Question about Letters of Rec

[Cali_NP_to_MD]

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So, I have another question. This time it's about LOR.
I've read that for AMCAS and AACOMAS, the applicant should waive his/her right to read submitted LOR to avoid looking suspicious/unethical/like you wrote your own letters/etc. Makes sense. My question is: How does this work for an applicant who wants to use a platform such as Interfolio to start collecting LOR long before the application process begins?
For example, I may apply in 2018, but more realistically 2019. Over the next year or so, I'm planning to ask some professors and colleagues for LOR, which I plan to store in my Interfolio account. So, by this method, I will have seen all the LOR, right? Can I use those letters in my AMCAS/AACOMAS applications if I've already read them? Am I not understanding how this process works?
Thank you

 

[DocJanItor]

Dossier - Interfolio

How can I use Interfolio's Dossier Deliver for my medical or dental school application? | Help for Medical and Dental Schools | Support

 

[timephone]

Related question: is Interfolio necessary or even helpful if my school offers a committee recommendation letter? I know it depends on the specifics of the school and its protocols, just wondering if anyone has any advice.

 

[DocJanItor]

I found it to be very helpful. Generally, most people are dealing with more than just the committee LOR. You usually have professors, doctors, volunteer orgs, etc. So it's a huge pain to have them send that letter to possibly multiple places in multiple years (if you need to reapply). By having them in Interfolio, you don't have to bug these people if you need them sent, re-sent, etc AND you don't have to worry about them actually doing it (because honestly they're not going to care as much as you do). So interfolio is basically insurance and control.

 

[backside_attack]

Related question: is Interfolio necessary or even helpful if my school offers a committee recommendation letter? I know it depends on the specifics of the school and its protocols, just wondering if anyone has any advice.

I used this and preferred it. Recommenders sent their letters to my pre-med adviser (who was also the person writing the committee letter) and she compiled them, read through them to get some highlights, and wrote a committee letter that highlighted the best things my recommenders said about me (or, so I'm told... obviously didn't read any of it). And she submitted one letter packet. I liked that because I gave everyone an early deadline so she had them in plenty of time and when I was ready to submit the app, the letter/packet was ready and nothing was delayed or missing.