LOR: How old is too old?

[JakeHarley]

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Quick question, having trouble finding info with the search...

I am applying this summer for the second time (M.D. and D.O.)

In 2001 I applied to one school (my state school.) Waitlisted then rejected. Stats decent: 3.7, 33. I don't think I convinced them that I had a clear understanding what I was getting into.

My three very solid letters were written for me in the spring of 2001. I'd like to resubmit those letters if possible, plus one from a doc I've been shadowing who is very much "on my side" and a second from my current boss who is a pathobiology faculty member.

A little aging has occured--I'll be 28 this summer. I've done a lot in the last few years, experienced a lot of personal growth, should have 3 solid research publications by the time June rolls around, and have a much clearer idea what I am getting into with medicine.

My concern is that my old academic letters of rec from 2001 will be considered out of date. Having not taken any courses since, I don't have a lot of options for getting any new letters from those familiar with my academic ability.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Ever been told explicity that your letters were too old?

Thanks in advance.
😎

 

[BaylorGuy]

I dont know if letters can be too old, but then again i'm not too sure. I had kind of a similar question. I'm reapplying, but i'm going to be getting 2 or 3 more letters of rec in addition to the old ones that were sent for this past year....my question, will it look bad if i send both new and old letters (even though they are from different people)??

 

[2tall]

I don't think old letters/dates are a good idea. If you can get your previous writers to update the dates...that'd be a much better plan...or just get new letters.

I think your concern is valid. If you were on an adcom and saw dates from 2001, what would you think? I'd think if nobody in the last four years could recommend this person...why should we consider him/her.

 

[2tall]

Do you still keep in contact with your original writers?

 

[JakeHarley]

Do you still keep in contact with your original writers?

The first I kept in contact with but he had a stroke and is 'changed', one would probably be accomodating if I contacted him but I haven't kept in contact, the third I also haven't kept in contact with and I suspect it would be a hassle to obtain their help.

Bottom line: I can probably get one of my letters updated.

I am hoping that an adcom will be able to see by my old letters that I am academically capable, actually, that I am most likely as capable now as I was in 2001...if not more so.

On top of that, I am hoping that they will look at the two new letters I have (from my research work and shadowing experience) and see recent evidence that I am motivated, personable, and that I understand what medicine is about.

Does this sound reasonable?

Definitely going to try to contact that one prof to see about updating his letter...

Thanks for the replies!

 

[BaylorGuy]

I still keep in contact with the old letter writers, but i have yet to tell them about possibly writing me another letter. Since my application got in late and i didn't have enough letters to start with, I doubt this will be a big problem to fix.

Also, if i understand them correctly...i dont think that any of the previous letters had specific dates or anything...however, if they did, i wouldn't think it would be that hard to change those.

 

[Fusion]

I had a similar question a while back...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=134012

 

[BaylorGuy]

I had a similar question a while back...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=134012

Thanks a bunch Fusion...that post really clarified things up. That was aactually the concern i was trying to bring up. I have two previous letters and i plan on getting at least three or four newer letters to add to the total Letter or Recommendation pool. Excellent, this will help a bunch. I just didn't know if schools thought that unprofessional or wouldn't accept the old letters or something like that. Thanks fusion

 

[2tall]

I am hoping that an adcom will be able to see by my old letters that I am academically capable, actually, that I am most likely as capable now as I was in 2001...if not more so.

I don't see how old letters would indicate that you're still academically capable; they'd just say you were academically capable in 2001. Your GPA and MCAT (Have your scores expired?) obviously show that you're capable. Additionally, I believe that Letters should say more about an applicant than...this applicant is academically capable. Since you said they were strong, I'm assuming they do. I'm also assuming you read them.

Have you taken classes since then? Two letters of rec must come from science faculty (someone correct me if I'm wrong). If you can definitely get an update from one, all you'll have to do is find one more.

ONE letter from 2004 is one thing...THREE letters from 2001 is another.

 

[2tall]

I had a similar question a while back...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=134012

So how'd things work out for you?

 

[Fusion]

So how'd things work out for you?

I have had five interviews this year (4 MD, 1 DO), resulting in 4 waitlists and one post-interview rejection (after being on the waitlist for about 4 months).

Still in limbo!

 

[JakeHarley]

I don't see how old letters would indicate that you're still academically capable; they'd just say you were academically capable in 2001. Your GPA and MCAT (Have your scores expired?) obviously show that you're capable. Additionally, I believe that Letters should say more about an applicant than...this applicant is academically capable. Since you said they were strong, I'm assuming they do. I'm also assuming you read them.

Have you taken classes since then? Two letters of rec must come from science faculty (someone correct me if I'm wrong). If you can definitely get an update from one, all you'll have to do is find one more.

ONE letter from 2004 is one thing...THREE letters from 2001 is another.

Good points.

 

[JakeHarley]

I had a similar question a while back...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=134012

Interesting, so at least a few people applied with letters >2 years old and had no troubles.

Thanks a lot for the info. I've decided to get on the ball right now...get what letters I can updated, not worry about the others, and get those two strong new ones I mentioned.

Take care guys.

 

[2tall]

Fusion keep updating those schools. I'm sure you'll hear something soon. I'm on a couple waitlists and I can't wait until May!

Jake...from the look of Fusion's thread...I guess I was wrong. Send the old letters (if you're unable to update 'em)! LOL.

 

[riceman04]

They say that when you have been out for a little while, you should take some upper level courses to demonstrate that you are still capable of performing well.

 

[samdwi]

There is second year student at the uNiversity of Florida COM who is 53. being 28 isn't a big deal at all.