Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel uncomfortable. You may wonder if your professor or mentor remembers you well enough, if they will say yes, or if they will write a strong letter that helps your application stand out. However, securing strong, personalized recommendations is a crucial part of your medical school application, and the way you ask can make a big difference in the quality of the letter you receive.

At AcceptMed, we help applicants strategically request letters of recommendation in a way that feels natural, professional, and effective. Instead of feeling awkward about the process, you can approach it with confidence by following the right steps. The key is to choose the right people, make a thoughtful request, and provide the necessary materials to help your recommenders write a strong letter.

Choosing the Right Person to Write Your Letter

Before you ask for a recommendation, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the best person for the job. A great recommender is someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your academic abilities, work ethic, and character.

Who Should You Ask?

Most medical schools require letters from the following:

1. Science Professors (Required by Most Schools)

• A strong letter from a biology, chemistry, or physics professor is essential.
• Choose a professor who can speak to your performance in class, problem-solving skills, and intellectual curiosity.

2. Non-Science Professors (Optional but Recommended)

• Some schools encourage a letter from a humanities or social science professor, especially if you had a significant academic project or leadership role in the class.

3. Physicians or Clinical Supervisors

• If you have shadowing or clinical experience, a doctor or supervisor can validate your commitment to medicine and your interactions with patients.

4. Research Mentors (If You Have Research Experience)

• If you’ve done significant scientific research, a letter from your principal investigator (PI) or faculty mentor can highlight your contributions and dedication to scientific inquiry.

5. Volunteer or Leadership Supervisors

• If you’ve had a long-term volunteer role, a mentor or coordinator can highlight your dedication to service and teamwork.

Who Should You Avoid Asking?

• Professors who don’t know you well – If they can’t write a detailed, personalized letter, it won’t help your application.
• Family members or friends – Medical schools don’t accept letters from relatives.
• High school teachers – Unless the school specifically allows it, focus on college-level experiences.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation Without Feeling Awkward

The key to a smooth and successful request is to be professional, clear, and respectful of your recommender’s time. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Step 1: Make Your Request Early

• Professors and mentors are busy, and many students ask for recommendations at the same time.
• Ideally, ask at least 6-8 weeks before the deadline to give them enough time to write a strong letter.
• A last-minute request can lead to a rushed, generic letter that doesn’t add much to your application.

Step 2: Ask in Person (If Possible) or Send a Thoughtful Email

If you have the opportunity, asking in person is best because it allows you to gauge their response. However, if that’s not possible, an email works just as well.

How to Ask in Person:

• Schedule a brief meeting or visit during office hours.
• Start with appreciation: “I really enjoyed your course and learned a lot from it.”
• Explain why you’re asking them specifically: “I believe you’ve seen my academic growth and work ethic, and I’d be honored if you could write me a strong letter of recommendation for medical school.”
• Be respectful of their time: “I understand you have a busy schedule, so if it’s too much of a time commitment, I completely understand.”

How to Ask Over Email:

Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I really enjoyed taking your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], and I learned a great deal from the experience. I especially appreciated [mention a specific project, discussion, or skill you developed in their class].

I’m in the process of applying to medical school, and I was wondering if you would be willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation. I believe you’ve seen my [academic abilities, work ethic, curiosity, etc.] firsthand, and I would be incredibly grateful for your support.

If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to provide any information you need, including my resume, personal statement, and details on the schools I’m applying to. I understand you have a busy schedule, so please let me know if this is feasible for you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your guidance and support.

Best,
[Your Name]

Step 3: Provide Supporting Materials

Once they agree, make it easy for them to write a strong letter by providing:

• Your resume or CV – Helps them see your experiences outside of their class.
• Your personal statement – Gives them insight into your motivations for medicine.
• A list of key points you’d like them to highlight (e.g., your critical thinking skills, leadership, dedication to service).
• A deadline reminder – Politely remind them a week before the deadline.

Example follow-up:

"Hi Professor [Last Name], I just wanted to check in and see if you need any additional information for my letter of recommendation. Please let me know if I can help in any way. I appreciate your time and support!"

What to Do If They Say No

Sometimes, a professor may decline your request—and that’s okay. It’s better to have a recommender who is enthusiastic about writing your letter than someone who feels unsure.

Why They Might Say No:

• They don’t feel they know you well enough.
• They have too many recommendation requests.
• They are not comfortable writing a strong letter.

How to Respond If They Decline:

• Be gracious and professional:
  
  • “I completely understand. Thank you for your time and consideration!”
• Move on and ask someone else who can write you a more detailed, supportive letter.

Asking for Recommendations with Confidence

Requesting a letter of recommendation doesn’t have to be awkward if you choose the right person, make a thoughtful request, and provide the necessary materials to help them write a strong letter. Most professors and mentors are happy to help—they just need enough time and context to write a great letter.

Key Takeaways:

• Ask early (6-8 weeks before the deadline) to give recommenders enough time.
• Choose someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your strengths.
• Be professional and clear in your request—whether in person or over email.
• Provide supporting materials (resume, personal statement, key points to highlight).
• Follow up politely and express gratitude for their time.

With the right approach, asking for a letter of recommendation can be a smooth, professional process that strengthens your medical school application.