Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a credential file?

  2. What is a confidential letter of recommendation?

  3. How do I as a file holder arrange for letters of recommendation?

  4. How do I as a letter writer arrange for letters of recommendation?

  5. How do I open a credential file?

  6. What are the costs?

  7. What kind of security exists through Interfolio, Inc.?

  8. How do I arrange for letters of recommendation?

  9. How long will my file stay at Interfolio.com?

  10. What if my letter writers don't want to submit their recommendations electronically?

  11. Once my file is transferred to Interfolio, will University Career Services help with credentials?

  12. When Interfolio distributes my credentials file, will the cover page display the University of Houston logo?

  13. What will happen to the physical contents of my former credentials file after I switch to Interfolio?

  14. What if my references have concerns about Interfolio?

Q:   What is a credential file?

A:   Credential files are often used to hold letters, evaluations, and unofficial transcripts applying to graduate/professional schools seeking employment in the field of education. Documents kept on your file will be sent out upon your request.

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Q:   What is a confidential letter of recommendation?

A:   Confidential letters of recommendation are letters from others that you have waived your right to review. Many graduate and professional schools require this type of recommendation letter. In creating your credential file, you can choose as to whether you letters/documents are “Confidential” or not. If you are applying to graduate or pre-professional schools, we highly recommend that all letters be confidential.

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Q:   How do I open a credential file?

A:   Click here if you are a student or alumnus and ALREADY have a UCS placement/credential file account.

Click here if you are a student or alumnus and wish to open a NEW reference file account.

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Q:   What are the costs?

A:   There are two types of accounts that can be established:
  • One-year plan $15. This includes 5 MB of online storage (~100 documents) for one year.
  • Five-year plan $45. This includes 5 MB of online storage (~100 documents) for five years, and gives you three first class mailings for free.
We offer many ways to deliver credentials fast:
  • Electronic delivery - $4
  • US Mail delivery - $5
  • International Postal Service delivery - $6
  • USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days) - $9
  • 2-3 day delivery and tracking - $14
  • Overnight 12:00 PM EST delivery and tracking (request must be made before 2PM EST of the same business day) - $25
  • Rush overnight 12:00 PM delivery and tracking (request must be made before 4 PM EST of the same business day) - $40
  • International 2-3 day delivery and tracking - $45
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Q:   What kind of security exists through Interfolio, Inc.?

A:   Interfolio, Inc. employs sophisticated encryption techniques to ensure that a confidential letter remains confidential, if the subject of the letter has waived his or her right to review the letter. Furthermore, Interfolio, Inc. employs strict internet security procedures, including the use of a secure server to process all transactions.

UCS also places great importance on safe guarding the privacy of all student and alumni information. To that end Interfolio, Inc. will have no right to use or exploit the information about UCS students and alumni on its system, except as needed to fulfill the responsibility of processing the reference file service.

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Q:   How long will my file stay at Interfolio.com?

A:   Once a file is transferred to Interfolio.com, the file is kept in their electronic database permanently, thus allowing file holders to purchase additional years of file activity or to reactivate a dormant account years after the last file activity.

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Q:   What if my letter writers don't want to submit their recommendations electronically?

A:   Although your references can register (at no charge) with Interfolio and send their letters via the Internet, they aren’t obligated to do so. Letters can also be submitted by U.S. mail.

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Q:   Once my file is transferred to Interfolio, will University Career Services help with credentials?

A:   University Career Services will be available if you have questions or concerns about the service provided by Interfolio. We can also offer you general advice on the process of building a strong set of credentials.

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Q:   When Interfolio distributes my credential file, will the cover page display the University Career Services logo?

A:   Yes, along with an explanation of the relationship between University Career Services and Interfolio.

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Q:   What will happen to the physical contents of my former credential file after I switch to Interfolio?

A:   Your file will be kept at University Career Services long enough to ensure that the transition to Interfolio has been successful, after which time the file will be destroyed. University Career Services will receive periodic backup copies of all University Career Services files in electronic form.

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Q:   What if my references have concerns about Interfolio?

A:   They have some choices. They can send their letters directly to the schools or employers, or, perhaps more conveniently, to Interfolio. University Career Services considered extensive input from faculty members before deciding to use Interfolio, and we’ve informed all University of Houston departments about this service. If your references have any questions, we’ll be glad to advise them.

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