Old letters of recommendation?

[ericd8]

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[whatever5]

You'll have to look this up from school to school. Some do not accept letters from over a year old. If you are going with a committee letter, ask what your committee rules are.

 

[njtrimed]

I have a very positive letter of recommendation from back in 2013. Some places recommend that letters be written within the last 6 months, while others stated that any are fine. What's the word on the street regarding letter of recommendation age?

They really should be from within a year of the application, but your reviewer may be happy to update that letter. I would ask.

 

[bananafish94]

I never knew they were supposed to be within a year of the application...I hadn't heard that before. I just perused the policies of 10 or so schools that I applied to and none of them specified a date range. For what it's worth, I have four interviews at schools where I sent a letter written in late 2013...I've been accumulating them on interfolio for about two years.

 

[njtrimed]

I never knew they were supposed to be within a year of the application...I hadn't heard that before. I just perused the policies of 10 or so schools that I applied to and none of them specified a date range. For what it's worth, I have four interviews at schools where I sent a letter written in late 2013...I've been accumulating them on interfolio for about two years.

In my case it was absolutely necessary, since I finished undergrad five years before I applied. My old professors and PIs were thrilled that I was applying and happy to update letters they had written. Some of my interviewers commented on the "lasting impression" I left on faculty, which worked in my favor. But I did hear that letters should be as recent as possible; I ended up using my alma mater's premed committee (at a feeder school) and they strongly advised students ask for updated letters.

 

[bananafish94]

In my case it was absolutely necessary, since I finished undergrad five years before I applied. My old professors and PIs were thrilled that I was applying and happy to update letters they had written. Some of my interviewers commented on the "lasting impression" I left on faculty, which worked in my favor. But I did hear that letters should be as recent as possible; I ended up using my alma mater's premed committee (at a feeder school) and they strongly advised students ask for updated letters.

Ah, it's probably not as urgent for me because I'm still in school. But that's very good information to know if I have to reapply! Still, I wish they would advertise it more if it's a requirement.

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

I have a very positive letter of recommendation from back in 2013. Some places recommend that letters be written within the last 6 months, while others stated that any are fine. What's the word on the street regarding letter of recommendation age?

I actually had 5 letters, 2 of which were in my interfolio from 2-3 years ago. Didn't get any comments on it at all.

 

[gusgryza]

I actually had 5 letters, 2 of which were in my interfolio from 2-3 years ago. Didn't get any comments on it at all.

Were those letters updated at all (ie the dates on them), or did you just send them directly from Interfolio without having them changed?

 

[MareNostrummm]

It doesn't really make much sense to require letters to be only within the last year before applying. For example, if as a sophomore or a junior in undergrad you received a letter from a professor that letter would be outdated by senior year (unless it was updated or you told the professor to future date it).