Seeing LoRs

[havemybloodchild]

Is anyone else dying to know what their recommenders wrote about them?  Is there any kind of established protocol for asking to see recommendations after the admissions cycle is completed or is this a total no no?  

I think I may need the pick me up come April ?

[WildeThing]

All told, between all of my applications in higher ed, I’ve probably had close to 150 letters of recommendation for me. I would love to know what they all said but I think we just have to make peace with our enforced ignorance. Some faculty offer to share their letters, have you write them yourselves, or agree to write letters you will read if accepted. If none of those are the case for you, I wouldn’t try to force it as it’s not going to play well, especially now that the letters are submitted.

 

[Bopie5]

9 hours ago, WildeThing said:

I would love to know what they all said but I think we just have to make peace with our enforced ignorance.

I agree with this. Of my four recommenders for this cycle, three didn't tell me anything about their letters, but one actually sent theirs to me for proofreading! I saw a piece of advice somewhere else on the forum (can't remember where) that said to save all such things (nice emails from profs, students, LoRs, thank you notes, etc) in a folder on your computer, saying that while it may feel self-congratulatory at first, it helps with imposter syndrome, discouragement, and self doubt to have those resources readily accessible and in one place. So @kendalldinniene if you do get to see any of them, make sure you save them!

[The Wordsworthian]

A bit late to this thread, but absolutely.  Especially now that I am in the excruciating waiting period, I can't help but wonder obsessively what my letters said, and if I picked the right professors.  One of my three letter writers was a no-brainer, but the other two I picked from a pool of professors that would've been good to write on my behalf.  I also pursued work with other professors this fall (I'm a senior undergrad) who would've been awesome to have as writers.  Well, I guess if I get shut out then I'll know who to call next cycle...