next »

[weathered]

Is it OK to use 2-3 years old recommendation letter from a big name faculty? I am no longer in correspondence with this person (not in good terms), but s/he happens to be an important figure in my dissertation committee. I do not want to contact this person for an update, but I am still obligated to use the letter. Is it a bad idea? Do people notice the date a lot?

[msparticularity]

Yes, the date is a problem. The even bigger problem is that including this letter in your application invites the SC to call that person for a follow-up discussion, which you clearly do not want to have happen in this case.

[systeme_d_]

Yes, the date is a problem. The even bigger problem is that including this letter in your application invites the SC to call that person for a follow-up discussion, which you clearly do not want to have happen in this case.

As usual, MsP is correct on all counts.
Letters should be current.
And you should not include letters from anyone with whom you don't want the SC to speak.

[weathered]

No wonder I am not getting a lot of interviews this year. I only got one so far. Hmm...I guess my life is somewhat $*%-ed. Eh...what can I say? I hope that one interview works out, at least.

[mazerunner]

I think the rule for CVs applies to references as well.  If you put it on your CV, it's fair game for the SC to ask you about it.  Similarly, if you provide a LOR, it should be fair game for the SC to contact the LOR writer.  After all, the committee can only judge you by what you actually provide, right?  (assuming they have no personal knowledge of you from prior experience!)

Sounds like you'd be better served by providing a different letter.