Effective Strategies for Promptly Reminding Your Professor to Submit Your Recommendation Letter

How to Remind Professor to Submit Recommendation Letter

Writing a recommendation letter is a crucial task for professors, especially when students are applying for graduate programs, internships, or scholarships. However, professors often have a busy schedule, and it is not uncommon for them to forget to submit the letter on time. As a student, it is important to remind your professor about the deadline and ensure that the letter is submitted promptly. Here are some effective strategies to help you remind your professor to submit the recommendation letter.

1. Plan Ahead

Start by planning ahead and giving your professor ample time to write and submit the letter. Ideally, you should ask for the recommendation letter at least a month before the deadline. This will give your professor enough time to complete the letter without feeling rushed.

2. Follow Up with a Gentle Reminder

A few days before the deadline, send a gentle reminder to your professor. You can do this via email or a message on a communication platform like Canvas or Slack. Make sure to include the following details in your reminder:

• The specific deadline for the recommendation letter.
• The purpose of the letter (e.g., graduate program application, scholarship, internship).
• A brief reminder of your relationship with the professor (e.g., “I took your course on [subject] in [semester] and would greatly appreciate your support with my application to [program/scholarship/internship]”).

3. Offer Assistance

Let your professor know that you are willing to help in any way possible. This could include providing additional information about your application, answering any questions they might have, or offering to meet in person to discuss the letter. By showing that you are proactive and willing to assist, you may encourage your professor to prioritize the task.

4. Follow Up with a Second Reminder

One or two days before the deadline, send a second reminder to your professor. This will serve as a gentle nudge and help to ensure that the letter is submitted on time. Remember to maintain a polite and respectful tone in your follow-up messages.

5. Express Gratitude

Once the recommendation letter is submitted, take the time to express your gratitude to your professor. Send a thank-you email or message, and let them know how much you appreciate their support. This will not only show your appreciation but may also encourage them to write a recommendation letter for you in the future.

In conclusion, reminding your professor to submit a recommendation letter requires patience, persistence, and a proactive approach. By following these strategies, you can ensure that your professor is reminded of the deadline and that the letter is submitted on time.