A Medical School Letter of Recommendation is a document that provides an objective evaluation of the applicant’s academic abilities, personal qualities, and suitability for a career in medicine. It is usually required when applying to medical schools and is often written by a professor, mentor, or supervisor who knows the applicant well.
Medical school letters of recommendation can significantly impact an applicant’s chances of admission, as they offer the admissions committee valuable insights into the candidate’s strengths, experiences, and potential to succeed in the medical field.
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Use our Residency Letter of Recommendation to enhance your residency application.
Who to Request
Choose individuals who can provide detailed, enthusiastic endorsements of your qualifications and character.
Here are the key types of recommenders to consider depending on your situation:
Medically-Related Science Majors
Applicants studying biology, chemistry, physics, or other medically related sciences should aim to gather recommendation letters from the following sources:
- Science Professors: At least 2 letters from professors who taught biology, chemistry, or physics courses. These letters should reflect your academic performance and understanding of fundamental scientific principles.
- Advanced-Level Professors: 1 letter from a professor of an advanced-level class within your major showcasing your depth of knowledge in a specific area.
- Extracurricular Supervisors: 3 letters from supervisors or mentors involved in your clinical, research, or other extracurricular activities, highlighting your hands-on experience and interpersonal skills.
Non-Science Majors
Applicants in humanities, social sciences, and other non-medical fields should collect recommendation letters from a diverse set of sources:
- Science Professors: 1 letter from a biology professor and 1 from a chemistry or physics professor, ensuring you demonstrate competence in foundational sciences.
- Humanities or Social Science Professors: At least 2 letters from a humanities or social science professor, preferably from an advanced-level course within your major.
- Extracurricular Supervisors: 2 additional letters from mentors or supervisors in your extracurricular activities focusing on clinical work, volunteer experiences, or research projects.
By securing letters from a mix of science and non-science professors, non-science majors can present a well-rounded application demonstrating both academic versatility and dedication to medicine.
Non-Traditional Applicants
Non-traditional applicants, often those who have been out of school for several years or are pursuing medicine as a second career, should take a strategic approach to gathering recommendation letters:
- Recent Academic Letters: Enroll in a few science courses to build relationships with current professors. This ensures your application includes recent academic endorsements, ideally within the last three years.
- Professional and Clinical Recommendations: Secure letters from medical professionals, such as doctors you’ve shadowed or worked with, to highlight your practical experience and commitment to healthcare.
- Additional Letters: Consider obtaining letters from recent employers or supervisors who can attest to your work ethic, leadership, and other relevant professional skills.
What Is a Committee Letter and Should I Get One?
A committee letter, or composite letter, is written by your college’s pre-med advising office and represents an evaluation of you by your institution. If your school offers one, getting one is generally beneficial; without it, medical schools might question your candidacy.
However, not all colleges provide committee letters, especially for non-science majors or alumni. If you can’t get one, it won’t ruin your chances, but securing one, if available, is advisable.
How to Request
Approaching potential recommenders professionally and thoughtfully can significantly impact the quality of your letters. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Plan Ahead: Begin thinking about and cultivating relationships with potential letter writers well in advance. Ideally, ask for letters two to three months before you need them.
- Request in Person When Possible: If feasible, request the letter in person to gauge their willingness and make a more personal connection. If an in-person meeting isn’t possible, a video call is a good alternative.
Example Email for In-Person Request
Dear [Professor/Doctor’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well.
I’m applying to medical school this upcoming cycle and would be honored if you could write a strong letter of recommendation for me. I have always valued your guidance and believe your insights would greatly benefit my application.
Could we meet to discuss this further at a time convenient for you?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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Provide Necessary Materials: Once they agree, provide them with a packet including:
- Your CV or résumé,
- Your personal statement,
- Your transcripts (highlighting science and non-science courses separately), MCAT score, and
- Specific instructions for submission, including deadlines and relevant application system details (AMCAS or AACOMAS).
- Follow and Remind: Send polite reminder emails two to three weeks before the submission deadline. If you don’t receive a response, follow up weekly until they confirm the letter’s completion.
Example Reminder Email
Dear [Professor/Doctor’s Name],
I hope you are well.
