Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your medical school application. They provide insight into your character, academic abilities, and readiness for a career in medicine, offering admissions committees a perspective beyond your GPA and MCAT scores.

At AcceptMed, we guide applicants in selecting the best letter writers to strengthen their applications. Choosing the right people can make a significant difference, while a weak or generic letter can hurt your chances.

Who Should Write Your Med School Letters?

1. Science Professors (Required by Most Schools)

• At least one or two letters from science faculty (biology, chemistry, physics) are required by most medical schools.
• These letters should highlight your academic abilities, critical thinking, and work ethic in a rigorous setting.

2. Non-Science Professors (Optional but Recommended)

• A strong letter from a humanities or social science professor can add depth to your application.
• This is especially valuable if you have strong writing, analytical, or leadership skills demonstrated in these courses.

3. Physicians or Clinical Supervisors

• If you’ve done clinical shadowing or worked in a healthcare setting, a letter from a doctor you’ve worked closely with can validate your commitment to medicine.
• Ensure they can speak in detail about your patient interactions, professionalism, and eagerness to learn.

4. Research Mentors (If Applicable)

• If you’ve participated in significant research, a letter from your principal investigator (PI) or mentor can demonstrate your analytical thinking, persistence, and contributions to scientific inquiry.

5. Volunteer Coordinators or Leadership Mentors

• A letter from a long-term volunteer experience or leadership role can highlight your dedication to service and teamwork.

Who Should NOT Write Your Letters? (Common Mistakes to Avoid)

1. Someone Who Barely Knows You

• A generic letter from a professor you had one class with but never built a relationship with won’t help.
• Instead, choose someone who can provide specific anecdotes about your character and work ethic.

2. Family Members or Friends

• Medical schools do not accept letters from family members—they are considered biased.
• Even if a relative is a doctor, their letter won’t carry weight.

3. High School Teachers

• Your application should focus on college-level experiences.
• Even if you had a great relationship with a high school teacher, medical schools prefer letters from college professors or professional mentors.

Choosing Your Letter Writers Wisely

Your letters of recommendation should reinforce your strengths and provide a well-rounded view of who you are.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose writers who know you well and can provide specific examples of your strengths.
• Avoid generic or weak letters from individuals who can’t speak to your abilities.
• Give your letter writers ample time and guidance to craft a strong recommendation.

Strong letters can elevate your application—so choose wisely.