Late MA Application - Late Academic Reference

Hi everyone,

I hope someone can help. I've always wanted to go into postgrad study, but could never afford it. Very recently I decided to take the plunge and just go for it. I found a course I really liked the look of at Birmingham, and admissions said they'd still be willing to look over my application, even though the course starts at the end of September. I quickly put together an application, and contacted academic referees. However, one of my referees STILL hasn't submitted my reference. I've emailed a gentle reminder, but had no response.

Has anyone had any experience of such a late application? My academic record is excellent, and my on time referee said her reference would be 'glowing'. With this in mind, do you think Birmingham would be willing to overlook one of my referees being late? Or would they not even look over my application until it's complete (even though I've done all I can).

Any help / experiences would be appreciated!


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I'd phone your referee and speak to them. If they're academic, then they're winding up to the start of the new academic year and things are becoming frantic. If you can politely say "I need your reference by... or I'll lose my chance" and give them a date to aim for, that might help bump you up the "Stuff To Do" list.

Also phone the MA course people and tell them what is going on.

I was offered a PhD studentship and had an enormous problem getting a copy of an 'on file' reference from my u/g Uni. My PhD Uni was helpful and sympathetic.

Hi everyone,

I hope someone can help. I've always wanted to go into postgrad study, but could never afford it. Very recently I decided to take the plunge and just go for it. I found a course I really liked the look of at Birmingham, and admissions said they'd still be willing to look over my application, even though the course starts at the end of September. I quickly put together an application, and contacted academic referees. However, one of my referees STILL hasn't submitted my reference. I've emailed a gentle reminder, but had no response.

Has anyone had any experience of such a late application? My academic record is excellent, and my on time referee said her reference would be 'glowing'. With this in mind, do you think Birmingham would be willing to overlook one of my referees being late? Or would they not even look over my application until it's complete (even though I've done all I can).

Any help / experiences would be appreciated!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App