Problem With a Letter Writer

[Spinach Dip]

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Okay, so last year I had an awesome LOR from an academic adviser who knows me very well. However, I had to withdraw my applications because I was financially stressed and couldn't pay the app fees (or even think about flying around the country).

This year I am able to afford (in theory) applying, but this letter writer has since retired from their position and moved....somewhere. The odds of me tracking them down are ~0.

Is there any way for me to forward and/or recover their letter from last year?



PS. I didn't use interfolio, but if I had forseen this difficulty, I would have.

 

[BLACKMD]

I believe the rule is a letter within 1 year of applying.

I doubt the school does not have a forwarding address as this advisor would have benefits lingering at the school. They will have a way to contact them.

 

[C@lidoc]

Most schools will have a forwarding address, especially if they just retired. Always use Interfolio. Use it this time.

 

[Spinach Dip]

I believe the rule is a letter within 1 year of applying.

??? I'm not sure what you mean.

I doubt the school does not have a forwarding address as this advisor would have benefits lingering at the school. They will have a way to contact them.

There are rumors that this adviser is in Hawaii, or Texas, or Florida. They kinda disappeared.

 

[Spinach Dip]

Always use Interfolio.

Live and learn.....

 

[BLACKMD]

??? I'm not sure what you mean.

I mean, most schools require the letter to be written within the past year. So if you applied with it last year, it is now over a year old. Unless you can contact the writer and have them redate it.

 

[deleted577188]

I mean, most schools require the letter to be written within the past year. So if you applied with it last year, it is now over a year old. Unless you can contact the writer and have them redate it.

Really? I've seen people on here and elsewhere say get them when you can and while they're most likely to be strongest.. and stash them. Perhaps using Interfolio or by some other electronic service.

Do you know right off hand which schools might require letters written within the past year? Is it really common and I'm just missing it?

 

[Wasted Energy]

Really? I've seen people on here and elsewhere say get them when you can and while they're most likely to be strongest.. and stash them. Perhaps using Interfolio or by some other electronic service.

Do you know right off hand which schools might require letters written within the past year? Is it really common and I'm just missing it?

No disrespect to BLACKMD, but I have never, ever heard of a school requiring letters to be written within the last year. Let alone "most schools."

 

[Mad Jack]

Yeah, you can totally stash letters. Interfolio is magic for this very reason.

There's no way for you to get their letter unless it was part of a committee packet or you used a letter service, as letters are generally confidential. Either you need to track them down or get a new letter.

 

[BLACKMD]

I stand corrected then, sorry for the misinformation OP. This is what I have always been told.