How long do LORs keep?

[mehc012]

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I recognize that there are quite a few LOR advice threads floating around, but I'm afraid I still have a question about them: is it acceptable to obtain a letter from a professor if you know you will not be applying for 2+ years?

I ask because, like many in the nontrad forum, I did not realize that I wanted to pursue medicine until after I left college. However, as I graduated only this year (and from a very small school), my professors definitely still remember me quite well. Would it be acceptable to ask them for a LOR the next time I'm in town, let them take their time on it, and send it to Interfolio to be stored until the application cycle? It will probably be at least 2 years before I use them, as my lack of focus in UG leaves me in need of a semi-serious GPA repair postbacc and, of course, I have zero EC's outside of research.

Additionally, my PI (for whom I wrote a thesis) retired this year and I am not certain how much longer she plans on being affiliated with my school...I would love to get a reference from her, but that may not be possible (not to mention polite) 2 years down the line.

Thoughts?

 

[kimposibl]

When applying to med schools, if you look at their requirements sections for LOR's it will usually tell you how old a letter can be and from where. I think some schools want a sci prof and non sci prof without any time constraints, while others will say 'no more than 1 year old' in which case they will tell you to get 3 LOR's (or so) from people you work with, physicians who know you, etc as long as they can speak of your aptitude for med school and are current contacts.

good luck!

 

[mehc012]

Thanks! I suppose I had better ask for the letters now, then, and work on finding new references as quickly as possible! That way, I'm covered on both fronts!

 

[Back 5]

I had a great LOR from a professor of mine that was dated 2009. I contacted him late last year and asked if he would be willing to update the letter, as I had mistakenly requested a non-confidential letter via Interfolio. He agreed and simply asked for the original LOR as reference. Uploaded to Interfolio as confidential (I did not see the new LOR, I hope it's the same as the old one, just with a new date)...hopefully this isn't a problem for schools.