Letters of Recommendation

Nontraditional Premed Discussion
1

Hi


I am planning on applying this June to matriculate next year. I was wondering if there is some kind of a service to streamline Letters of Recommendation? In other words, I dont want my professor to have to write 10 letters just because I am applying to 10 schools.


I have heard of this service called Interfolio. Has anyone used this? Do medical schools accept letters from them? Or do I need to call each school and check with them? I know that your Professor can send them one copy of the reference letter and they will take care of sending copies to the schools that you apply to.


I may not be able to use my University’s Pre-professional evaluation committee for the above purpose as I am a part time student. I am checking on that.


Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

  • Anu
2

I used Interfolio and didn’t have any problems with it - even with the school that said the letters had to be original copies on university letterhead. I think most universities are familiar with Intefolio by now - it’s been around long enough. The school where I did my pre-reqs actually told pre-meds to use Interfolio for their LOR’s and discontinued their letter sending service. (and this school has a major medical school affiliated with it)


The one thing you may need to be prepared for is explaining why you didn’t use your school’s committee. Adcoms are generally aware of which schools use committee letters, and I have heard that it sometimes sends up a red flag (fair or not) if an applicant from that school does not have a committee letter. If your school will let you use their committee, that is by far your best option.

3

Thank you for your quick response. It was very helpful and informative. As always, I appreciate it.

4

Also, the university in which you got your original degree (if you did that) will often serve alumni as well. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to this but it’s something to consider if it applies to you.


As for your part-time status I would go to someone sympathetic yet powerful and talk to them about why, being older, you are in a different position and that your part-time status in no way represents less commitment or less pride in association with the school. (If that’s all true, that is.)


j