Letters of recommendation are one of the few parts of your application that you do not write yourself. They provide an outsider’s perspective on your abilities, character, and readiness for medical school. A strong letter can push a borderline application into the “interview” pile. A weak one (or a late one) can sink you. Here is how to get strong letters.
Who to ask
Most medical schools require 3-5 letters. The standard set includes two science professors (biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, or math), one non-science professor (English, history, psychology, sociology, or any humanities/social science), and one or two additional writers (a physician you shadowed or worked with, a research mentor/PI, a community service supervisor, or an employer who can speak to your character).
How to choose the right writers
The best letter writers are people who can speak to specific examples of your abilities. Before asking, consider these questions: Did this person see me overcome a challenge? Can they describe a specific instance where I demonstrated intellectual curiosity, leadership, or compassion? Did I have meaningful interactions with them beyond sitting in a lecture hall?
If you attended office hours regularly, participated in class discussions, excelled on a research project, or worked closely with someone in a clinical setting, those are strong letter writers.
When to ask
Ask at least 6-8 weeks before the earliest deadline. For most applicants, this means asking in the spring of your junior year (February to April) for applications submitted the following May-June. If you are using a committee letter system (your school’s pre-health office writes a composite letter), check their internal deadlines, which may be earlier.
How to ask
Ask in person, not by email. Walk to their office or approach them after class. Say something like: “I am applying to medical school and would be grateful if you would write me a letter of recommendation. You have seen my work in [specific context], and I believe you could speak well to my [specific quality]. Would you be willing?”
If they say “I would be happy to write you a strong letter,” you are in good shape. If they hesitate or say “I could write you a letter,” that may signal a lukewarm recommendation. It is better to thank them and ask someone else than to receive a mediocre letter.
The brag sheet
After they agree, provide a “brag sheet,” a one-page document that makes their job easier and ensures they include the details that matter. Include the following:
Your full name, email, and phone number. Schools, programs, and deadlines (list every school you are applying to with their letter submission system: AMCAS letter service, individual upload, or Interfolio). Your GPA and MCAT score (or expected test date). A brief personal statement or career goals paragraph (2-3 sentences). Relevant coursework you completed with that professor (course name, semester, grade). Key activities and accomplishments (clinical hours, research, leadership, service). Specific qualities or experiences you hope they will highlight. The submission deadline and method.
Following up
Send a gentle reminder 2-3 weeks before the deadline if the letter has not been submitted. A simple email: “Dear Dr. [Name], I hope you are well. I wanted to check in on my letter of recommendation. The earliest deadline is [date]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Thank you again for your support.”
After the letters are submitted, send a handwritten thank-you note. After you receive your acceptances, let each writer know where you will be attending. They invested time in your success and deserve to hear the outcome.