Storing LORs for Future Application

[roosteagle]

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Hi everyone,

I had initially planned to apply this cycle, but I’ve decided to apply next cycle instead, for matriculation in 2027. My main concern is about letters of recommendation. I currently have two letters from May 2024, one from my PI and one from my clinical volunteering supervisor. Before deciding to take another gap year, I had also asked two science professors and one non-science professor for letters.

Will I need to ask the 2024 letter writers to update the dates before I apply?
Also, is it okay to still request the remaining three letters now and store them until May 2026?

I’d really appreciate any advice.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

First, you can check out the discount code for PrivateFolio for SDN members if you want to archive your letters dossier.

If you make it clear to your letter writers what your plans are, you could come up with a plan to have your letters be appropriately dated or refer to an undated application cycle (if they're comfortable). They may even be amenable to retaining a copy and then sending a properly dated letter when the time comes closer to apply.

But if you want a short answer: yes, you can do that. Confirm with the schools.

 

[roosteagle]

@Mr.Smile12, thank you for your response. The letters are stored with my school as a letter packet, which will be sent once I apply. I will talk to my last three letter writers about this. Just to clarify, for the two letters from 2024, will I need to ask the writers to update the date, or is it school dependent?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

@Mr.Smile12, thank you for your response. The letters are stored with my school as a letter packet, which will be sent once I apply. I will talk to my last three letter writers about this. Just to clarify, for the two letters from 2024, will I need to ask the writers to update the date, or is it school dependent?

Schools may have a preference. Just ask. Everyone knows it's easy to re-date a letter, but the question is whether there is a substantive update in content.