The mechanics of the recommendation process

[figuringout]

Hi,

I was going through the applyyourself sites of some programs since most seem to have opened, and was checking out their recommender systems. I was wondering how it actually works in terms of the timelines. My referees have said that they would prefer to do it online, so is it the case that they should have submitted their recommendation BEFORE the deadline? Does it mean that I should add their names to the system right away so that they can get cracking?

Secondly, what do schools generally ask referees for? Do they have to write essays saying how awesome I am?

Thanks!

[longshot]

Most places will email the recommenders that their names have been put into the system, and provide them with a link to fill out a recommendation. The major component of which will be writing about how awesome (you hope this is what they write about) you are.

If you've approached your writers and they're game, I'd say go ahead and put them in the system. Most places won't kill you for having your recs go beyond the deadline, but it's best not to have to worry.