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Is a LOR from a freshman year professor a bad idea?

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 12:32 pm
by wachtellmemore
Hi there,

I'm applying to law school in the fall of 2011 (for class of 2015) was hoping you could provide me with admissions advice.

About me: I graduated from an Ivy in '08 and have been working at a public relations company since that time. I've also started a video production company. I have a 3.6 and am aiming for a 170 LSAT. My goal is to get into a top 10 school or receive a significant scholarship from a mid-ranked school (Brooklyn Law, Hastings, Pepperdine, etc).

The undergrad law admissions adviser at my university advised against getting a recommendation from a prof I had freshman year. She says he's too dated a reference. But this is the professor who knows me best and will likely write me the strongest LOR. Do you think I should get an LOR from him or do you agree my adviser?

Thanks for your time!

Re: Is a LOR from a freshman year professor a bad idea?

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:11 pm
by tourdeforcex
get the LOR from the professor.

i doubt AdComs would read the LOR from your professor, note the name and department. then go into your school transcript and check each course and wonder which of those courses he taught.

in the end, for LORs, it's all about getting the strongest, most personal, most candid evaluation as possible. if that prof is your best best, make it happen.

Re: Is a LOR from a freshman year professor a bad idea?

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:58 pm
by Knock
wachtellmemore wrote:Hi there,

I'm applying to law school in the fall of 2011 (for class of 2015) was hoping you could provide me with admissions advice.

About me: I graduated from an Ivy in '08 and have been working at a public relations company since that time. I've also started a video production company. I have a 3.6 and am aiming for a 170 LSAT. My goal is to get into a top 10 school or receive a significant scholarship from a mid-ranked school (Brooklyn Law, Hastings, Pepperdine, etc).

The undergrad law admissions adviser at my university advised against getting a recommendation from a prof I had freshman year. She says he's too dated a reference. But this is the professor who knows me best and will likely write me the strongest LOR. Do you think I should get an LOR from him or do you agree my adviser?

Thanks for your time!
Definitely get a LOR from that professor. If he knows you best then this is an easy decision. The reason why people may advise against getting a LOR from a freshman professor is that they might not remember you. But if they remember and know you well, then get one from him/her.

Re: Is a LOR from a freshman year professor a bad idea?

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:06 pm
by bk1
A LOR from a freshman year professor is not a bad idea.

Re: Is a LOR from a freshman year professor a bad idea?

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:43 pm
by wachtellmemore
Thanks a lot, guys. This is very helpful.

Re: Is a LOR from a freshman year professor a bad idea?

Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 9:18 pm
by capitalacq
wachtellmemore wrote:Thanks a lot, guys. This is very helpful.
yeah i agree with them. it would be dated if you got this LOR freshman year and just had it sitting in a drawer until now... but not if he wrote it now