Do schools call your reference(s)?

[MzNC6]

Weird question: When applying to grad school, they want 3 letters of recommendation. After reading the letters, do they ever call them?

I'm just curious :)

[westcoastgirl]

I just assumed they called each and every one, so I made sure all mine were legit and they were sent to school sealed by the writers.

[Barkow]

I have a random reference question and wondered if anyone had an opinion-

My manager resigned in August, and before she left I had her write me recommendation letters and put them in sealed envelopes because I anticipated applying to grad schools. We still don't have a replacement manager, and I'm ready to send in applications. Is it totally weird to send in a letter dated from 6-7 months ago?? There isn't really anyone in that type of position to write another one at this point, and my BSN degree was too long ago to get any recs from there, so I don't really have another option.

Thanks!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Most of our applicants are many years away from their BSN degrees, so getting an "academic" letter can be a bit tough. Our approach is that we want a letter from someone who has taught you things. This can be in a classroom format, or from a mentor. Our admissions committee wants an assessment of how you learn, your creativity, your communication, your diligence, whether you go beyond what is assigned/expected, etc. A mentor in the workplace can indicate these things as well.