Can I use my old letter of recommendations for the upcoming cycle?

[journeybegins]

I stored all my letters in Interfolio for this current cycle.

I'm currently waiting to see if there is movement in waitlists to see if my luck turns out for this cycle.

However, in the event that I have to reapply, can I use some of my old letter of recommendations? I know the date will likely be there, but is it a HUGE TURN OFF?

I might use 1 new one and 3 old ones.

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[wired202808]

I stored all my letters in Interfolio for this current cycle.

I'm currently waiting to see if there is movement in waitlists to see if my luck turns out for this cycle.

However, in the event that I have to reapply, can I use some of my old letter of recommendations? I know the date will likely be there, but is it a HUGE TURN OFF?

I might use 1 new one and 3 old ones.

It wont be a turn off at all. a letter is a letter. Its not like you lost all your credibility in one years time. Your plan makes sense. 1 New + 3 old is OK, the 1 new should be from a dentist because you can shadow more and thats probably the best letter to update.

 

[dantemac]

Using old letters is fine. That is what interfolio is for. The committees will be looking very much at the content instead of the date.

 

[SexyMariGal]

How do you guys submit your letters to Interfolio? Do your letter writers have to mail their stamped and sealed letters in? Seems like a useful service to have while in dental school too if you ever decide you want to apply to residency programs.

 

[journeybegins]

How do you guys submit your letters to Interfolio? Do your letter writers have to mail their stamped and sealed letters in? Seems like a useful service to have while in dental school too if you ever decide you want to apply to residency programs.

There are two ways to submit a letter or anything confidential for that matter. You have the option to submit a confidential or non-confidential by just selecting these options when you request the letters.

1) BY MAIL - The letter writers can send their letter directly to Interfolio (I believe its headquarters is in DC) but they have to include your Interfolio ID to match up with your account. From there, the people at Interfolio will upload it to your account.

Confidential = having the writer sign their signature across a tape that seals the envelope.

2) ELECTRONICALLY - You go on your Interfolio account and write to the letter writer's email address stating a message that says that you are requesting a letter of recommendation from them. Interfolio will then send them instructions on how to upload the file.

When it is uploaded, you will see it on your account. If you selected requesting a non-confidential letter, you will be able to open the file and read it. If it is confidential, it will just say something like, "Mr/Ms/Dr ______'s Confidential Letter of Recommendation"

Interfolio does cost money. I believe I paid around $20 for a one year storage. I don't know if the price has increased.

When you apply for dental school through AADSAS, your letter writers can also upload it directly too. Interfolio basically just stores the information and allows you to send it to whoever (it also costs money to send).

 

[Ari Rezaei]

So I can collect letters in May with Interfolio and in June directly send it to AADSAS via Interfolio? And if I don't get in reuse the letters without hassling professors again?

 

[goffdent]

If you're reapplying, does submitting everything from last cycle seem the smartest? You need to make changes..... Not saying your letters are bad (they're probably good) but you need to consider making this "new", not a repeat of last year. I hopeyou plan on having a completely new personal statement, 100hrs shadowing, volunteer, New DAT score, and applying to MORE schools. Just some important info.

 

[journeybegins]

So I can collect letters in May with Interfolio and in June directly send it to AADSAS via Interfolio? And if I don't get in reuse the letters without hassling professors again?

Essentially, yes. You can do all of those things.

I only bought a one year storage, so I'd have to renew the account this year. I'm on a couple of waitlists so I will wait until mid-May to renew the account if I don't hear any more news.

 

[journeybegins]

If you're reapplying, does submitting everything from last cycle seem the smartest? You need to make changes..... Not saying your letters are bad (they're probably good) but you need to consider making this "new", not a repeat of last year. I hopeyou plan on having a completely new personal statement, 100hrs shadowing, volunteer, New DAT score, and applying to MORE schools. Just some important info.

I agree with you that it is not the smartest. However, in general, not everything is readily accessible to everybody. I already graduated, moved back to my hometown, so professors would be harder to reach. I am taking an anatomy class right now so that would be the only new one if I decide to ask that professor.

I have yet to figure out if my application just sucks or if I blew my interviews or if it's just because of how late I took my DAT. I applied in June but took my DAT early October. I'm just trying to be optimistic, thinking maybe it's because I applied late. I have decent stats, but competition is harder when you apply later.

I am happy with my DAT score, love my personal statement but will add a few things that I've done this year, and have over 100 hours in shadowing and 300-400 hours of volunteering.


For new changes, I'm probably going to volunteer some more and shadow specialists since I've mainly shadowed general dentists in the past.

 

[goffdent]

Good. I know what it's like to reapply. I"m just saying this because you don't want to go through it again. Do it right this time. practice interviewing. See if your school does practice interviews in the employment office if they have one. gl