I stored all my letters in Interfolio for this current cycle.
I'm currently waiting to see if there is movement in waitlists to see if my luck turns out for this cycle.
However, in the event that I have to reapply, can I use some of my old letter of recommendations? I know the date will likely be there, but is it a HUGE TURN OFF?
I might use 1 new one and 3 old ones.
I stored all my letters in Interfolio for this current cycle.
I'm currently waiting to see if there is movement in waitlists to see if my luck turns out for this cycle.
However, in the event that I have to reapply, can I use some of my old letter of recommendations? I know the date will likely be there, but is it a HUGE TURN OFF?
I might use 1 new one and 3 old ones.
It wont be a turn off at all. a letter is a letter. Its not like you lost all your credibility in one years time. Your plan makes sense. 1 New + 3 old is OK, the 1 new should be from a dentist because you can shadow more and thats probably the best letter to update.
Using old letters is fine. That is what interfolio is for. The committees will be looking very much at the content instead of the date.
How do you guys submit your letters to Interfolio? Do your letter writers have to mail their stamped and sealed letters in? Seems like a useful service to have while in dental school too if you ever decide you want to apply to residency programs.
How do you guys submit your letters to Interfolio? Do your letter writers have to mail their stamped and sealed letters in? Seems like a useful service to have while in dental school too if you ever decide you want to apply to residency programs.
There are two ways to submit a letter or anything confidential for that matter. You have the option to submit a confidential or non-confidential by just selecting these options when you request the letters.
1) BY MAIL - The letter writers can send their letter directly to Interfolio (I believe its headquarters is in DC) but they have to include your Interfolio ID to match up with your account. From there, the people at Interfolio will upload it to your account.
Confidential = having the writer sign their signature across a tape that seals the envelope.
2) ELECTRONICALLY - You go on your Interfolio account and write to the letter writer's email address stating a message that says that you are requesting a letter of recommendation from them. Interfolio will then send them instructions on how to upload the file.
When it is uploaded, you will see it on your account. If you selected requesting a non-confidential letter, you will be able to open the file and read it. If it is confidential, it will just say something like, "Mr/Ms/Dr ______'s Confidential Letter of Recommendation"
Interfolio does cost money. I believe I paid around $20 for a one year storage. I don't know if the price has increased.
When you apply for dental school through AADSAS, your letter writers can also upload it directly too. Interfolio basically just stores the information and allows you to send it to whoever (it also costs money to send).
