When applying to medical school, you may wonder: Should I submit extra letters of recommendation beyond the required number? While it may seem like submitting additional letters will strengthen your application, that’s not always the case. Some applicants believe more is better, but admissions committees value quality over quantity. A strong, well-written recommendation that adds new insight is far more effective than an extra letter that repeats the same generic praise.

At AcceptMed, we guide students through the medical school application process, helping them strategically choose recommenders and determine whether extra letters will genuinely enhance their application. Every decision you make—including how many letters to submit—affects how admissions committees perceive your candidacy.

Understanding Medical School Letter of Recommendation Requirements

How Many Letters Are Required?

Most medical schools require 3-5 letters of recommendation, which typically include:

• Two letters from science professors – Demonstrates academic ability in rigorous coursework.
• One letter from a non-science professor – Highlights communication skills, writing ability, and critical thinking.
• Additional letters from clinical, research, or volunteer experiences (optional but recommended).

Many schools allow extra letters, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically submit more.

How Many Extra Letters Are Too Many?

While one or two additional letters may be beneficial, submitting too many (six or more) can overwhelm admissions committees. If your extra letters don’t add meaningful new information, they may not even be read.

When Submitting Extra Letters Helps Your Application

There are specific situations where submitting an additional letter of recommendation can enhance your application:

1. You Have Unique Experiences That Warrant Extra Letters

• If you have significant research experience, a letter from your principal investigator (PI) can highlight your scientific contributions and critical thinking skills.
• If you worked extensively in clinical settings, a letter from a physician or supervisor can emphasize your professionalism and ability to work with patients.

Good Example: You worked on a year-long cancer research project, and your PI can provide insight into your dedication, scientific curiosity, and problem-solving abilities.

2. Your Application Needs Additional Support or Explanation

• If your GPA or MCAT score is lower than average, a strong letter from a professor who saw your resilience and academic improvement could help explain your progress.
• If you took a non-traditional path to medical school, a mentor who guided you through career transitions or post-baccalaureate studies may offer valuable perspective.

Good Example: You started in engineering before switching to pre-med, and your professor can speak to how your analytical skills will benefit you in medicine.

3. The School Strongly Encourages Additional Letters

Some medical schools, like Harvard Medical School, explicitly state that applicants may submit additional letters if they provide new insight into their candidacy.

Good Example: A mentor from a global health experience who can emphasize your commitment to underserved communities.

When Submitting Extra Letters Can Hurt Your Application

Sometimes, adding extra letters does more harm than good.

1. Your Extra Letters Are Weak or Generic

Admissions committees don’t have time to read repetitive or vague letters. If an additional letter doesn’t offer new, detailed insight, it may be ignored or dilute the impact of stronger letters.

• Bad Example: A professor you barely interacted with writes a generic letter stating you “did well in their class.”

2. You Submit Too Many Letters (6+)

Medical schools read thousands of applications—overloading them with extra letters can make your file harder to review. More letters don’t necessarily make you a stronger candidate.

• Bad Example: Submitting letters from five different professors who all say you were a “good student” adds no value.

3. You’re Using Extra Letters to Compensate for Weaknesses

If your goal is to “make up” for low stats or gaps in your application, extra letters won’t necessarily help. Instead, it’s better to focus on strong secondaries, a well-crafted personal statement, and interview performance.

• Bad Example: If your GPA is low, submitting five extra letters praising your work ethic won’t override your academic record.

How to Ensure Your Extra Letters Strengthen Your Application

If you decide to submit additional letters, make sure they meet the following criteria:

• Adds New Insight – The letter should introduce new perspectives, skills, or experiences not covered by other recommenders.
• Comes from Someone Who Knows You Well – A generic letter from a well-known professor is less valuable than a detailed letter from a mentor who truly knows your strengths.
• Well-Written and Enthusiastic – A letter that is vague, short, or lacks enthusiasm won’t help your application.
• Matches Your Application’s Story – The letter should align with your personal statement and secondary applications, reinforcing your strengths and aspirations.

Examples of When an Extra Letter Works vs. When It Doesn’t

Strong Extra Letter Example:

• You volunteered in a free clinic for two years, working closely with a physician.
• They write a detailed letter about your ability to connect with underserved patients, handle medical responsibilities, and show leadership in a clinical setting.
• This adds valuable insight to your ability to work in a patient-centered environment, which other letters may not emphasize.

Outcome: This letter strengthens your application.

Weak Extra Letter Example:

• You ask a professor you had for one large lecture class, and they barely know you.
• Their letter simply states that you “attended class, performed well on exams, and turned in assignments on time.”
• The letter doesn’t provide depth or personal anecdotes.

Outcome: This letter doesn’t add value and may be ignored.

Should You Submit Extra Letters?

Submitting extra letters of recommendation can be beneficial—but only if done strategically. Admissions committees prefer quality over quantity, so unless a letter provides new, compelling information, it’s best to stick to the required number.

Key Takeaways:

• Extra letters can be valuable if they add new insights and come from someone who knows you well.
• Medical schools prefer quality over quantity—submitting too many letters can dilute your application.
• Only submit extra letters if they reinforce your strengths and align with your application’s narrative.
• A weak, generic letter can hurt your application more than help it.

If you’re unsure whether an extra letter will benefit your application, focus on strengthening the quality of your required letters first. A few strong, detailed, and enthusiastic recommendations are far more impactful than multiple generic ones.