Letters of Recommendation [out of college] Forum

[34iplaw]

Hey,

Here's my deal. I'm a bit out and starting my LSAT prep. While I am focused on that, I want to make sure that the elements of my application that rely on others [i.e. letters of recommendation] are not taken care of at the last minute. I have been out of college for a bit under five years, and, in a few weeks, I am heading back up to reunion. I want to take the opportunity to reach out to a professor that I had a good relationship with senior year [we kept in touch a bit after and he's always been super helpful] while taking a graduate level class. That was one of the few classes where I was that kid that basically kept the class running.

My issue is that my score will somewhat dictate if I apply, and I do not want to waste his time. I see it as two fold: I wouldn't want him to think that I'm wishy washy on it [just realistic], and I don't want him to waste his time writing one if I did not end up applying.

My general sense is that I should reach out to him to see if he is there during the reunion weekend and reach out to him for coffee. That way, I re-establish the connection a bit and sort of make him aware of the situation and see his feelings / willingness to help.

[Lawcat11]

Even if you don't get the score you want this time around and don't apply in the upcoming cycle, LSAC does store your letters for ~5 years (I think). So if you apply later, there's nothing to lose by asking him now.

[34iplaw]

Alright - thank you for the info!

[Rigo]

Yeah definitely ask him before more time passes. The letter will stay in your LSAC account forever (so long as you don't let it expire after 5 years) so even if you don't apply this go around, it will be good to know your have an academic LOR for future cycles if you decide to retake down the line.