A well-written letter of recommendation (LOR) can be one of the most powerful components of your medical school application. While your GPA, MCAT score, and personal statement showcase your academic achievements and motivations, your letters provide a third-party perspective on your character, work ethic, and potential to succeed in medicine. A generic, vague letter won’t add much value, but a detailed, enthusiastic, and specific letter can make you stand out from other applicants.

At AcceptMed, we help applicants secure strong, impactful letters of recommendation by guiding them on who to ask, how to request letters effectively, and what makes a letter compelling. Medical schools want genuine, insightful letters that highlight your clinical skills, academic excellence, leadership, and personal attributes—not just a basic summary of your coursework.

What Makes a Strong Med School Letter of Recommendation?

A great letter of recommendation should:

• Be personalized and specific – Generic letters that could apply to any student don’t stand out.
• Highlight key competencies – Medical schools want to see your intellectual ability, communication skills, professionalism, and resilience.
• Provide detailed examples – Strong letters show, rather than tell, by giving concrete stories and experiences.
• Be enthusiastic – A lukewarm letter that simply states you did well in a class won’t have the same impact as one that conveys genuine excitement about your future in medicine.

Key Components of a Strong Letter:

1. Introduction – Who is writing the letter, their relationship to you, and why they are qualified to evaluate you.
2. Specific Examples of Strengths – Stories or observations that demonstrate your skills, character, and work ethic.
3. Comparison to Other Students – If the writer has worked with many premed students, a comparison can add weight to your strengths.
4. Conclusion and Endorsement – A strong closing that expresses full confidence in your ability to succeed in medical school.

What a Weak Letter Looks Like

A weak letter often lacks depth, enthusiasm, and specificity. Here’s an example of a generic, ineffective letter:

Weak Letter Example:

*"To Whom It May Concern,

I had the pleasure of teaching [Student's Name] in my General Chemistry course at [University]. They performed well and were attentive students. [Student's Name] was respectful and turned in all assignments on time. I believe they will do well in medical school.

Sincerely,
[Professor's Name]"*

Why This Letter Is Weak:

• Generic and vague – Nothing specific is mentioned about the student’s abilities or experiences.
• No enthusiasm or strong endorsement – “I believe they will do well” is not a compelling recommendation.
• Doesn’t highlight unique qualities – This letter could apply to any student who completed the class.

What a Strong Letter Looks Like (With Example)

A strong letter includes specific examples, detailed insights, and an enthusiastic endorsement. Here’s an example of a compelling letter from a science professor:

Strong Letter Example:

*"To the Admissions Committee,

I am thrilled to write this letter of recommendation for [Student's Name] as they apply to medical school. I had the pleasure of teaching [Student's Name] in my Organic Chemistry course at [University], where they quickly distinguished themselves as one of the most dedicated and intellectually curious students I have worked with.

[Student's Name] demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and an ability to think critically under pressure, both of which are crucial for a future physician. In my office hours, they were always eager to go beyond the textbook, asking insightful questions about the real-world applications of organic chemistry in medicine. Their intellectual curiosity extended beyond the classroom; I recall one conversation where they connected concepts from my course to a research project they were working on involving drug synthesis for cancer treatments.

Beyond their academic excellence, [Student's Name] stood out as a leader and mentor among their peers. As a teaching assistant for my introductory chemistry course, they worked tirelessly to help struggling students grasp difficult concepts, always displaying patience and compassion. Several students personally told me that [Student’s Name] was instrumental in helping them succeed in the course.

One of the qualities that I most admire about [Student's Name] is their resilience and commitment to growth. During one particularly challenging exam, instead of being discouraged by a lower-than-expected score, they met with me to go over every mistake and understand the underlying principles. This perseverance and willingness to learn from setbacks will undoubtedly serve them well in the demanding environment of medical school and beyond.

In my 15 years of teaching, I have encountered many exceptional students, but [Student's Name] is truly in the top 5% of students I have had the privilege of mentoring. I have no doubt that they will make an outstanding physician, and I give them my highest recommendation for medical school admission.

Sincerely,
[Professor’s Name]"*

Why This Letter Is Strong:

• Specific examples – The professor highlights tangible moments that demonstrate the student’s intellectual curiosity and leadership.
• Personalized – This letter could not be written for just any student; it speaks to unique qualities and contributions.
• Comparison to other students – Being ranked in the top 5% adds credibility to the endorsement.
• Enthusiastic recommendation – The closing sentence leaves no doubt about the professor’s confidence in the student.

How to Ensure You Get Strong Letters

1. Build Strong Relationships with Your Letter Writers

• Engage with professors beyond the classroom—attend office hours, ask insightful questions, and get involved in discussions.
• For physicians or supervisors, demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic.

2. Choose Writers Who Know You Well

• A less famous professor who knows you well is better than a well-known professor who barely remembers you.
• Someone who can provide detailed, specific insights will write a much stronger letter.

3. Provide Helpful Materials

Make the process easier for your letter writers by providing:

• Your resume/CV – A summary of your experiences and achievements.
• Your personal statement – Helps them understand your motivation for medicine.
• A list of key points – What qualities or experiences you’d like them to highlight.
• A deadline reminder – Send a polite follow-up a week before the deadline.

4. Ask Early and Follow Up Professionally

• Give at least 6-8 weeks before the deadline.
• Follow up politely if the deadline is approaching.

Strong Letters Can Elevate Your Application

A strong letter of recommendation is more than just a formality—it can strengthen your medical school application and highlight qualities that grades and test scores can’t capture. By choosing the right people, fostering genuine relationships, and ensuring your recommenders have everything they need, you can secure letters that make a real impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Strong letters are specific, enthusiastic, and include personal anecdotes.
• Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed insights.
• Provide supporting materials to help your letter writers craft a compelling recommendation.
• Ask early, follow up professionally, and express gratitude for their time.

A well-crafted letter of recommendation can set you apart from other applicants and reinforce your strengths as a future physician—so be intentional about who you ask and how you ask.