When can Professors Submit Their Letters of Rec to AMCAS?

[Mariolee]

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I've been trying to find a clear answer but couldn't and am a bit too impatient to wait until AAMC's offices open tomorrow so I can call them. I am currently sending out Letter of Recommendation requests in anticipation of the upcoming application cycle. I was wondering if anyone knew when's the earliest my professors can upload their Letters of Rec to AMCAS's system as I don't think using third party programs to hold them worth it.

If this is the wrong forum I apologize!

Thanks!

 

[jk1006]

The system opens in May, and then you can fill out which professors will be writing letters for you which will create a printable form that the professors need to include with their letter.

Honestly, what I did was I emailed professors asking if they'd write my letter, and told them in the email that in May/June I would be dropping off the form for them to send in along with stamped addressed envelopes, making it convenient for them to send it in.

 

[Mariolee]

The system opens in May, and then you can fill out which professors will be writing letters for you which will create a printable form that the professors need to include with their letter.

Honestly, what I did was I emailed professors asking if they'd write my letter, and told them in the email that in May/June I would be dropping off the form for them to send in along with stamped addressed envelopes, making it convenient for them to send it in.

Oh it's printable? I thought they submitted them online now: https://services.aamc.org/letterwriter/
What year did you apply? Perhaps it was before they started pushing online over mailing?

 

[jk1006]

Oh it's printable? I thought they submitted them online now: https://services.aamc.org/letterwriter/
What year did you apply? Perhaps it was before they started pushing online over mailing?

well that's new, I applied this cycle and had them use printable forms

 

[Mariolee]

well that's new, I applied this cycle and had them use printable forms

Oh snap. Anyone applying this upcoming cycle have any ideas??

 

[narvik2016]

Get an Interfolio account and have your letter writers submit the letters on there whenever they are done. That's what I am doing now... then just make a quick send from Interfolio in the spring when AMCAS opens up.

 

[Glandzburg]

You'll have to wait 'til May if you don't want to use 3rd party programs. Otherwise Interfolio is the way to go.

 

[Mariolee]

Get an Interfolio account and have your letter writers submit the letters on there whenever they are done. That's what I am doing now... then just make a quick send from Interfolio in the spring when AMCAS opens up.

Ah I see. On the other hand I could just ask them to hold onto it and remind them again in May. I heard you have to pay for Interfolio monthly and I'm not too eager to do something like that.

 

[raiderette]

Interfolio is not monthly. I am almost positive that I paid an annual fee. It was very easy to use.

 

[Lucca]

You'll have to wait 'til May if you don't want to use 3rd party programs. Otherwise Interfolio is the way to go.

How long can a letter sit in Interfolio? If we're applying this summer can we ask our letter writers around February to have them uploaded at their leisure before June?

 

[Glandzburg]

How long can a letter sit in Interfolio? If we're applying this summer can we ask our letter writers around February to have them uploaded at their leisure before June?

Good question - I have no idea though, sorry.

 

[raiderette]

I had one letter that was sent in December that I used.

 

[ShadyLane]

How long can a letter sit in Interfolio? If we're applying this summer can we ask our letter writers around February to have them uploaded at their leisure before June?

The letter is stored with Interfolio for 5 years if and when you stop paying for the service. I used it for the current cycle and had my letter writers upload as early as January. I'm not renewing my access to Interfolio this year, but it's nice to know that I can access my letters within the next few years if needed. To your second question, absolutely. You send the letters to AMCAS (or wherever) from Interfolio on your own time.