Interfolio

[mastamark]

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Hello all,

AS you all may already know, I am heading into my junior year of undergrad work. It is time for me to get busy with LORs, MCAT study, etc. I have questions about interfolio.

I have an idea what it is, but how it works is a little befuddling to me.

When soliciting LORs from dean, D.O.s, science prof etc, do I have them send the documents directly to interfolio, or do I get the letters and do it myself?

How does this work with other requirements like MCAT scores and transcripts?

Should I open up an account with them now, seeing as I will be applying in June of next year(hopefully)?

I know what interfolio is thanks to all of you guys, but I just need help on those questions.

Thanx in advance

 

[HunterGatherer]

Hello all,

AS you all may already know, I am heading into my junior year of undergrad work. It is time for me to get busy with LORs, MCAT study, etc. I have questions about interfolio.

I have an idea what it is, but how it works is a little befuddling to me.

When soliciting LORs from dean, D.O.s, science prof etc, do I have them send the documents directly to interfolio, or do I get the letters and do it myself?

How does this work with other requirements like MCAT scores and transcripts?

Should I open up an account with them now, seeing as I will be applying in June of next year(hopefully)?

I know what interfolio is thanks to all of you guys, but I just need help on those questions.

Thanx in advance

example of how interfolio works:
-Open an account when you are ready to start getting LORs. It is done online and you need a printer to print LOR receipts.
-LOR recipts contains "waiving rights" info and instructions for sending LOR to interfolio.
-you go into your interfolio account and set up a receipt document for your LOR writer. You give this receipt and a stamped addressed(interfolio's addy) letter to your LOR writer. Be sure it is designated "waive rights to view".
-LOR writer writes a letter for you and mails it along with the interoflio receipt in the envelope you gave. LOR writer sends letter off in the mail to interfolio.
-You pateintly wait and check online to see when the document is received. -school A says they want an LOR from 2 science, one DO, and one liberal arts. Go into interfolio and select those documents and mail away.
-School B requires 2 science LORs and a DO letter so you mail them a different set of LORs than school A. You also decide to send school B your lab research LOR because this school is heavy into research.
-2 months later you find out school B says you misread their website and they need a liberal Arts LOR. Lucklily files are stored on interfolio for 1-10 years(varies by price) so you select the liberal arts LOR for school B and mail away. no need to track down the LOR writer for another letter.

other documents
MCAT scores are handled by AACOMAS. They will get them and forward them to all of the schools you designate on your primary application

ALL transcripts are sent to AACOMAS for the primary even repeated course work. Once all transcripts are received, AACOMAS verifies your primary application and calculates a set of GPAs. AACOMAS sends a summary of coursework and GPA to schools designated on primary application. If you are waiting on MCAT scores AACOMAS will mail your completed primary after verifying transcripts and will forward MCAT scores when they are received.

Once you choose the school where you will matriculate you must send them your transcripts to complete your file.


Not 100% sure how updated courses are handled

 

[mastamark]

Thanks alot. I was confused as to how it worked out, I guess I will open up an account as soon as possible.

Is it correct I won't be able to read the LORs before sending off? How did you guys know which letters were strong enough to send?

 

[HunterGatherer]

Thanks alot. I was confused as to how it worked out, I guess I will open up an account as soon as possible.

Is it correct I won't be able to read the LORs before sending off? How did you guys know which letters were strong enough to send?

You can not read the documents on interfolio even if you do not waive access. If you want to read them you would need to do it through the prof.

I had LOR writers who wanted a lot of input from me for some of my LORs and seemed enthusiatic when I asked. Those are the ones I chose to use. Screen your writers by asking "can you write an excellent LOR for me?" "what would you need from me?" "I'm curious what do you think are my best qualities?"

 

[timmah2k]

Interfolio has an option where recommenders can upload their letters electronically. I believe the letter does NOT have a signature on it then. Is this acceptable for schools, or do they want a signature?

-Steve

 

[HunterGatherer]

Interfolio has an option where recommenders can upload their letters electronically. I believe the letter does NOT have a signature on it then. Is this acceptable for schools, or do they want a signature?

-Steve

Even if an orginal is sent in the mail, Interfolio will need to make copies to keep one on file and send copies to your designated schools. Your premed office would do the same. So it does not matter how your LOR writer sends to Interfolio as long as long as you mark it "waived rights to view" and the LOR writer signs and date the LOR.

 

[Raven Feather]

Mastamark,
A o-chem/biochem professor told me that he wished applicants didn't use interfolio because then he has to write a "generic" LOR b/c apparently the form is already set up for the writer to use (if I remember correctly). He said he would much rather write a personal, outstanding LOR to increase the applicants chances of getting in---not to say they won't using interfolio. I didn't use it, I'm just letting you know what I was told.

 

[HunterGatherer]

This is not true. I speak from experience. The LOR writer is given a document printed from interfolio to help track it and archive it. The LOR writer is not give a form to fill out except to sign and date the tracking form. Interfolio encourages LOR writers to use their own letterhead as well. The FULL letter written from each writer is sent to your designated schools.

Mastamark,
A o-chem/biochem professor told me that he wished applicants didn't use interfolio because then he has to write a "generic" LOR b/c apparently the form is already set up for the writer to use (if I remember correctly). He said he would much rather write a personal, outstanding LOR to increase the applicants chances of getting in---not to say they won't using interfolio. I didn't use it, I'm just letting you know what I was told.