Letters of Rec and taking two years off

[redbird1133]

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I've decided to take two years off after I graduate university before applying to med school. I'm wondering how letters of rec work for this. If a professor accepts to write me a letter do I just tell them I won't need it for two years, and then contact them in two years?

 

[BeachBlondie]

I had a similar situation. I had them write an analog letter, seal it an envelope with tape (or some indication that it hasn't been tampered with), and mail it to me. Then, in early June of last year I printed out the Letter of Recommendation forms, filled one out for each physical letter, and stuck all of the materials (letters in seal envelopes, forms, etc) into a big envelope and sent it to AMCAS via certified mail.

No problems here. I'm assuming they just scanned them into the system.

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

See if your school/career services has a credentials file system. At mine, you can open a file and have people submit letters straight to them and they'll store them for you until you need them.

 

[JuanPabloCastel]

best option is by far interfolio. they can write it, send it to interfolio, and interfolio will store it as long as you want for ~$15/year (dont quote me on number). When it comes time to apply, interfolio will send out LoRs.

 

[brootas14]

I've decided to take two years off after I graduate university before applying to med school. I'm wondering how letters of rec work for this. If a professor accepts to write me a letter do I just tell them I won't need it for two years, and then contact them in two years?

I wouldn't wait the two years. Ask now, you're in the favorable position of having time to follow-up, remind, remind, remind, and really ensure that the letters are reflective of your candidacy.

Additionally, the two years give you the opportunity to get some non-academic letters, whatever you decide to do for the next two to three years.

 

[redbird1133]

Thanks for these replies! As a follow up, since it seems some of you have experience, how well did you know a professor/they know you before asking for a letter? I know this isn't something you can quantify, but did they really know you super well?

 

[BeachBlondie]

I only asked those who knew me well. As such, had mostly surgeons write my letters, as I wasn't as close to my professors. HOWEVER, the caveat here is that I am nearly 30, and have been working with surgeons for nearly 5 years of orthopaedic research. If you're young, and a student, then I think it's expected to get letters from professors.