AADSAS and recommendation letters

[Smiley25]

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I apologize if this is a repeat, but I cannot seem to find the answer I am looking for on any thread. I was about to call the schools to ask, but I didn't want to sound like a ***** asking this question.

Some dental school websites say I need to submit the AADSAS and then send a supplemental fee, picture, official transcript, and recommendation letters to them. Some say they will contact applicant after AADSAS is processed for the secondary application, but others do not address this issue. Some I'm not sure if I should send it to them as I am completing my AADSAS application or not, since it's not specified?!?!

My biggest concern are the recommendation letters. When requesting the letters from my professors I explained to them how AADSAS will send them a link after June 3rd and they will be able to access the evaluators portal to submit my LOE. Are they going to have to send the letter out again on paper to the schools requiring the secondaries? Do I seriously have to send my transcript to them in addition to the one I send to AADSAS?

This seems completely unnecessary....Isn't the point of having the one(over priced) electronic application to keep applicants and professors from mailing out 10+ transcripts/recs?!? Such a headache... Any insight or previous experience with this would be appreciated!!!

 

[DeanBC]

I used a service called "Interfolio" which allowed the professors to send the LOEs electronically and confidentially. It saves them to an online platform you can access and send out to AADSAS and/or individual schools. I would use Interfolio or another online service like it because it gives you more options. You can save the letters for later, in case you have to reapply, etc. Doing it this way also has the advantage of allowing your evaluators to write the letters now while you are fresher in their minds, as opposed to after June 3.

To get the letters to AADSAS, I just had Interfolio send them Snail Mail and I included a attachment sheet from AADSAS I signed and uploaded to Interfolio also. I don't think many schools I applied to requested the letters since they can be accessed through AADSAS. Some schools unfortunately do require official transcripts mailed even though they can access this info from AADSAS. I would wait until your secondary app is sent in to send them so they have your file to put them in.

The application process is a huge paperwork mess, but worth it once your done and you've been accepted. My personal advice is to be as organized as possible. I would make lists of dates and deadlines, make copies of everything sent to schools, and a checklist for each school's requirements. I even recommend going the extra mile by calling or emailing schools (if they didn't state not to) once you think you've done everything, just be sure your app is complete and they are reviewing it. If for some reason it isn't, i.e. they messed up or the mail lost something, you know about early enough to make a difference, so your app isn't on hold.

 

[Smiley25]

Thank you so much for your advice and recommendation for interfolio. I registered last night and I am so thankful to have learned about this website... Especially if I end up needing to reapply next year! 😱

 

[MacPreDent]

Wow wait up guys, first time applicant here. Are you telling me there is more to LOR than sending the link to my profs on June 3rd?
Can anybody fill me in on this? 😕

 

[razorback2009]

The schools to which you are applying will readily tell you what needs to be done (Probably through email correspondence).

Check each schools' website...most have explicit directions and requirements listed.