Now there is a better way to manage letters of recommendation.
The ETS My Credentials Vault® Service: How it Works
The My Credentials Vault® service is an easy-to-use service that simplifies the letter of recommendation process for letter writers, applicants and graduate and professional institutions.
- Request letters — Applicants use the My Credentials Vault service e-mail template to request letters of recommendation. The My Credentials Vault service then sends the letter writers a notification that there is a request pending. The letter writers will then be able to register for their free My Credentials Vault membership to get started.
- Prepare the letter — The My Credentials Vault service automatically generates a list that letter writers can use to review the specific details of each request. Letter writers then draft the letter on letterhead. The My Credentials Vault service is flexible enough to work with any word processing software.
- Upload or mail the letter — Letter writers confidentially submit the letter either by uploading it to the My Credentials Vault site or by mailing it in to the My Credentials Vault service, where it will be converted to a PDF and uploaded for them.
- Manage uploaded and incoming letters — The applicant will receive an e-mail alert from the My Credentials Vault service that the letter writer has submitted a letter. While the applicant can see the letter exists in a document library, actual contents of confidential letters remain confidential. The applicant can choose to have the My Credentials Vault service deliver that letter to one or many different institutions.
- Deliver documents — Applicants identify specific documents from their library to create the components of their package. They then select the destination from the convenient drop-down database list of graduate and professional schools. If a particular school is not listed, they can also enter additional institutions at any time. The My Credentials Vault service prepares and delivers all packages (for a modest fee).
Furthermore, applicants can control the order in which the documents appear in the package (e.g., cover letter on top) and include a personal identification number, should the receiving institution request one. The personal identification number, also known as the unique document ID, is a six-digit number/letter combination that connects the applicant’s account with the letter writer and the letter of recommendation. It ensures that letters are easily identifiable with the submitting applicant and that receiving institutions can easily maintain each applicant’s submission package. - Monitor delivery status — Applicants can view their delivery history and know when packages were created, when they were shipped and when they were received by each institution.
Want to know more?
Take the My Credentials Vault tour for applicants or letter writers.
Ready to get started?
It’s easy! Applicants can sign up now to start taking advantage of the My Credentials Vault service. View our applicant pricing options.
