departments providing administrative help to profs. The online systems can take quite a bit more time, due to the multiple re-entry of data that must be continually re-typed (many online forms do not accept cut and paste entries!),</p>
<p>It is also critical that students select LOR writers who actually know them and who will place their LOR higher on their priority of to do items. I am frequently inundated by requests from students I barely know. I often indicate that I would not be the best LOR writer for them, but if they are desperate for a LOR, I sometimes give into pressure and agree. However, these LORs are a much lower priority for me than for students I know well and actively support. </p>
<p>Lesson:
- Profs are busy and need friendly reminders that are accompanied by CV/resume material to make writing that LOR easier for them to finish!
AND - Students need to select profs who actually know and support them!</p>