LOR- AMCAS vs. Interfolio

[altitude]

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1- Which process is easier for the Letter (LOR) Writers themselves- Interfolio or direct submission via AMCAS?

2- I've worked in a lab for a couple of years and have a publication.
I realize that for a LOR you want to choose people who know you well and best know and will be able to describe your strengths.
I feel that the coordinators at different organizations where I volunteer would best be able to demonstrate this in a letter vs. the PI of my lab.

So would it be bad and seen as strange or suspicious if I don't submit a LOR from my PI (considering I've been there 2 years and have a pub), but rather from volunteer coordinators who know me well/where I've volunteered for 1+ years/who will be able to write me a better LOR?
(Note: I'm not applying to MD/PhD and I value/will talk more about my volunteer experiences vs. research experiences)


Thanks in advance!

 

[positivityrocks]

1- Which process is easier for the Letter (LOR) Writers themselves- Interfolio or direct submission via AMCAS?

I've had an excellent experience with Interfolio. Their customer service is almost legendary and I think it's been pretty easy for my letter writers too. Nice part is that you won't have to go back and bug them again if you need the letter sent to another place than AMCAS.

 

[altitude]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Anyone have any insight on my second question? Struggling with what to do.

 

[DylanE]

I went with interfolio,and I'm quite happy that I did. All of the professors I asked had written plenty of letters before, even if not for med school, and already had an Interfolio account and knew how it worked. As for the second part of your post, I'd say get letters from people you feel are in the best position to write a meaningful one. If you don't think that's your PI, then don't ask them.

 

[shawshank613]

Hi I am using Interfolio for the first time and wanted some input from you guys on whether to do the email or print request. Are those two methods the same for the letter writer? If I chose print, do they have to mail in physical copies or can they submit online? Which one do writers prefer? Thanks!

 

[Reckoner]

1- Which process is easier for the Letter (LOR) Writers themselves- Interfolio or direct submission via AMCAS?

2- I've worked in a lab for a couple of years and have a publication.
I realize that for a LOR you want to choose people who know you well and best know and will be able to describe your strengths.
I feel that the coordinators at different organizations where I volunteer would best be able to demonstrate this in a letter vs. the PI of my lab.

So would it be bad and seen as strange or suspicious if I don't submit a LOR from my PI (considering I've been there 2 years and have a pub), but rather from volunteer coordinators who know me well/where I've volunteered for 1+ years/who will be able to write me a better LOR?
(Note: I'm not applying to MD/PhD and I value/will talk more about my volunteer experiences vs. research experiences)


Thanks in advance!

Regarding the second question, can you get letters from both your PI and a volunteer coordinator? I don't know if it would be suspicious, but considering that your time in their lab was productive (thus the publication), I think it might be a wasted opportunity to get a really strong letter. Are you afraid the PI doesn't know you very well?

 

[thegypsyqueen]

My school offers a similar service to Interfolio for free and it was really easy. I would look into your advising office to see if one is available.