Should i return some letters?

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Fayd

Diamond Member
Jun 28, 2001
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I have a slight problem.

I'm applying to grad schools (or rather, did apply for grad schools.) I intended to apply to one additional grad school which did not take letters online, and so i made a special request of my letter-writing professors to have an additional letter handed to me in a sealed envelope, which i would then seal in my application package. the grad school indicated this is how they wanted them.

I was never able to get the third letter i intended to go in the package, one of the professors I had asked (and had actually written 4 previous letters online) never responded to my email....(s). So that physical application didn't go out.

it's past the application deadline, and I'm left holding 2 letters in sealed envelopes. truth be told, i'm not curious what's inside of them. but i'm wondering if i should forget them, or if I'd be better served by returning them to the professors to destroy at their leisure.

TL;DR:

should i give back sealed letters of recommendation because i didn't use them?

any professors or academics willing to weigh in with a stronger case?
 

unokitty

Diamond Member
Jan 5, 2012
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Its your option. Though, I suspect that most professors would rather you just dispose of the letters yourself.

If you want, just send each reference writer a thank-you email. And promise to keep them in the loop as to your future plans.

Uno
 

esun

Platinum Member
Nov 12, 2001
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Your professors almost certainly don't care. Just destroy them.
 

Dr. Zaus

Lifer
Oct 16, 2008
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I would read them.

If you don't get in where you want to you might find-out that one professor offered an incredibly poor letter. Alternatively, it will also tell you who offered the strongest letter.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
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Oct 30, 2000
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I would read them.

If you don't get in where you want to you might find-out that one professor offered an incredibly poor letter. Alternatively, it will also tell you who offered the strongest letter.

They were requested sealed by the schools. If the professor had decided to allow the letter to be read by the OP; they would have included an open copy for him.

Best to contact the professors and asked if they want them back or should they be destroyed.
 
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