How do letters of recommendation work?

[DietDrKelp]

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I now have four willing letter writers. Do they send them directly to AMCAS? Also when is it good to have them in if I want to be complete as early as possible? Can I send them in before June 1st?

 

[red doctober]

The easiest method (IMO) is interfolio. You can start gathering them now, and send them all in as a bundle to AMCAS when it opens. It does cost some money, but compared to the overall cost of applying, it's a modest price. Also, if (and hopefully not) you have to reapply, you have your letters ready for the next cycle.

 

[cookiemonsters]

The easiest method (IMO) is interfolio. You can start gathering them now, and send them all in as a bundle to AMCAS when it opens. It does cost some money, but compared to the overall cost of applying, it's a modest price. Also, if (and hopefully not) you have to reapply, you have your letters ready for the next cycle.

But then don't you have a bunch of letters with the date from last year? Do people do this?

 

[sinombre]

When you start an AMCAS application, you assign letter writers, and then print out letter request forms for each of them. These forms have instructions for your letter writers on them. The earliest schools can download your letters will be the first day AMCAS transmits data to schools. Last year it was the very end of June.

Make sure you read the AMCAS manual:

https://www.aamc.org/students/download/182162/data/amcas_instruction_manual.pdf

 

[sinombre]

But then don't you have a bunch of letters with the date from last year? Do people do this?

Yeah, which will be an issue at a few schools, but not at most.

 

[survivordo]

All I have to add is ask early and ask often. Don't be surprised if you have to pester them a little bit to actually get the letter written.

Survivor DO