Medical School Recommendation Letters: What You Need to Know
Who writes your letters?
The Health Sciences Committee writes a single, composite letter of recommendation for you.
This is preferred by most professional schools.
In some cases, additional letters from employers, faculty outside natural sciences, or transfer schools may be helpful.
What's included in the letter?
The letter focuses on your personal qualities relevant to medicine: motivation, compassion, maturity, integrity, and interpersonal skills.
The committee considers your academic record, MCAT scores, autobiography (see below for autobiography details), and interactions with you inside and outside of class.
How is the letter written?
A committee member familiar with you writes a draft letter.
The committee discusses and edits the draft until everyone approves it.
Your Pre Health Autobiography
What to Include
To write a strong autobiography for the Health Sciences Committee, focus on these areas:
Experience: Describe your contact with your chosen profession through work, volunteering, or family/friends.
Motivation: Explain why you're interested in this career and how you developed this passion.
Plans: Discuss your alternate career plans in case you can't pursue your first choice.
Activities: Highlight your extracurricular activities, sports, and leadership roles.
Interests: Share your hobbies, skills, and talents outside of academics.
Employment: Explain your work experience, including responsibilities and skills learned.
Background: Briefly describe your family background, including number of siblings and parents' professions (especially healthcare related).
Education: Summarize your academic history and any honors received. Include unofficial transcripts if needed.
Challenges: Explain any academic issues that don't reflect your true ability (illness, etc.). Mention challenging courses and participation in programs like University Scholars.
Suitability: Reflect on your life experiences and explain why you're well-suited for your chosen career.
Formatting and Submission
Write your autobiography in a well-written essay format.
Keep a copy for yourself and attach a recent photo.
Staple the pages together (no folders).
Include your social security number and a local phone number.
Submit it to the Coordinator of Pre-Professional Health Advising for approval by mid-to-late January of your junior year.
Additional Information
You'll also need to complete aBuckley Amendment Waiver Form, stating whether you waive your right to see your recommendation letter.
Be honest about any past institutional actions you received (disciplinary or academic).
Update your autobiography by late summer (early summer for Early Decision candidates) with any new information.