What is the point of Interfolio if we can use AMCAS as a direct LOR upload?

[zeroufies]

Or is there a disadvantage that I did not pick up? Like submitting LOR's again in the secondaries?

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[amberkre]

I like interfolio because if you apply to both MD and DO it's a little easier. The AACOMAS does not have a letter service from what I understand. Also, interfolio never expires so you'll always have access to those letters, if for some reason you need to re-apply.

 

[midnight0il]

You won't have access to AMCAS until it opens for data entry (in May?). You can get LORs and have it managed by Interfolio any time during the year. Interfolio just acts like a middle man. You can even hang on to those LORs for other purposes (i.e., scholarships). The flexibility is worth it for the low price tag.

 

[sazerac]

Some medical schools like DO, Texas, and (formerly) North Dakota have their own application systems.

If you are only applying to US MD schools that use AMCAS, then there are fewer reasons to use interfolio.

 

[gobigorgohome22]

Its all about TIME! Interfolio lets you gather all your letters NOW! Then, you just have to send it to AMCAS. If you wait till AMCAS opens, you have to give your writers about 2-4weeks to write it and send it. Basically you wont be verified till late September or October. START COLLECTING LETTERS NOW!

 

[zeroufies]

I have told my letter writers that I can send them the link to upload their letters at the end of May. I am submitting my primary application the minute it opens on the first day. I guess I am just debating whether or not to use Interfolio and use them as a middle-man to send letters or just go directly to AMCAS for direct upload

 

[sazerac]

I have told my letter writers that I can send them the link to upload their letters at the end of May. I am submitting my primary application the minute it opens on the first day. I guess I am just debating whether or not to use Interfolio and use them as a middle-man to send letters or just go directly to AMCAS for direct upload

The risk here is your busy letter writers will start thinking about writing that letter mid-June when you remind them and send them that link for the 3rd time.

With interfolio, YOU send those letters late May because those letters were already written and submitted by the May 1st deadline you imposed on them.

 

[Dr Chim Richalds]

I would also add that if you don't get accepted your first time around (may not even be an issue for you) then Interfolio is convenient in that you don't have to bother writers for subsequent cycles.

 

[zeroufies]

The risk here is your busy letter writers will start thinking about writing that letter mid-June when you remind them and send them that link for the 3rd time.

With interfolio, YOU send those letters late May because those letters were already written and submitted by the May 1st deadline you imposed on them.

Ah I see. I guess I am fortunate to not have that problem. The letters are already written, and I am just waiting on to make a new application for them to upload

 

[mrh125]

I think amcas deletes recommendation letters if you actually have them sent during the wrong cycle and that really sucks. interfolio allows you to store them forever then put them in the amcas when you need to.

 

[rain4venus]

for those using interfolio - do they only save your letters as long as you have a paid membership? Or can you just sign up again next year if you need to reapply?

 

[zeroufies]

The risk here is your busy letter writers will start thinking about writing that letter mid-June when you remind them and send them that link for the 3rd time.

With interfolio, YOU send those letters late May because those letters were already written and submitted by the May 1st deadline you imposed on them.

How do we show proof that we waive our right to read the letter? Or is that already assumed when we use a system like Interfolio?

 

[amad01]

How do we show proof that we waive our right to read the letter? Or is that already assumed when we use a system like Interfolio?

You click a box on interfolio that says I waive my right yada yada...

Interfolio is the bomb... I got 8 letters just sitting there ready for me to send off as soon as I need them. It is one less stress off my shoulders. I used the "printed copy" mail- in method with all my writers and it was a breeze. Now all I do is type the letter ID and amcas ID to each one and i'm done... best $20 ever spent

 

[sazerac]

How do we show proof that we waive our right to read the letter? Or is that already assumed when we use a system like Interfolio?

When you create the slot for the letter online, before the letter is even written, you indicate that you are not allowed to see it. Then after the letter is submitted, you can have it sent places, attach ID numbers to it, etc, but you don't see the contents.

It's a cheap and really nifty system that handles the job really well, with incredible ease of use. I hope interfolio takes over electronic medical records or the IRS tax forms someday. It's that good.