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a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:30 am
by blackcat007
here is my problem: one of my potential recommender says that he needs to be given atleast 3-4 weeks in advance the reco forms, since he will be busy with his class during november and december. so what i thought, for the paper based recos like TAMU, i can just print out the form and give them to him now, he will mail it to me after filling them.
and for the online recos, i will start my application process in november beginning, ie even before taking my PGRE, in that case they will be sending the online recos to all my recommenders that intant and i will feed in my relevant scores and info eventually before the deadline. will this work?

Re: a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:40 am
by blackcat007
here a continuing problem.. the pdf for of the reco letter also has some blanks that are to be filled by me. so if i give them now to him, how will i fill those particulars. also i suppose you need to send the reco letter in sealed and signed envelops by your recommender?

Re: a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 9:32 am
by grae313
For the online rec's, just start your apps early and everything will be taken care of, as you said. For the paper apps, you need to print out the forms and hand them to your letter writer along with a stamped addressed envelope so that when they are done, they just stick it in the envelope and mail it off. If there are parts on the form you can't fill out yet like PGRE score, don't worry--he'll understand if you tell him why since he's the one who asked you to get the stuff to him so early. Just send him an email to update your status as soon as you can and he'll fill out those parts or ask you to give him an updated form.

Re: a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:04 am
by twistor
How did you get so many posts....

Re: a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:40 am
by blackcat007
twistor wrote:How did you get so many posts....
i don't get it... :?

Re: a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:10 pm
by twistor
Not you...

Re: a problem

Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:34 pm
by blackcat007
twistor wrote:Not you...
ooh you should specify that!! :)

Re: a problem

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:08 pm
by grae313
blackcat007 wrote:
twistor wrote:How did you get so many posts....
i don't get it... :?
lol

Re: a problem

Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 1:38 pm
by pqortic
well, in many rec letters that I have seen there was no blank for PGRE or something like that. you are supposed to enter only personal info. but your rec writer may ask for your scores.

Re: a problem

Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:05 pm
by blackcat007
grae313 wrote: For the paper apps, you need to print out the forms and hand them to your letter writer along with a stamped addressed envelope so that when they are done, they just stick it in the envelope and mail it off.
can he not mail them to me instead? and i will mail them to US? should the info in the reco (ie what he wrote about me) be concealed?

Re: a problem

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:46 pm
by slugger
I did a bunch of paper letters too. All of my schools (with the exception of CUNY) expected the letters to be sent by the recommender to the school. Grae is right, you want to print your forms, fill out only YOUR section with personal info and give it to your reccommender along with envelopes with postage and the addresses of the departments they are going to. Also you might want to write a short letter to each reccommender thanking them, and listing the due dates of each application, as well as reminding the reccommender to sign the envelope across the seal in the back (its easy to forget). Good luck!

Re: a problem

Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:49 pm
by grae313
blackcat007 wrote:
grae313 wrote: For the paper apps, you need to print out the forms and hand them to your letter writer along with a stamped addressed envelope so that when they are done, they just stick it in the envelope and mail it off.
can he not mail them to me instead? and i will mail them to US? should the info in the reco (ie what he wrote about me) be concealed?
Letters of recommendation are confidential. What they write should not be influenced by that fact that you might see it, and most schools have you sign a waiver of your right to view these letters. Legally, you are allowed to not sign this and see them, but it is generally expected that you will. It's just how these things go--to help ensure a completely honest and unbiased evaluation. Also, if the letters come through the student, their integrity is under question.