Recommendation Files for Recomendation Writers

Instructions for Recommendation Writers:
A recommendation file is used when applying to graduate and professional school and when seeking teaching or counseling positions. This is a convenience for both you, the recommendation writer and the candidate. We urge all recommendation writers, whether the letter is confidential or non-confidential to discuss the nature of their recommendation with the candidate. If your recommendation would not be of benefit to the candidate, we hope you will discuss this fact with him/her. We encourage candidates to engage their recommendation writers in a discussion about letters of recommendation on their behalf.

Applicants may have various options when it comes to collecting letters of recommendation.

1. Some will need to compile these themselves to send in with their paper application, which will require you to print the letter and present it in a sealed envelope (signed across the seal) for each recommendation.
2. Other programs utilize an online letter entry system, where you will receive an email with a website link to submit or copy/paste your letter into.
3. Most law schools utilize the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)  for application compilation and the applicant will present you with an CAS form to submit with your letter. You will only need to submit one letter for their application process.
4. Finally, many schools still request applicants to submit letters of recommendation from a recommendation or credential files service. The University of Rochester Career Center utilizes Interfolio, Inc. for their recommendation/credential files services.

The applicant should understand how the programs they are applying to accept recommendations, and be able to instruct you on how they need to be submitted.

Submitting Recommendations through Interfolio.com

• All letters must be sent to Interfolio, Inc, except those sent electronically, and must be proceeded by an Identification/Waiver Form. Any letters received without this form will be destroyed.
• Every time a person asks you to write a letter they MUST provide you with a NEW Identification/Waiver Form – each form contains a unique ID number.
• You cannot “update”, “modify” or “resubmit” your letter unless you choose to electronically upload it (in which case you can modify it for 48 hours post-upload only). If you mistakenly submit a letter via mail or fax with a typographical error, you must ask the requestor to add a new letter to their file and delete any old versions he or she does not want. You MUST use a new form every time you add a letter to their file.
• Do not submit your letter more than one time.
• Do not modify the Identification/Waiver Form.

Two ways to send documents:

1. Electronic Upload

You will receive a document request form in either paper or email format from the application. You will then be able to create a free Interfolio.com account online. Full instructions are included on the document request form given to you by the applicant.

Once you create/are logged into your account, you will have two options to upload your letter successfully.

a. Select the appropriate letter writing request from your Pending Request list. If the letter request was sent to you via e-mail to the address associated with your account, you will see information regarding the requisition on the main “Write Recommendations” screen as a “Pending Request.” Follow the instructions that appear to the right of the student’s name and upload the letter directly from your computer.
b. Enter the document ID into the document ID box. If you received a paper Interfolio Document Request form, or have a Document ID number, please enter the 6-character Document ID in the appropriate box. Then, simply follow the instructions to upload the letter

2. Mail

a. Print your letter
b. Mail, in this order, Identification/Waiver Form and your letter by Mail, FedEx, or UPS (please do not staple, tape or paper clip documents) to:
Interfolio, Inc.
Paper Processing Center
1900 L Street NW, Suite #603
Washington, DC 20036

If you have an urgent deadline, please contact Interfolio at help@interfolio.com or call (877) 77-FOLIO for help.

Email with any questions.