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When is it appropriate to start writing thank you letters/updates to your LOR writer? I've gotten into 2 schools so far (hopefully one more thats in the mail!) but thats only half way through my cycle.

Should I send a thank you email updating them? And then maybe a nicer letter/gift at the end of the cycle? I don't want them to think I've forgotten about them.

What's everyone else doing?

I'm waiting until I get in to places.

Yeah, I was gonna wait until I know where I'm going so that I can write them a definitive "I've decided to attend x law school in the fall. Thanks so much for your help!"

Waiting until I start getting in. Handwritten note and a small (<$20) gift is the going rate, correct?

What do you guys plan on doing for gifts exactly?
Like a gift card type deal?

I've written notes halfway through the cycle with the promise to update at the end (when I've decided where to attend). But of course this all depends on your relationship with your recommender.

MY SITUATION IS SO AWKWARD; i have literally seen my recommender 8-9 times since he wrote my letter in august.

I have a class with one of my recommenders and she put me on the spot like 3 times in front of the whole class, and every time she says "keep us updated"

Mike12188 wrote:I have a class with one of my recommenders and she put me on the spot like 3 times in front of the whole class, and every time she says "keep us updated"

Hahaha that has to be so awkward.

What's an appropriate amount of money to spend on a bottle of wine or champagne for a thank you gift?

I wouldnt buy your recommender anything if you have a professional relationship with them, reference letters and recommendations are part of the supervisor/manager/boss position. Same can be said for an academic reference also. I guess it strictly depends.

I thanked my recommender's with a little box of chocolates after LSAC had received them. For one of them, I bought a bottle of vodka. Only about $15 for each person. I haven't talked to them too much since then but will keep them updated with my plans. I was told by a couple of people that you don't have to buy them anything but I'm sure they wouldn't turn something down.

I'd like to buy them a bottle of wine, seeing as both my Professors have bought me alcohol before. But I really don't know their tastes.

I'm thinking a gift certificate to a restaraunt in the area of my school. Idk. If I get into Columbia, the gifts will get better. lol.

Is it weird that I got my recommenders each a set of OXO Pop Containers? Everyone needs more storage.

starrydreamz3 wrote:I'd like to buy them a bottle of wine, seeing as both my Professors have bought me alcohol before. But I really don't know their tastes.

I'm thinking a gift certificate to a restaraunt in the area of my school. Idk. If I get into Columbia, the gifts will get better. lol.

I got you a gift certificate to Cambridges finest restaurant!

Prof: But I live in Stillwater...

bartleby wrote:Is it weird that I got my recommenders each a set of OXO Pop Containers? Everyone needs more storage.

this haha. i think tupperware is more of a hostess gift but i don't see a problem with it. they'll think of you every time they use it!

For college recommenders I got my writers pen's emblazoned with my school of choice's name/insignia when I got in.

Am I the only one who is only planning on shooting them an email once I decide where I will attend?

2011Law wrote:Am I the only one who is only planning on shooting them an email once I decide where I will attend?

Ya I'll probably email mine letting them know where I'm going. BUT I already sent them thank you notes with the two schools I have it narrowed down to. So, I'd recommend sending them a note if you haven't already. It doesn't take very long, and hand-written notes are always appreciated. But I'm not getting them presents because I honestly wouldn't know what to get and I'd have to ship it.

2011Law wrote:Am I the only one who is only planning on shooting them an email once I decide where I will attend?

handwritten thank you notes should be 100% necessary. they take hardly any time, and it's the correct professional protocol. gifts are less necessary, but my recommenders wrote great letters and have been super helpful.

Hmm...I wrote my recommenders handwritten thank you notes when I gave them the envelopes to send to LSAC. Do I need to write them another handwritten note when I find out where I'm going, or would an email suffice?

almostfamous wrote:Hmm...I wrote my recommenders handwritten thank you notes when I gave them the envelopes to send to LSAC. Do I need to write them another handwritten note when I find out where I'm going, or would an email suffice?

i think email would suffice, but another note would be a nice gesture.

2011Law wrote:Am I the only one who is only planning on shooting them an email once I decide where I will attend?

No, you're not. I talk to these people often enough, some sort of hand-written note would be awk-ward.

I got each of my recommenders a small gift ($15 each...a box of famous chews from my hometown) and sent each with a hand-written thank you note on some nice stationery. I'd been out of school a year before I even asked for my LORs though. They all thanked me for the candy and asked I keep them informed, so I'm planning on sending a follow up at the end of my cycle listing a few of my acceptances and my ultimate decision.

Once I start getting INTO places and off "review" lists, I'm going to get each one of my evaluators and recommenders a gift card to a store like Borders or Applebee's and a hand written note expressing my gratefulness for their time in writing the evaluations/recommendations. I believe that thanking them prior to admission into a given LS would be premature and seemingly out of turn although I doubt they'd be offended. I can see them asking, "So where'd you get into?" Just to avoid that alone, I'd say wait.

HowdyYall wrote:MY SITUATION IS SO AWKWARD; i have literally seen my recommender 8-9 times since he wrote my letter in august.

I worked with mine in a lab. Why is that awkward?

I'm abroad in a country that loves little gifts (Japan), so buying/sending each something small and super regional (fans made/dyed in my area, letters written on handmade paper from my area)