First, you must register and create an interfolio account. It will cost you 20 bucks for 1 year. Then, on the Interfolio website (through your account) you request a letter of recommendation. Set the option to a confidential letter of rec (you waive your right to see its contents, you won't be able to read it), otherwise med schools won't take the letter seriously. The letter of rec request form on the website will ask for the name of the letter writer and their email address, etc. etc.
When you submit the request, your letter writer gets sent an email with instructions on how to submit the letter of rec. They can send it through snail mail, or (I think) there is an electronic method (where you can scan the letter and submit it electronically). Once Interfolio receives the letter, it keeps it tied to your account so whenever a medical school needs that letter you can send them it (your letter writer only needs to send his letter once to one place, in this case, Interfolio).
I know this because I read the instructions on the AACOMAS/Interfolio website. Even though I told you (because I'm such a nice guy), I suggest reading the guidelines and instructions which can easily be found on the website. You won't get anywhere in the application process without doing this.
Precisely this. There is no need to have your letter writers mail-in the recommendation letter as they can just upload the letter (as per the instructions on the request form) to Interfolio through the website. Your letter writer will need to create an account as well to do this. Snail-mail only delays the process due to processing, but if they are old school they may feel more comfortable mailing it in. Electronic submission is just quicker.
Here is an exact replica of what the request form looks like and what your letter writers will see:
Request from: (YOU) Document title: Recommendation from (LETTER WRITER)
Request date: XX/XX/XXXX Document ID: XXXXXXXXXX
CONFIDENTIAL RIGHTS WAIVER
By creating this form, I acknowledge that under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, it is my right to have access to letters of recommendation written on my behalf. However, I also understand that letters submitted in confidence may carry greater weight.
[X] It is my desire that this letter be written in confidence and therefore I waive all rights of access to this letter.
Digitally signed by (YOU) on XX/XX/XX
Upload an Electronic Document to interfolio.com [
instructions for your letter writer]
1. Create a free Interfolio account at
www.interfolio.com. (If you already have an account, please login.)
2. On the Write Recommendations page, enter the document id: XXXXXX
3. Browse for your document and upload it.
OR
Mail a Paper Copy of Your Letter to Interfolio
1. Print and sign your letter document
2. Print this form
3. Place the document and this form, without staples or paper clips, in an envelope addressed to Interfolio:
Interfolio, Inc.
1900 L Street, NW #603
Washington, DC 20036