A Guide to the Recommendation Service

Step 1. Read this Guide

Please read this Guide ­completely before opening your file.

Evaluations can be a very important part of the decision to accept or reject you.  The care you take in following the instructions in this guide meticulously and in a timely manner may influence decisions on your candidacy. We explain in detail to help you do things correctly. Although it takes time, read this guide thoroughly. If you have additional questions, call HPPLC at 812.855.1873 and make an appointment to see an advisor. 

The following requirements are necessary for the HPPLC service to maintain the credibility and integrity that is required by the professional schools:

1. In accordance with Indiana University policy, the contents of your file, including all recommendation letters, become the exclusive property of HPPLC and can only be forwarded as provided below, and only if you comply fully with the required procedures.

2. This service is primarily designed for IUB students applying to professional schools, other health or law-related programs, and scholarships.  Letters may not be forwarded or otherwise released to individuals, or you, even if you have an open file and have not waived your right to read the letters.  For such purposes you must make separate arrangements with your letter-writers. 

3. While every effort is made by HPPLC to send your letters out ASAP, we officially require ten business days notice.  Please adhere to this requirement.

4. Those who write recommendations are often busy people with multiple commitments. To obtain one recommendation often requires weeks or months of waiting on the part of the student. This service allows you to avoid keeping track of multiple recommendation requests from overburdened faculty members.

5. Many schools provide their own forms with their applications for recommenders to attach to their letters. All dental, medical, and law schools accept the HPPLC forms in lieu of these individual forms.  Students applying to other programs need to check the schools’ websites and/or a HPPLC advisor for instructions as to which forms are appropriate.