Hi everyone,
I’m planning to apply this coming cycle and one of my professors want to give me his letter of recommendation now and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea (I will be sending individual letters, no pre-health office in my school).
I’m a little confused with the AACOMAS system, regarding LOR, so some explanations will be appreciated.
How early can I use Interfolio? Do I have to wait until AACOMAS open the application cycle for 2015 matriculation?
Thanks
Interfolio is like a document holding service that allows people to send letters of rec to can remain blind to the person the letter is for. (did that make sense) With that in mind you can create an interfolio account any time you want, its a subscription service so you can keep it as long as you pay them. For DO you will send the letters to the school individually so you will definitely want interfolio (at least you sent them to the schools individually 2 years ago). Good luck. FYI, I applied to about 15 DO school and actually interviewed at 5 of them so if you want some help I’ll try to help all boards and school let me.
It’s easy to sign up for interfolio: https://account.interfolio.com/dossier/signup
You can do so immediately and have your professor either do a letter on-line that will go directly to your account (if they have a pdf. of their stationary), or mail a LOR to Interfolio, which they will scan and make available for you to send to various schools. Absolutely, I’d get the letter now. Think about collecting 3 professor letters, and 1 or 2 doctors (at least one of which should be a DO you have shadowed, if you are applying to DO school. Talk with them while shadowing about Osteopathic Medicine - can find out more, and they can talk in the letter about your interest in it.
This way, the letter is available for a number of schools on your own timeframe.
Incidentally, Interfolio USED to cost $99 for 1 year, so I am pleased to see it has gone WAY down in price!
Kate
Thank you for clarifying things for me guys. It makes more sense now. I will try to collect all of my letters now.
@Kate at this time I have received confirmation from two science profs (Biochem and orgo) and one DO. No confirmation yet from three other profs (2 non science, and 1 physics).
@BaileyPup your help will be very appreciated. I will not hesitate to contact you if I need help.
I will also send application to some MD schools. Can the same letters work? Should the profs be more specific in their letter about osteopathy, allopathy, or just physician?
Thanks again.
The letters should be based on your qualities and how you would make a good physician. No need for them to differentiate between allopathic and osteopathic. Also, you can use interfolio to send all the letters to the AMCAS letter service as well as individual osteopathic schools. It is such a wonderful and convenient service!
Good to know. Thank you for responding Dreamingdoc.