LoR question (for next cycle)

[Doe22]

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This is a question about using recommendation letters that are not intended for the upcoming cycle. I had requested my letters for the purpose of applying in June, but decided not to apply last minute. I'm now wondering if I should just ask the recommenders to update the letter or if I should also explain that I did not apply? My worry is that they may refuse to give me the permission to use the letter. Anyone had a similar experience?

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Always better to have an updated date on the committee letter, and ideally one or two more letters from within the past year. The latter part isn’t essential but can give more weight to your experiences from the past year.

 

[Doe22]

Always better to have an updated date on the committee letter, and ideally one or two more letters from within the past year. The latter part isn’t essential but can give more weight to your experiences from the past year.

I don't have a committee letter. I have 3 science letters, 1 non-science, 1 PI and 1 from my volunteering coordinator. I'm potentially adding 2 doctor (MD) letters this year. I'm hoping the professors will not re-write the letter and say something negative (about the fact that I requested letters and ended up not applying).

 

[voxveritatisetlucis]

Oh, in that case I think it is less important that they’re updated, especially if nothing has changed in relation to the evaluators (ex. New course). Many of my individual letters were dated from 2018, though the packet said 2021. The adcoms members here can probably speak more on the subject of how “older” letters are perceived

 

[KnightDoc]

This is a question about using recommendation letters that are not intended for the upcoming cycle. I had requested my letters for the purpose of applying in June, but decided not to apply last minute. I'm now wondering if I should just ask the recommenders to update the letter or if I should also explain that I did not apply? My worry is that they may refuse to give me the permission to use the letter. Anyone had a similar experience?

Depends on where the letters went. If they were sent directly to AMCAS, you will need new ones because AMCAS will not carry them from one cycle to another for you. If they went to Interfolio, they are yours to use as you see fit. You don't need specific permission to use them in one cycle, or for one type of application (medical, dental. whatever). It's always a good idea to have a recent date on them, but having them be one year old shouldn't be fatal anywhere.