Recommender question- very urgent

Question

Around mid-Dec, I submitted to my recommender all of the info needed for him to complete the recs (he knew about these since early Fall). Well, at that time he told me that he was having back surgery the next week and would do his best. He completed one rec that week. The next two deadlines were 1/8 and 1/15 and he felt that he would have no problem getting these completed as well. Well, it's now 1/16 and both have not been completed. Apparently, he will be out of work until early February due to the surgery and I've attempted to reach him approx 3-4 times via phone and email, but I'm afraid to bother him because of the surgery.

I need these recs within the next 1-2 weeks or these two apps will not be considered for round two. Should I continue to follow up with him (he is a prior manager)? Or, should I ask for a quick rec from my current supervisor? My current supervisor does not currently know of my intentions to go back to school.

Thanks

braindancer · Answer

It depends on the situation of course, but I wouldn't bother the guy in a hospital. Switch to your current supervisor. Besides, most schools require a sold explanation in case you don't file a reco from your current manager. So it may actually be a good thing to ask him do it.

timothycosulich · Answer

I'd definitely agree with braindancer.... you don't want to run the risk of ending up with no rec. letter! Also, if your current manager can provide you with a good recommendation, I am sure the AdCom will certainly appreciate that choice!

rhyme · Answer

Several request you explain this, but its not because they are looking for "some darn good reason", most understand and readily accept that you may not wish to divulge your plans to your current employer. I guess what I'm trying to say is that its very much acceptable not to have a current manager write your req, all it takes is a one sentence explanation - if that.

johnnyx9 · Answer

I agree w/ Rhyme. Schools say that they require an explanation if you don't have a current supervisor write a rec, but this doesn't mean it's a bad thing. You can just say something like, "I would like to postpone notifying my manager of my intentions to attend business school until I have made a final decision..." or something like that.

That sucks about the situation with the guy and the back surgery. Did you guys write rough drafts for your recommenders? If you're going to give up on the back surgery rec and go with your current supervisor you should make his/her life easy and just write a rough draft and say to them, "Here's a letter I put together with some of my accomplishments, I thought this letter might give you an idea of the structure that the school's are looking for, feel free to use as much or as little as you would like."

This will guarantee that you get a quick turnaround on your rec.

craig2464 · Answer

The "prior manager" actual works for my current company. I just changed to a new location and my new supervisor does not know my intentions.
The company is still the same so I'm not sure that the Adcom would know the difference.
I set a deadline. If I don't hear anything by tomorrow, I'm going to ask my current supervisor. He will be more than willing to help me.

jayy178 · Answer

i have a similar issue with my letter of rec. I originally sent out the request to my recommender early December. To this date , I still he still has not gotten it done. I've called him repeatedly and have been trying to find an update, but haven't been able to successfully. Last I spoke to him was about 1.5 weeks ago. I've already turned in my application so his info. is the last piece (rolling admissions)

does anyone know if i can find someone else to replace this reco. even though ive already submitted my app - the application has his info on it so it might be strange that the reco doesnt match up with the name/info on the app.

3underscore · Answer

Call the adcom and explain. They will be quite understanding I would expect, and appreciate your keen to get your app through.

Then make sure you get someone reliable.

craig2464 · Answer

I called the Adcom today. I removed the first recommender, explained why, and added the info for the new recommender. The lady that assisted me was very helpful. My current supervisor is going to complete both this weekend. I'm glad he's doing them, as he just received his MBA approx one month ago.

Recommender question- very urgent

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