Confused about LORs

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FinPreMed2020

Hello!
I have a question about letters of recommendation. Is it true that you don't submit the LORs yourself but instead, the writers will have to write the LORs online after you've applied? I thought that after the letter is written, I hold it until its time to photocopy/copy it to the application.

If it really is so that the LOR writers have to log onto a website and submit the letter there, how have you all done it? I was wondering that if my freshman lab instructor wrote me a letter already, did he write the letter for nothing? Did he write it in vain if he has to write it again in two years from now when he doesn't have that good of a memory of me? As you all fellow pre-meds understand, it can be quite tricky to maintain a relationship with a professor for two years if you don't have his classes anymore + you have to study + ECs + sleep, eat + create a solid relationship with all the other possible LOR writers.

I'm sorry if this message is very unclear but I just don't understand how the LOR system works!

Thanks for help everyone!

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Please take the time to read very carefully the AMCAS instructions. I am not saying that to give you a hard time, this process is complicated and there are a lot of things that you need to know before you submit an application. Letters, deadlines, definitions, and procedures have to be followed so that you don't end up with your application delayed or incomplete and waste a whole cycle and a year of your time over an error.

Regarding LORs, there are several ways that they are submitted but you are correct in that you will not likely be photocopying their letters. Getting a LOR from your TA is usually not recommended, and you will have to look at the letter requirements for several schools you plan to apply to in order to get an idea of what to include and from whom you should request letters.

Take a good look around these forums, check out AMCAS application instructions, and get things together. Speak to your pre-health advisor (taking their advice as you should any, with a large grain of salt) and look here for help and guidance when you need it.

Good luck!
 
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You're also technically not supposed to actually see any of the letters written about you. You have to sign a waiver saying you didn't.

That's a lot of what Interfolio is for. Also your pre-med advising office if you have one. They held onto my letters.
 
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Just to clarify:

1) you should sign a waiver giving away your rights to demand to see the letter. However, a letter writer is perfectly free to give it to if they choose

2) AMCAS currently allows letters stored on interfolio to be used in the application system. However, this may change over the next few years as a third party vendor may doing the bulk of the processing

3) you should see your premed advisor and see if they have a process to collect and hold letters for you

4) go to the AMCAS Tools and Tutorial page and start with the Overview videos

Thanks for clarifying. Maybe I am too far removed from the admissions process at this point.
 
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