Recommendations and Credentials

In September, 2008, the Career Development Center partnered with Interfolio to enable students and alumnae to manage their credentials files online, replacing the CDC’s paper based credentials file service*.

Who Needs a Credentials File

Not everyone needs a credentials file.  However, if you are applying to multiple graduate or professional schools, Interfolio can make the application process much easier and less overwhelming.  Interfolio empowers you to collect, store and deliver your most important and confidential documents securely, in an online portfolio that YOU manage and control.  You can request, upload and store letters of recommendation, your curriculum vitae, writing samples, dissertation abstracts, teaching certifications, student evaluations and more and have them delivered to any school electronically or by mail, with Express and Rush delivery options available.

If You Wish to Establish an Account with Interfolio

If you wish to create an account, you can do so directly online with Interfolio.  Individual Interfolio accounts can be set-up for as little as $19 for one year, $39.90 for three years, and $57 for five years.  Delivery options range from $6.00 (electronic) to $28 (overnight hardcopy domestic). This delivery pricing information is current as of April 27, 2011.  For more information, visit Interfolio online.

For Faculty and Letter Writers

Faculty and letter writers can quickly and securely submit documents electronically to Interfolio, whereas they are immediately available for use in the application process, saving time and limiting anxiety as deadlines approach.  Letter writers also have access to letters they upload into the system, so original letters or documents may be easily retrieved, edited or updated.

If you are writing a letter of recommendation for a student with an Interfolio account, refer to Interfolio's Letter Writer Guide that tells you, step-by-step how to submit letters to Interfolio (electronically or by mail) once you've received a request. It also informs you how to create an Interfolio Free Writer Account so you can view pending letters, view uploaded letters, replace your uploaded letters, how to replace uploaded letters submitted by mail, and how to add your electronic signature. For a brief video demonstration on how to submit a letter of recommendation go to Vimeo Interfolio.

If You Are an Alumna with a Credentials File Stored at the CDC or MHC Archives (credentials files dating prior to the Class of 1994 are stored in the MHC Archives)

If you already have a credentials file at the CDC/Archives containing letters of recommendation, the CDC will honor one final request for up to FIVE packets, free of charge.  Simply complete and sign the Credentials File Request and Destruction Acknowledgement Form (see below).
 
Should you wish to transfer your file to Interfolio, first set up an account with Interfolio, complete and submit a Credentials File Transfer Consent form (see below) to the CDC.  Once your file has been transferred, all future requests you make for distribution of your credentials must go through Interfolio.

Read about the many benefits Interfolio offers for recent graduates in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

CDC Handouts & Forms 

FAQ Handout
answers commonly asked questions about establishing an Interfolio account

Credentials File Transfer Consent Form
gives the CDC your consent to transfer your file from the CDC to Interfolio

Credentials File Request and Destruction Acknowledgement Form
must be completed and sent to the CDC before your request can be processed (read instructions carefully)

Student Guide to Letters of Recommendation
answers general questions about how and when to request letters of recommendation

*The CDC no longer establishes new credentials files on-campus, nor accepts any new letters of recommendation or other documents for existing files.