As the deadline for my medical school applications approaches, I wanted to remind you about the recommendation letter.
Please let me know if you need any additional information or assistance. Thank you again for your support!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
- Express Gratitude: After submitting the letter, send a sincere thank-you note. Let them know how much you appreciate their time and support, and keep them updated on your application progress.
Example Thank-You Note
Dear [Professor/Doctor’s Name],
Thank you so much for writing a recommendation letter for my medical school application. I truly appreciate your support and guidance throughout this process.
I will keep you updated on my application progress.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to Write
Below is a detailed breakdown of AAMC’s guidelines on how to structure and write a compelling letter:
Step 1: Introduction
Begin by clearly stating the letter’s purpose—recommending the applicant for medical school.
Briefly explain your relationship with the applicant. Specify how long you have known the applicant and in what capacity (e.g., professor, supervisor, advisor). Clarify whether your observations of the applicant are direct or indirect.
Step 2: Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs should provide a detailed assessment of the applicant’s competencies and suitability for medical school. Focus on specific examples and observations that highlight their strengths.
Below are some key points to consider when writing the body paragraphs:
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Be selective of what science and pre-professional competencies to highlight. These competencies should demonstrate the applicant’s foundational knowledge of science and their readiness to engage in professional medical practice. They can include:
- Science Competencies: The applicant’s knowledge and skills in the natural sciences, or how the applicant applies their understanding of psychological, social, and biological factors to health and well-being.
- Service Orientation: The applicant’s desire to help others, their sensitivity to others’ needs, and how they effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds
- Teamwork and Oral Communication: How the applicant worked collaboratively to achieve shared goals and effectively communicated with others.
- Ethical Responsibility, Reliability, and Dependability: How the applicant behaves ethically, fulfills obligations, and takes responsibility for their actions.
- Resilience and Adaptability: How the applicant handles stressful situations and adapts to changes.
- Capacity for Improvement: The applicant’s commitment to continuous improvement and their ability to respond to feedback.
- Give concrete examples. Describe specific situations or contexts where the applicant demonstrated relevant competencies.
- Highlight any unique contributions the applicant could bring to the medical school class.
- Compare the applicant to peers or colleagues if applicable, and provide context for these comparisons to illustrate their relative strengths.
Step 3: Closing
In the closing paragraph, summarize your overall assessment of the applicant’s suitability for medical school. Conclude with a strong endorsement by expressing your confidence in the applicant’s potential to succeed in the medical field.
Offer your contact information for any further inquiries or additional information about the applicant.
Step 4: Submission
Many letter writers prefer to submit letters confidentially. To enhance the letters’ credibility, you can waive your right to read them on the AMCAS or the AACOMAS.
Below are the specific submission steps for AMCAS and AACOMAS:
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For AMCAS:
- If you need to send different letters to different schools or programs (e.g., M.D.-Ph.D.), enter each letter separately in the AMCAS application and provide an AMCAS Letter Request form to your letter writer for each specific letter.
- You can send up to 10 letters. Each letter type, whether an individual letter, committee letter, or letter packet, counts as one entry.
- If using a university advising office or career center, consult with them to understand how they compile and forward letters to avoid complications.
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For AACOMAS:
- Evaluations are submitted electronically through the Liaison Letters Recommender Portal.
- Inform your evaluators about the process and ensure they know they will complete the evaluation electronically.
- You can enter information for up to 6 evaluations, and additional evaluations can be sent directly to programs if needed.
Medical School Letter of Recommendation: Examples
Example #1: College Senior Majoring in Biology
[Institution Letterhead]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Emily Johnson for admission to XYZ Medical School. I have had the pleasure of knowing Emily for the past three years as her professor and academic advisor in the Biology Department at State University. My observations of Emily are based on direct interactions through coursework, research projects, and academic advising.
Emily has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skills in the natural sciences, particularly in molecular biology and genetics. In my Advanced Molecular Biology course, Emily consistently ranked at the top of her class, demonstrating not only mastery of the material but also a keen ability to apply her knowledge to solve complex problems. For instance, during a lab project on gene editing, Emily developed an innovative approach to improve CRISPR efficiency, which earned her high praise from both her peers and faculty.
