Why letters matter more than you think

Letters of recommendation are one of the few components of your application that you do not write yourself. A strong letter from someone who knows you well can elevate an otherwise average application. A generic letter (or worse, a lukewarm one) can quietly sink an otherwise strong application. Understanding who to ask, how to ask, and how to make it easy for your recommenders is a skill that many students underestimate.

Who should write your letters

Most medical schools require or recommend the following:

Two science faculty members who taught you in a course (typically biology, chemistry, physics, or biochemistry). These letters should address your intellectual ability, work ethic, and potential for medical school-level academics.

One non-science faculty member who can speak to your critical thinking, communication skills, or personal qualities outside the sciences.

One or more physicians or clinical supervisors who observed you in a healthcare setting. This letter validates your clinical experience and your interpersonal skills with patients.

Optional: research mentor, employer, or community service supervisor who can speak to a specific strength or experience.

Important
A strong letter from a professor who knows you well is always better than a prestigious letter from a famous professor who barely remembers your name. Depth of relationship matters more than the writer’s title.

Committee letters versus individual letters

Some universities have a pre-health committee that compiles your individual letters into a single “committee letter” or “committee packet.” If your school offers this, use it. Medical schools expect committee letters from schools that offer them, and not using it can raise questions.

If your school does not have a committee, you submit individual letters through the AMCAS letter service (for MD schools) or directly through AACOMAS (for DO schools). Most schools accept 3 to 6 letters.

How to ask


Identify writers early

Begin identifying potential recommenders during your sophomore or junior year. Building relationships with professors takes time; attending office hours, participating in class, and engaging in research all create the foundation for a strong letter.

Ask in person

Request letters in person whenever possible, not via email. A face-to-face conversation allows you to gauge the person’s enthusiasm. If a professor hesitates, seems uncertain, or says they can only write a “general” letter, politely thank them and ask someone else.

Ask the right question

Do not ask “Will you write me a letter?” Ask “Do you feel you know me well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation for medical school?” This gives the writer an out if they cannot write a compelling letter, and it signals that you want a substantive recommendation, not a form letter.

Provide a packet

Give each recommender a folder containing: your resume or CV, your personal statement draft, a list of the courses you took with them (with your grades), a brief summary of your clinical and research experiences, and the specific deadline and submission instructions. Making it easy for them makes for a better letter.

Follow up respectfully

Send a gentle reminder 2 to 3 weeks before the deadline. After submission, send a thank-you note (handwritten is a nice touch). Keep your recommenders updated on your outcomes.

What makes a strong letter

Strong letters include specific anecdotes (“In my organic chemistry course, this student struggled with the first exam but came to every office hour, developed a new study approach, and earned the highest score on the final”), quantitative comparisons (“This student is in the top 5% of pre-med students I have taught in 15 years”), and observations about personal qualities (empathy, curiosity, resilience, integrity).

Weak letters are short, generic (“This student performed well in my class and would make a fine physician”), and lack specific examples. You cannot control what someone writes, but you can increase the chances of a strong letter by choosing writers who genuinely know you and providing them with the materials to write substantively.

Waiving your right to view letters

AMCAS gives you the option to waive your right to view your letters. We strongly recommend waiving this right. Medical schools give more weight to letters the applicant has not seen, because the writer is presumed to be more candid. If you trust your recommenders (and you should not ask someone you do not trust), waiving is the right choice.

Related pages

Secondary Essay Strategy
AMCAS Application Guide
Personal Statement Guide
Pre-Health Advising

Last verified: March 2026