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So I'm considering reapplying next cycle if this cycle continues to be a disappointment. I've been underperforming my numbers but I can't really see any serious problems with my application other than being a K-JD and my two LOR. I haven't actually seen the LOR though, as my professors wouldn't allow me to for whatever reason, so I don't know if they're good, bad, or in between.

Any advice as to whether I should take the risk of using new letters when these letters may actually be good? I went to a very large university and didn't have much direct contact with the professors, so getting a glowing LOR may be tough. Do LOR even matter that much to adcoms?

98% of letters are worthless. 1% help, 1% hurt. Something like that. You might just consider asking new profs; anyone who gave you an A is fair game, especially in smaller seminar type classes but I'm sure you know that. You might meet with who you're gonna ask a few times now that you've gotta little bit of time cushion. You can go under the guise of "getting advice" and then at like the third one ask for a letter.

I did none of these things and my profs didn't know me and I got three letters and I know they weren't hurtful. Honestly the K-JD thing is probably hurting you if anything is. I'd be surprised at a bad letter, especially if your profs were quick to agree to writing them.

Bump.

So a few of the schools that I'd re-apply to require a new LOR, and I think I'll get one anyway because one of my recomenders this cycle was not very familiar with my work and probably wasn't a good choice.

I wasn't able to read any of my letters this cycle and I gave the letter writers no input as to what they should write (not that I'd get them to say I'm their best student ever, but I could've given them an idea of what certain adcoms describe as being a strong letter). I want to read the letter before it's sent in this time and make sure it's as good as can be without unduly influencing the content; any advice as to how to go about addressing this with the new recommender?

The first time I applied I had two LORs, when I came back for another cycle I got 3 completely new LORs because I wanted a completely fresh application. It may or may not have paid off (lots of people do just fine with the same LORs), but it made me feel better about the application as a whole. As for reading them beforehand, of the 5 people I used only 1 of them let me see the letter, which didn't bother me at all because I picked people who I knew 100% would write strong LORs. I'm guessing you are wanting to waive your right to see the letter, but still read it? If so that will just be something you have to discuss with the writer individually. Some writers will be happy to "edit" their letters to be in line with what you want, others won't be transparent at all and might just tell you no if it seems like you're going to be needy, it largely depends on the person and your relationship with them.

Nonconsecutive wrote:The first time I applied I had two LORs, when I came back for another cycle I got 3 completely new LORs because I wanted a completely fresh application. It may or may not have paid off (lots of people do just fine with the same LORs), but it made me feel better about the application as a whole. As for reading them beforehand, of the 5 people I used only 1 of them let me see the letter, which didn't bother me at all because I picked people who I knew 100% would write strong LORs. I'm guessing you are wanting to waive your right to see the letter, but still read it? If so that will just be something you have to discuss with the writer individually. Some writers will be happy to "edit" their letters to be in line with what you want, others won't be transparent at all and might just tell you no if it seems like you're going to be needy, it largely depends on the person and your relationship with them.

mhm. one of mine basically told me what he wrote, another asked if i wanted to read it, and the other three i know for a fact would never entertain sharing anything beyond "i wrote nice things about you." only two asked me why i wanted to go to law school, and on what specifically i wanted them to focus in the letter. no one wanted my resume or transcript. conversely, i have heard anecdotally of successful applicants basically writing their own letters and the profs being cool with signing their names (this sounds bizarre to me, but I guess whatever floats your boat). i honestly think most profs are in the "waiver of right means waiver of right" camp, and would have been terrified to ask any of them on my own initiative to read their LORs. i would, however, be comfortable telling them that i was afraid i'd gotten a "skunk" letter the first try. if you want to try being more pro-active, once they accept, you could meet with them or draft an informal letter, discussing specific goals/your top choices/"why law"/etc. - worst they can do is ignore it and write what they planned to anyway, but i think most would take it to heart, since generally profs love seeing their pupils succeed, if only for the ego-boost.

if you think one of your recommenders essentially didn't know you from a hole in the wall, i would definitely get at least one new one, if not two! to use nonsonsec's phrase, i think it makes sense only to choose people who you know "100% would write strong LORs." the schools you love especially seem to be the schools that actually care about this component of the application, so i think this is a no-brainer.

Thanks for the responses guys!