Thanking LoR writers after rejection?

[canofbeans123]

So I've gotten my responses from all graduate schools and I didn't get in anywhere. Last year, when I went into my MA, I sent my LoR writers ''thank you" notes, and let them know where I would be going. I'm not sure I should be doing the same here, but I also don't really want them to think I was ungrateful or anything since I may be needing their letters next year again. I'm just not I have anything to thank them for in this case either, or I also don't really want them to know I got rejected everywhere. Does anyone else have experience with this, what did you do.. if anything?

Edited March 21, 2010 by canofbeans123

[fuzzylogician]

You should thank them regardless of the outcome, they did put in the effort and write you letters. I'm sure they will want to know your results. I know it's not much fun having to tell them that you didn't get in this year, but if you're planning to ask them again next year you won't be able to keep it from them eventually. If they weren't very involved in your application process, you should have a serious meeting with each of them to discuss what might have gone wrong. Get feedback, improve what needs work, and try again. Good luck!

[TMP]

Agreed. You've got to let them know anyway because they did you a favor by vouching for you.

Don't worry about doing anything for a thank you other than a verbal thank you or a short e-mail updating them on your status and thanking them for their time in supporting your application. It's part of the profession- writing the letters. Every professor knows it's expected of them to write them.

[Raffy]

Yes, you should definitely send 'thank you' emails. They would surely appreciate to hear back from you, even though it's for bad news.

In addition, if you plan to ask them a letter again next year, there is no hesitation to have: thank them for their time.

Besides, they may have some good advice for you. And it may help them improve their letters for the future students who will ask.

My opinion: just do it!