Beyond her academic prowess, Emily’s service orientation is truly commendable. She has volunteered extensively at the local free clinic, where she provided support and care to underserved populations. Her sensitivity to patients’ needs and her ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds highlight her strong interpersonal skills and empathy—traits essential for a successful medical practitioner.
Emily’s teamwork and oral communication skills are equally impressive. As the leader of a research team investigating antibiotic resistance, she effectively coordinated the efforts of her peers, fostering a collaborative environment that led to significant findings. Her ability to clearly and confidently present the team’s research at the Undergraduate Research Conference further demonstrated her excellent communication skills.
In terms of ethical responsibility, reliability, and dependability, Emily stands out as a model student. She consistently meets deadlines, takes responsibility for her work, and adheres to the highest ethical standards. Her resilience and adaptability were particularly evident when she managed to balance her rigorous academic schedule with her responsibilities as a caregiver for a family member, without compromising her performance in either role.
In summary, Emily Johnson is an outstanding candidate for medical school. Her strong foundation in the sciences, combined with her service-oriented mindset, teamwork, and ethical integrity, make her well-suited for a career in medicine. I have no doubt that she will excel in medical school and go on to make significant contributions to the field of healthcare.
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Smith
Example #2: Non-Traditional Applicant
[Organization Letterhead]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to offer my strong recommendation for Michael Davis in support of his application to XYZ Medical School. I have had the privilege of working with Michael for the past two years at the Community Health Center, where he has served as a clinical coordinator and patient advocate. My observations of Michael are based on our direct professional interactions and his performance in a demanding healthcare environment.
Michael has shown an impressive ability to apply his understanding of psychological, social, and biological factors to health and well-being. His work with patients suffering from chronic illnesses often involves developing personalized care plans that address both their medical and psychosocial needs. For example, Michael successfully implemented a comprehensive support program for diabetic patients, which significantly improved their adherence to treatment and overall health outcomes.
His service orientation is exemplary. Michael’s dedication to helping others is evident in his compassionate interactions with patients and their families. He has a unique talent for making patients feel heard and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances. This ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has been instrumental in building trust and improving patient compliance with treatment plans.
Michael excels in teamwork and oral communication. In our interdisciplinary team meetings, he consistently contributes valuable insights and collaborates effectively with other healthcare professionals. His clear and empathetic communication style ensures that patients fully understand their treatment options and feel supported throughout their care journey.
In addition, Michael has continued to demonstrate reliability and dependability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael quickly adjusted to new protocols and took on additional responsibilities to support our overwhelmed healthcare system.
Michael’s capacity for improvement is evident in his proactive approach to professional development. He continually seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, whether through attending workshops, participating in medical conferences, or engaging in self-directed learning. His commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement will serve him well in medical school and beyond.
In conclusion, Michael Davis is an outstanding candidate for medical school. His extensive experience in healthcare, coupled with his dedication to patient care, strong teamwork, and ethical integrity, make him exceptionally well-prepared for a career in medicine. I am confident that he will excel in medical school and make meaningful contributions to the field of healthcare.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Thompson
Medical School Letter of Recommendation Sample
Copy the free sample or download a customizable Medical School Letter of Recommendation template below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters of recommendation do I need for medical school?
Most medical schools require 3-5 letters of recommendation, including at least two from a science professor and one from a non-science professor. However, you should consider requesting one or two more letters as backup.
Can I submit extra letters of recommendation beyond what is required?
Some applications allow for additional letters. However, it’s generally not advisable to send more than 5 letters. Focus on quality over quantity to ensure the overall impact of your letters is strong. Mediocre ones can harm your application.
While some medical schools accept up to 13 letters, most admissions committees will only read no more than 6 or 7, and some don’t make it past 3. Therefore, prioritize letters that provide the most valuable and unique insights into your qualifications.
When should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
Ideally, ask for letters of recommendation two to three months before submitting your primary application. For example, if you plan to submit your AMCAS application in June, request letters by early March to ensure timely completion. This gives your recommenders ample time to write a strong letter and prioritize your request.
If your school has a pre-health committee that assembles letters on your behalf, follow their timeline and guidelines for requesting letters.
Asking early also provides time to find another recommender if one of your recommenders becomes unresponsive.
