Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 16:05     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
My daughter asked a teacher for it by October 15 (all her apps where in by Sept 5). The teacher said "well the due date is 11/1" and still hasnt written anything. Luckily for my kid she had backups, so if the teacher never submits she doesn't care but it is very rude and God forbid my kid was relying on that.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 16:00     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:That's why I think the gentle reminder in the form of a thank you note is appropriate. That's it.


While this could be considered offensive because it diminishes the idea of a sincere “thank you,” I’ll take it.

I get thanked for 1 out of about every 30-35 recommendations I write.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 15:15     Subject: Re:Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:Teachers- if you don’t have time, then please don’t agree to doing it. It’s that easy!


Literally no teacher "has time" to do these. They are honestly a complete waste of time and I say that as someone who has been a college professor who has to do a ton even from places I'm no longer employed AND as someone who has been on admissions committees and not read them.

It would be better if they were checklists or just listed references we could email in fence cases.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 15:02     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:It’s infuriating, college and medical school applications held up for months because teachers can’t take 5 mins.
Have your kid make an appt during office hours and sit there while they do it.
Teachers, do what you say you’ll do in a timely manner.


That 100% isn’t going to happen. No, don’t lie and say “well, ACTUALLY my kid did it.” No, they didn’t. It’s just some weird pathetic power fantasy.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 15:00     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
I guess I don’t see why it can’t be a checklist of likert scale for a bunch of questions. This is such a waste of time and then it doesn’t even make a difference in almost all cases.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 14:47     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
That's why I think the gentle reminder in the form of a thank you note is appropriate. That's it.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 13:09     Subject: Re:Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:I’ve never heard of teachers agreeing and then not timely submitting them. I get that it’s stressful. But they aren’t late. There’s still a full week.



I can think of two colleagues who didn't write them. One was diagnosed with cancer and was too sick with chemo and the other one's son died around this time of year. Life happens.

Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:19     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


How did you select in the App?


When he goes to submit the application to the school, common anpp asks him to select which recommendation he wants to submit. He currently has only one, and the school requires only one. If he had more, they’d show up, and he could select them. Again, this is a niche situation of a school that requires only one rec but will accept more. If it required two, the second would automatically be sent when completed. Because a second isn’t required, it won’t automatically be sent if he’s already submitted his app.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:17     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


this is concerning. unless kid is asking for two and your ED school only needs one.

IN ANY CASE, if your kid hasn't talked to the writer about this specifically since last SPRING - get on it. Reach out, "thank you again .. do you need anything form me, etc" My kids sent their teachers their entire app -- essays, activities - so teacher could see what the student was presenting and could add in a new way or reinforce or give context, whatever. Also, make sure the teacher doesn't have any forms they need filled out. One of my kids have a teacher who basically made the kids write more essays - which they used.

Also, as a PTA member, ask your school to think about the teachers. Our school limits recs to 15 per teacher. And they give them PSAT day off to write them (or a chunk of them). Freshman and Sophomore teachers proctor the exam. Students have the day off. Schools should support these teachers and they will given parent pressure


Teacher here. This is amazing! I would be so grateful if my PTA and admin worked together to find ways to support teachers. It’s true that some teachers write none and others write many. It’s a huge burden, but steps like what you outlined above would make a major difference.

Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:16     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


this is concerning. unless kid is asking for two and your ED school only needs one.

IN ANY CASE, if your kid hasn't talked to the writer about this specifically since last SPRING - get on it. Reach out, "thank you again .. do you need anything form me, etc" My kids sent their teachers their entire app -- essays, activities - so teacher could see what the student was presenting and could add in a new way or reinforce or give context, whatever. Also, make sure the teacher doesn't have any forms they need filled out. One of my kids have a teacher who basically made the kids write more essays - which they used.

Also, as a PTA member, ask your school to think about the teachers. Our school limits recs to 15 per teacher. And they give them PSAT day off to write them (or a chunk of them). Freshman and Sophomore teachers proctor the exam. Students have the day off. Schools should support these teachers and they will given parent pressure


Good god people. Please read the post before scolding. All of this is addressed

Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:15     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


Please tell me you aren’t asking for recommendations that you ultimately won’t use. I get there’s strategy to college applications, but teachers need to focus their time and dedication on letters that will actually be used.


What? No. Some schools require only one but accept more as optional. Some require two. My kid is applying to both types, so he has two. A school that requires one but will accept more is the situation I’m talking about here.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:14     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


this is concerning. unless kid is asking for two and your ED school only needs one.

IN ANY CASE, if your kid hasn't talked to the writer about this specifically since last SPRING - get on it. Reach out, "thank you again .. do you need anything form me, etc" My kids sent their teachers their entire app -- essays, activities - so teacher could see what the student was presenting and could add in a new way or reinforce or give context, whatever. Also, make sure the teacher doesn't have any forms they need filled out. One of my kids have a teacher who basically made the kids write more essays - which they used.

Also, as a PTA member, ask your school to think about the teachers. Our school limits recs to 15 per teacher. And they give them PSAT day off to write them (or a chunk of them). Freshman and Sophomore teachers proctor the exam. Students have the day off. Schools should support these teachers and they will given parent pressure
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:06     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


How did you select in the App?
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 12:01     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.


Please tell me you aren’t asking for recommendations that you ultimately won’t use. I get there’s strategy to college applications, but teachers need to focus their time and dedication on letters that will actually be used.
Anonymous
Post 10/25/2025 11:55     Subject: Teacher still hasn’t submitted letter of recommendation
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I will start by saying, as the child of a retired teacher, that I agree with and echo everything teachers have written: this is a ton of work for them, and they take it seriously and want to do it well. Thank you.

The one piece of context I will add that explained why for my kid, at least, not having both recs in by now is stressful is that his ED school requires only one recommendation but will accept up to three. Obviously he wants to put his best foot forward so wants to attach both recs. But because he can meet the minimum requirement with the one rec that’s in, he can’t ensure that the second rec will be added to his application after he submits. So if the teacher doesn’t submit until Nov. 1, my kid has to wait until Nov. 1 (a Saturday) to submit his application, which means if there are any issues with submission that he can’t get help with them until two days after the deadline.

So the concern from some kids isn’t necessarily that teachers won’t meet the deadline but rather that the kids need a little bit of wiggle room to manage recs to align with each school’s unique submission rules.

That said, the teacher my kid has been waiting for just emailed saying recs will be done a few days before the Nov. 1 deadline. This was a big relief to my kid and meant he didn’t have to bother the teacher.


Theres no extra credit for it being in early. Your kid can submit their part and still allow others to wait for the deadline.


You misunderstand. It’s not about being early. It’s about being able to select which teachers’ recs are included in the app and having a little bit of cushion to deal with any issues that come up while submitting. It’s a relatively niche situation, but it does exist.