LSAC says recommendation letters remain active for the life of your file. You can assign the same general letter to multiple schools, and you can reuse a letter in a later admission year, though LSAC recommends contacting the recommender as a courtesy before repurposing it.
For the life of your LSAC file. LSAC states that letters sent to it remain active for the life of the file.
Yes. LSAC allows reuse, but it advises applicants to contact the recommender if the letter was written for a different admission year or program because the recommender may prefer to update it.
Choose professors or supervisors who know your work well enough to describe your analytical ability, writing, judgment and reliability with specific examples. A famous name who barely knows you is usually weaker than a detailed letter from someone who supervised you closely.
Requirements vary by school. Most schools ask for a small number—commonly two—and may allow additional letters. Follow the school-specific LSAC application instructions rather than assuming one universal maximum.
No. LSAC says they remain active for the life of your file.
Yes, if it is a general letter and you assign it to each school.
Most applicants do because confidential letters are generally viewed as more candid, but follow your own circumstances and school guidance.
Current rules come from LSAC’s official Letter of Recommendation service.
Written by Ali Unar, Founder, Lovare Institut. Updated September 20, 2026.
September 20, 2026
September 20, 2026