Taking a year off to work - LOR now? Forum

[Bangalmafia]

Hey guys,

I'm sure this has been asked in the past, but I couldn't find it. Let's say I'm heading into my senior year of UG. I'd like to work for a year or two, but am definitely interested in applying for Law school down the line.

What do you guys think of the idea of asking for LORs now, having them saved online and then applying when I'm ready? I'm kind of afraid of sending out stale letters, but don't know if my profs would be as helpful down the line.

Thanks everyone.

[savesthedayajb]

Exactly what everyone should do if they plan to take time off before LS.

[iShotFirst]

Definitely get them now. In a year your professors may not be as helpful, remember you as well, etc. In addition, you wont be able to be there to "remind" them to finish the letters. There's no penalty to doing it now so you should get it over with. Its one less thing to worry about.

[Apple Tree]

Yeah definitely get them now. The letters will be in your account as long as it's active.

[Bangalmafia]

Thanks everyone.

[Unadilla Kayaker]

I'd say have them write them now. Confirm they are done and then ask them to look over the letter in a year before you apply. That way they can add some of the new cool stuff you've done to the letter if they choose. Likely they won't choose to, but if a prof is really on your side, they just might.

I think my LORs helped keep me from getting flat rejected at a number of schools. Ask now, but for a draft that will help make their jobs easier in a year.

[jdenquist]

It would depend a lot on what you were planning on doing during that year. I just got accepted to my first choice law school, with less than the expected GPA/LSAT score (lower than the 25th percentile). I got my undergrad degree in 2001. I have been working at the same company for the last 13 years, starting as a senior in HS and moving up in the company. I also got a Master's degree. So ultimately, it depends upon what you do with your time. If you plan on backpacking and hitch-hiking through Europe for a year, it actually hurts you, unless you can show why this was good for your maturation in a personal statement. If you plan on working, a great LOR from your employer could actually help your cause. I would also state that a good LOR will come from a professor who would remember you a year from now. If the LOR is not coming from a professor that would not remember you, how good will the LOR be in general? If it only contains the fact that you showed to class and got an A, you may want to consider a professor that made more of an impact on you and you on them.