Submitting Recommendations on Common App After Deadlines

Hello fellow applicants, I’m in a bit of a dilemma! Do you guys know if my recommenders can submit their letters after the Common App deadline has passed? I'm worried they might not get their letters in on time and I don't want it to affect my application.

Hey there, I'm glad you reached out about your concern. It’s totally understandable to be anxious about all your application materials arriving on time. The good news is that many colleges do offer a grace period for recommendation letters to be submitted after the application deadline has passed. Admissions offices are aware that teachers and counselors are managing multiple recommendation requests, and they tend to be flexible with the submission of those documents.

That being said, it's crucial to check with each specific college to which you're applying, as policies can differ from school to school. Some institutions may have strict cutoffs, while others may be more lenient. It’s usually best if your application is entirely complete by the deadline, but a late letter of recommendation doesn't typically jeopardize the entire application, especially if everything else is submitted on time.

Reach out to your recommenders to gently remind them of the deadline, and perhaps suggest they submit their letters sooner rather than later to avoid any mishaps. If you foresee a significant delay, it's worth contacting the admissions office to explain the situation; transparency can go a long way. Hang in there, and remember, this happens pretty often and can usually be resolved with some communication!