I'm currently in my last semester as an undergraduate. I plan to enter law school in Fall 2008 and in the next year I plan to work full-time. Right now I have relationships with some faculty members who I know can give me strong recommendations. My question is, is there a "time limit" on how long recommendations are generally considered "recent?"
I will start sending in applications to law schools in September-November. Should I ask for the letters now or wait a few months?
2007-03-07 08:08:21 · 2 answers · asked by confusedbrainchild 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I have some students who still ask for references many years after I had them in class!!!
What you need to do is, before you leave campus, stop by and chat with each of those profs and tell them what you are thinking of. Ask them what they would prefer. Then be sure that you write a very brief thank you note after you see them.
We profs have hundreds of students. How can we remember each one? So, you have to jog their memory by stopping by to see them --- always send a note or email "hi Prof Jones, I'm going to be on campus tomorrow and I hope to stop by and say Hello! - signed Jane Smith from your Fall 2003 Pre-law class"
Then when you show up they won't be wondering who the heck you are!
And send a Christmas card or a postcard from your vacation -- just a very brief note to keep in touch. When you want a letter, they will remember you and be ready to take care of you.
2007-03-07 08:32:09 · answer #1 · answered by matt 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The rule of thumb is that a letter of recommendation is good as long as the person who wrote them still feels the same way about you, I have used a couple for over two years now.
2007-03-07 16:17:06 · answer #2 · answered by Chrisnosbest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