LORs question

[Keewee]

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Hey guys,

This is my first time posting- thank you for all the information, this is a huge help.

I graduated for undergrad this past spring, and I'm planning on applying during the summer of 2012. I have great relationships with 3 or 4 profs that I'd like to write my LORs. Should I send them an autobiographical sketch and resume and have them write the letters soon (lest they forget some things about me) and just keep the LORs sitting in my interfolio until next June? Or should I wait until closer to next summer when I have more info (an additional year of research, more volunteering, etc.) and have them write a more current letter? Thanks!

 

[Isoprop]

I would definitely have them write the letter now. When you apply a year from now, you can always ask them to update the letter with the new info or just change the date. If they refuse, you still have the academic letters required for med school. An old, strong is better than a current, mediocre letter.

You can always get a letter from your PI, employer, or volunteer coordinator during your year off to keep your LORs updated even if your LORs from professors are 1 year old.

Also, medical schools will understand if your LORs are older if you already graduated from college.

 

[NickNaylor]

I would personally wait just because I wouldn't want the letters sitting around in Interfolio for that long, but I don't think it'll matter one way or another. If you do wait, you run the risk of not getting them on time and/or the professors may not remember you as well.

Either way, I would definitely send them a CV now and ask them if they'd write a letter on your behalf. If they say yes, I'd wait until the winter or spring to actually get them.

 

[hrhcow]

Definitely get them to write it now-- so you are still fresh in their minds and they have some idea who you are. I had all my recs completed and sent in to my letter service in June when I graduated and plan on updating them in a year about what I have done since. Also you can always ask the professor to change the date on the letter to give off the impression that it is more "recent"