How long will schools hold a LOR for?

[Neha4000]

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Hi Everyone,

I plan on applying next summer, but I did research for a physician 2 summers ago, and I did another research project for a professor last summer. I wanted to try and have them write the letters this summer, so that they will remember my project more, and I feel like the letter will be stronger if they write it now because it might be too late next summer. Has anyone had their schools hold on to the letters...and are they considered old letters because they were not written right before the application cycle?

thanks

 

[docmemi]

your school should hold on to them if they know you are applying next summer...just open a file with them or give them a heads up.

BUT, i do not recommend you getting the letters now cause they will be relatively old. you should just tell the lor writers that you plan on asking them next summer. stay in contact with them over the next year and if you are asking them for an lor they should know you well enough anyway to not forget.

good luck, hope that helps.

 

[angstrom55]

I don't think it would be too old to ask them for a letter this summer and wait till next summer. If you're worried about the date of the letter, you can ask them to write it this year so everything's fresh, and then ask them to print it out next summer when you're ready to apply. I had friends who asked for letters about 9 months in advance (as she soon found out, some professors take months and months to write it!) . I doubt if an extra couple of months would hurt.

If you're school has a letter service, then they should be able to hold it for a few years at least.

 

[Bright Star]

I agree with angstrom..I would have them write it now and save it and then when you ask for it, it'll be ready in the year that you need it.