How do I open a File?
What is the difference between Confidential and Non-Confidential?
What is the benefit of Confidential letters over Non-Confidential?
Can I open more than one file?
When should I ask my recommenders for a letter?
What do I need to give my recommenders when I request a letter?
How can I deposit money for reactivation and/or mailing fees?
How soon after I graduate do I need to reactivate my file?
How do I find out what letters have been received?
How long are letters held on file?
How do I request that my letters be sent out?
Can I choose which letters are sent?
How many requests can I make per day?
How much time does it take for a standard mailing request to reach its destination?

How do I open a file?
To open / reactivate a file get a Release of Information form which is either printable here: Release of Info or available at the Career Services office. Fill out the form completely and return it to the Career Services office. We will set up a file for you as soon as we receive this form.

What is the difference between Confidential and Non-Confidential?
If you sign up for Confidential you are agreeing that you will not have access to your letters. If you sign up for Non-Confidential you are retaining the right to access your letters.

What is the benefit of Confidential letters over non-Confidential?
Some institutions require confidential letters. If you know the places you will be applying to you can check their requirements to see if you will need to have your letters be confidential. If you do not know the places you will be applying to it might be safer for you to open a confidential file just in case you come across a place that has this requirement.

Can I open more than one file?
No. We will not be allowing students to open more than one type of file.

When should I ask my recommenders for a letter?
Two to three months in advance of your application deadline dates. This gives your recommender time to write the letter and allows for mailing time (especially international mail).

What do I need to give my recommender when I request a letter?
Include the Confidential or Non-Confidential Authorization form depending on what you chose when you opened your file, a brief cover letter including suggested deadline for mailing their letter to the RLS, your current contact information, what type of program you are applying for and a personal statement.

How can I deposit money for reactivation and/or mailing fees?
There are several options for making a deposit. The easiest is via this credit card payment link: credit payments. Otherwise see our list of options here: Payments & Fees

How soon after I graduate do I need to reactivate my file?
Our service is available for three months after your date of graduation. After that, the time that you will need to reactivate is when you are ready to request that your letters are mailed out. You do not need to reactivate the file just to have letters held or sent to us.

How do I find out what letters have been received?
The reference letter service has a new policy of sending out a notification via email as soon as we receive letters. If you would like a list of the letters currently being held in your file email us at careerletters@sa.ucsb.edu with this request or any questions you might have.

How long are letters held on file?
We will hold these letters for up to five years after the last date of activity on the file.

How do I request that my letters be sent out?
Email careerletters@sa.ucsb.edu with the destination address, the type of mailing you would like to use and how you will be paying. All Mailing fees must be paid prior to making a request. See our payments and fees page for a full list of options: Payments & Fees

Can I choose which letters are sent?
Yes. Just include a list of the letters you would like sent when you send us a mailing request.

How many requests can I make per day?
We accept a maximum of ten addresses per day.

How much time does it take for a standard mailing request to reach its destination?
The RLS will contact you as soon as your letters have been sent out. Allow two to four weeks depending on the destination.