Reapplicant Information
All letters of recommendation files opened with our office are kept active for five (5) years from the date they were created. If you have an existing recommendation file and would like to update it for any upcoming or future application cycles, our office would be glad to assist you in this process.
Take a moment to read through the questions below. A student’s file can be modified for any future application cycles by completing one or all of the following steps:
1. Would you like to update your personal information?
If you’d like to make any changes/updates to your biographical information (including answers to the questions on special honors, extracurricular activities and special qualities/characteristics you possess), review the Reccomendation File Set-Up Form on our Setting Up Your File page. Simply re-fill out the form and email it to recfile-premed@northwestern.edu. Be sure to state in the subject or body of the email that the form is intended as an update to your current file.
2. Would you like to add a Personal Statement or Resume to your file, or update a previously submitted one?
Simply email a current Personal Statement and/or Resume (as a word document or a PDF) to our office at recfile-premed@northwestern.edu. We will be happy to update this information for you.
3. Would you like to request an updated letter from a recommender that is already in your file?
It is our understanding that, in general, medicals schools prefer to see letters of recommendation that have been dated within the current application year. Our office advises students that, whenever possible, it is beneficial to their application to obtain updated letters. Check with your recommenders to make sure they are willing/able to write an updated letter, and then fill out the Updating a Recommendation Letter Form with the names of all recommenders who have agreed. We will then send an email to these recommenders along with a copy of their previous letter with instructions on how to complete the letter update process.
4. Would you like to add a new recommender to your file?
To add a new recommender to previously exiting file, simply fill out the Adding a Recommender Form with the names of all recommenders you would like to add to your file. A packet of your information will be sent to them via email. Please keep in mind that each file is limited to a maximum of six (6) letters, and all of the letters in your file at the time of completion are sent to all of the schools to which you apply.
5. Would you like to remove a recommender from your file?
For any recommenders that you would like to remove, just email us the recommender’s name and they will be deleted from your file. Please keep in mind that removing a recommender is a permanent action. If the recommender has already submitted a letter, it cannot be added back at a later date.
We look forward to working with you, and remind you that our health professions advisers are available for advising appointments if you have any further questions about the medical school application process.
