Thanking recommenders

[letsjustgo]

This is a bit of a silly question, but is it customary to follow-up with recommenders via email or snail mail? I already sent a brief note via snail mail after all of my applications were submitted but now I'd like to send them the results of the process and thank them once again. Any tips??

[baileysamson]

This has been on my mind, too. I was planning to pick out a special card for each of them and write a letter thanking them for their support over the years.

[fuzzylogician]

There was a thread that discussed this topic around here on one of the forums recently. I'm planning to send each of my letter writers a hand written thank-you card as soon as I make my decision. I might also add a small present for each of them. If you're uncomfortable with doing that, you should at least send an e-mail. Most recommenders are interested in knowing how the process turned out for the students they recommended.

[sparkle456]

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14618

It's under Applications--lots and lots of responses, look there.

[belowthree]

Long thread short: Yes, it is customary. Gift optional.

[Spritely]

Sounds like I'm of the same mind as many of you. My recommenders have written letters twice or three times at this point, and last year I was not good about following up. This year, after my applications were off, I sent them all a hand-written thank-you card and a book I thought they might like. I plan to follow up again by e-mail or postal mail with another brief thank you note when I have made my decision.

[Aceflyer]

I sent a hand-written thank you card to each of my recommenders.