I'm having a major crisis (at least it feels that way...). I submitted my application for an accelerated nursing program before the Nov. 1 deadline. I had all my rec's lined up long before that. Two of my recommenders submitted their rec's well before the deadline, but the third one lagged. I sent her polite reminders asking if she needed anything from me, but she kept saying she would take care of it ASAP. Days before the application was due, I contacted her again. This time, she said she had already submitted it online. My online account said she hadn't, so I contacted the school the next day to get their advice. They said she should email or fax it ASAP (by this time, it was past the application due date). So I called my recommender and asked if she would be able to do either of those, and she said it wouldn't be a problem. I followed up with her the day after, and she said she'd faxed AND emailed it. (Sidenote: she lives across the country from me and my school of choice.)

So then I had to wait a few more days for the school to send out automated emails letting applicants know if they were missing any materials (the Admission department said they were not taking calls at this time). I got the email two days ago, and it said they did NOT have her recommendation. I've been texting/calling/emailing her since and she has not answered at all.

The Admission department told me to tell her to send it ASAP, or to look in to asking another recommender.

My question is, how do I go about asking someone for a recommendation when it's so last minute? I don't want to make it sound like they are my back-up or anything.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I would tell them exactly what you told us. See if they can offer a recommendation and offer thanks and gratitude. Be upfront and let them know the urgency of the situation. The point now is to get into school. Don't worry about hurting someone's feelings. They will be sympathetic to your situation if you tell them what happened. Tell them how bad you want this. If they do it, acknowledge their actions and send them a thank you letter afterwards. It will be appreciated. I'm sure anyone would be grateful to help you get into school. Nursing is an honorable career and some regard it as an honor to recommend a student. It means you value their judgement. Do what you have to do and get it done! Good Luck!