Getting Started
Before you open your file
We suggest that you complete the following steps:
- Discuss the medical school application process with a premedical adviser.
- Decide whom to approach for letters of recommendation (only one letter is needed to set up a file).
Selecting recommenders
- Choose your recommenders wisely. A person who knows you well can write a more meaningful and detailed letter. Note that all letters in your file are sent to ALL schools.
- Schools typically require two science faculty members and one non-science faculty members. (However, specific letter requirements vary; research your schools' requirements.)
- Additional letters may be from:
- A professor in your major
- Supervisors, academic advisers, coaches, research directors, or physicians you have shadowed.
Requesting a letter
- Depending on your relationship with the recommender, you may contact him or her in person, by email, or by phone.
- If you haven't spoken with him or her in awhile, introduce yourself and remind them of who you are and how you know them.
- Ask if the person is comfortable writing a letter for you, and whether he/she knows you well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation. Always give the person an opportunity to say "no"
- Ask if the recommender would like to schedule a meeting to discuss the matter more fully. Some people will want to interview you at some length; others may not have time to meet and would prefer to review your written material.
- Offer to provide them with additional material, such as your resume, transcript, course papers and exams, application essays, and summaries of extracurricular involvement.
- Be prepared for meaningful dialogue about your intention for pursuing a health profession
- Discuss a due date for the letter. Recommenders should be given at least 4-6 weeks to complete the recommendation
