PrivateFolio Instructions
PrivateFolio
PrivateFolio is the dossier system we use for supporting letter writers to upload their letters of recommendation. It is also a confidential and permanent home for your letters.
IMPORTANT: Requests for letters of recommendation are submitted through PrivateFolio. You should ONLY send requests via email if you have had a personal conversation with a letter writer requesting a letter of recommendation from them and they have agreed to write on your behalf
Instructions to Open a PrivateFolio Account
- Go to https://www.privatefolio.com/auth/webUser/signup?invitedReferralCode=DartmouthHPP which will take you directly to a sign-up page (you MUST use this link in order to receive your account discount and to be properly affiliated with the Dartmouth Health Professions Program, as well as so that we can access your application).
- Enter your information, choose a password, and press SUBMIT to create your account.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Click on the confirmation link in the email, and then log into your account using your email address and password.
- You will be asked to choose an account term. With your discount, you can select a one year account for FREE. However, if you would like to have access to your letters for future use, you should choose and pay for a 3-year account (discounted to $14.99) or a 5-year account (discounted to $27.99). You can always renew or extend your account term in the future.
How to Send a Letter of Recommendation Request from PrivateFolio
- Log into your PrivateFolio account
- Under RECOMMENDATION LETTERS, click on REQUEST A LETTER
- Fill in your letter writer's name and contact information, as well as a title for the document (ex. Professor FIRST NAME, LAST NAME - Letter of Recommendation). This title will be visible to the writer and any institution you send deliveries to.
- You have the option of modifying the text of the request that will be sent to your letter writer. You can also specify a due date for the letter and whether it should be signed. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you do BOTH!
- Check the box indicating that you waive rights of access (this is required to ensure the confidentiality of letters).
- Click on SUBMIT
- Your letter writer will receive an email with the details of your request and a link through which he or she can upload the letter.
- You will receive a confirmation email once the letter writer has submitted their letter to PrivateFolio and is available.
PLEASE NOTE: As you're making your letter of recommendation requests, make sure that your writers understand that BOTH LETTERHEAD AND SIGNATURE ARE REQUIRED!
How to Deliver Your Composite Letter Packet to an Application System
Depending on the application system you plan to send you composite letter packet to, delivery methods can very. Please read over our Delivering Your Packet document to understand what steps/actions you are responsible for.
If you have any questions about PrivateFolio, please email Health.Professions.Program@dartmouth.edu.