What happens if you don't submit a letter of recommendation?

Whether or not your college application will be considered if you do not send a letter of recommendation or any other required documents depends on the specific college's policy. Some colleges may review incomplete applications, while others may reject them outright.

What if my recommender never sent their letter?

Call the Admissions Office Immediately

Contact the admissions office as soon as possible. Calling the office directly is better than sending an email, because you need a response right away.

Can I get accepted without recommendation letters?

You must check the requirements of each program that you want to apply to and make sure whether they do or do not require letters of recommendation. Many of the degree programs do require letters of recommendation, but a few select programs do not.

What happens if a letter of recommendation is late?

Schools will generally be somewhat forgiving on late letters of recommendation. Generally are much less so about the applications themselves. Sometimes there are official closing dates for the university and you simply won't be able to apply.

Can letters of recommendation be sent after application deadline?

Yes. Submit your application by the deadline. The letters of recommendation may be uploaded by the recommender after your submission, but preferably within two weeks of the deadline.

SJC Application Series #5 | Avoiding a bad recommendation letter

Can teachers submit letters of recommendation after you submit your application?

You are allowed to submit your application before your counselor or teachers submit their school forms whether they choose to do so online or on paper. The Common Application system allows recommendations to be submitted even after the application has been submitted.

Can you add letters of recommendation after submitting?

Absolutely, you can still add recommenders after submitting your Common App! However, keep in mind that each college has its own policies regarding letters of recommendation and might limit the number of recommenders you can have, so be sure to check each school's policy.

What happens if a professor doesn t submit letter of recommendation?

If a recommendation letter is missing, you must approach the faculty member and give a gentle nudge. Many students find requesting recommendation letters difficult. Following up on late letters often is petrifying. Don't be afraid.

Do colleges accept late letters of recommendation?

There is likely not an official grace period per se, but colleges are sympathetic. They will understand that if your teachers are sending in their letters late, it's not your fault and it will not reflect poorly on you.

Is there a grace period for recommendation letters?

Recommendation letters have the same deadline as the overall application. That means you must submit recommendation letters with your application before the deadline. There is no grace period.

Are recommendation letters mandatory?

Most selective colleges and universities require one to three recommendation letters with your application, usually from your guidance counselor and at least one teacher. Recommendation letters are typically submitted electronically through the school-specific supplements on The Common Application.

Is recommendation letter a must?

Whether applying for a job or to an advanced degree program, you will probably need a letter of recommendation. This document should be written by someone in your life who can attest to your excellence and expertise.

Do recommenders know if you got accepted?

Usually not. You should write a thank you note to your recommenders when they give you a recommendation; and then follow up to let them know whether or not you got in.

Do colleges really look at letters of recommendation?

Well, truth be told, it's not always that simple. While letters of recommendation are just one part of your application, they do play an important role in the college admissions process.

Do colleges verify letters of recommendation?

The truth is that no one would probably check if the letter was modified. The moral is that any self-respecting institute should solicit letters directly from the references, and not accept letters appended to the application by the candidate (who can clearly forge such a letter).

Can I get into college without letters of recommendation?

Yes, you can apply to a college without letters of recommendation. However, you have to confirm with the admissions office that the university doesn't require letters of recommendation. If you find a program that suits you, complete your application and submit the relevant documents.

Is it rude to remind professor about letter of recommendation?

While students are sometimes worried this will seem like “nagging,” busy faculty and professionals tend to sincerely appreciate the reminder. Be courteous and ask if they have any additional questions or need any additional information from you.

Can I submit 3 letters of recommendation?

Familiarize yourself with the different requirements among schools and pay close attention to their instructions. Most colleges will ask for up to three letters of recommendation, so keep that in mind and don't overdo it. If a school wants two recommendation letters, only submit two.

Can you submit the same letter of recommendation twice?

No. Separate letters of recommendation are required for each application you submit. Recommenders are asked to provide a recommendation based on the particular program for which you are applying, so letters of recommendation are specific to each application.

Can professors resubmit letters of recommendation?

In principle, the professor can resend the letter, either by revisiting the portal or by emailing the admissions committee directly, but it's really not worth the trouble. How do you know what was in the letter the professor submitted?

Can I send recommendation letters myself?

When you require a letter of recommendation in a timely manner or if your supervisor is too busy to write it, you can write a self-recommendation and have it approved or signed at a later time. A self-recommendation may also help when you feel you possess a greater understanding of your strengths than your recommender.

When should you submit a letter of recommendation?

In order to read your letter in tandem with the student's application, we ask that you submit your letters of recommendations early in the application season or immediately after the student has applied.

What happens if you fake a recommendation?

First, the vast majority of employers check references, and if you're caught using a fake reference, your application will be immediately rejected. It's not a gamble worth taking, especially if your application stands a chance of success based on your actual (true) skills and experiences.

Is it better to waive my right for recommendation letters?

Waiving your right to see letters of recommendation allows your recommenders to provide an honest assessment of you without fear that you will read it and judge them for their comments. This can lead to more accurate and meaningful letters which can help strengthen your application.

Is it bad to not waive right for recommendation letters?

You should waive the right to view the recommendation letters because potential employers and schools may wonder why you feel the need to preview the letter. A confident applicant will not be insecure about the information in the letter.