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Letters of Recommendation Examples and Samples

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It may seem like a lone endeavor to apply for medical school . However, you have to do almost everything. 

You must attain high academic standing, do well on the MCAT , complete enough clinical hours, and produce an outstanding collection of personal statements and secondary essays . 

Therefore, it makes sense that you might be eager to delegate the writing of your recommendations, one application component, to another person. 

Both DO and MD programs require letters of recommendation from medical schools as a crucial component of the admission process. They are intended to give admissions committees a third-party, unbiased assessment of your suitability for a career in medicine.

This article is here to give you letters of recommendation samples. If you want to know what a strong letter of recommendation looks like, please keep reading. 

How to Get an Excellent and Strong Letter of Recommendation for Medical Schools

Your letters of recommendation could be the deciding factor for you to get admitted to the medical school of your choice. 

The tricky part, however, is that you will not be writing these letters of recommendation. 

How do you get a strong letter of recommendation and know who to ask to write them for you? 

Below are some tips that will help you get a great letter of recommendation worthy of acceptance:

• Request an OUTSTANDING or STRONG letter of recommendation. Consider consulting someone else if your letter writer appears uncertain. On the other hand, you may determine if your letter will be poor, average, or outstanding by requesting solid advice.
• To jog the writer's memory and draw attention to accomplishments you want to discuss, highlight extraordinary qualities or interactions you have had with them.
• Suppose you have a draft of your medical school personal statement, fellowship essays, and summer internship application. You are not required to have the final manuscript prepared. However, this will make it clearer to your recommendation writers WHY you wish to pursue a particular opportunity.
• Provide a CV for reference purposes.

Letters of Recommendation Samples 

Letters of recommendation are a crucial part of your application to medical school. While you will not be the one writing it, it is also vital that you are aware of what a good recommendation letter looks like. 

Below are letters of recommendation samples from different kinds of authors for your reference:

Letter of Recommendation Sample from a Science Professor: 

Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,

Amanda Smith was a student of mine in the fourth-year seminar "Advanced Embryology and Developmental Biology" in the fall of 2018. It is a joy for me to write this reference letter for Amanda. She is a remarkable student. She has been among the best students I have ever taught in my ten years at X University.

Amanda excelled in my class thanks to her strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Her other instructors, with whom I have spoken, concur that she possesses outstanding analytical skills. I had frequently observed her ability to monitor and draw enlightening conclusions, mainly when working in the lab. Even outside the allotted lab time, Amanda seemed to spend much time diligently working on her studies.

Amanda displayed exceptional levels of technical knowledge and advancements in embryological systems. Her thoughtful queries revealed her interest in the unknown and her desire to broaden her knowledge. She is a great teammate who is always willing to assist her colleagues.

In the classroom and as a tutor after class, I have seen Amanda assist her peers with challenging lab experiments. She is happy and compassionate in her contact with teachers, students, and faculty members. Amanda completed all lab and tutorial tasks on time and to the highest standard. She offered to lead a student study group ahead of my course's final lab and exam. She dedicated much of his time and effort to ensuring she and her classmates were ready.

Amanda spent extra time explaining concepts to an international student who struggled to grasp them. She listened to the student's worries and gradually deconstructed the idea until he was confident the student had a firm grasp of the subject. Her compassion moved me deeply.

Amanda's professionalism and maturity also made an impression on me. She developed polite connections with my assistants, peers, and myself throughout her stay in my class. 

Amanda Smith is an ideal candidate for your medical school program, and I wholeheartedly recommend her. I can only think of a select handful of students throughout my teaching career that merits such high praise and endorsement. Amanda is a talented scientist who is also very intelligent and caring. She would make a fantastic doctor in the future. Her commitment to greatness is admirable.

Please get in touch with me if there is anything else I can say to convince you of Amanda Smith's sterling character.

Dr. Writer's Name

Letter of Recommendation Sample from a Non-Science Professor

It gives me great pleasure to endorse Oscar Sanchez for medical school. Oscar was genuinely interested in and applied to the subject during the previous term, so I welcomed him as a student in my Sociology course. 

Oscar and I have met frequently during my office hours throughout the two semesters I have taught him. I consider him an up-and-coming student. He consistently outperformed my top sociology majors regarding homework quality and academic performance.

When reading through the course materials, I ask my students to create brainstorming sheets to gauge their preparation and participation in class. I can make sure my pupils consider and reflect on what they are learning in this way. Oscar undoubtedly spent the most time in his style, honing his ability to understand new ideas by taking notes. Mr. Sanchez was always prepared for class and provided very constructive in-class involvement due to his effort.

Oscar wrote about the challenges doctors encounter when providing care to low-income neighborhoods for his final-term project in Sociology. He conducted in-depth research into elite doctors' tendency to serve wealthy communities and the lack of incentives for highly qualified healthcare professionals to work in underserved areas. 

The conclusions he made to show the cost of medical school vs. the types of salaries offered by institutions that get government financing were included in his article as visual aids. His ability to describe and combine several issues into a single argument and how he integrated sociological theory into his analysis were highly outstanding.

Oscar has several characteristics that constitute a good learner. He is equally adept at independently thinking and conducting research as he is at skillfully integrating and applying new ideas. He is a brilliant student who efficiently manages the pressure and demands of academic work.

Oscar can succeed in medical school; therefore, I sincerely hope you will carefully consider allowing him to enroll in your course.

Please contact me if there is anything further I can do to support Oscar's candidacy.

Letter of Recommendation Sample from a Research Supervisor:

It gives me great pleasure to endorse Priya Gupta, who worked as my research assistant over the summer of 2018 in the Minority Health Disparities Undergraduate Summer Research Program. Priya has proven to be one of the top research assistants I have enjoyed working with in my five years as the summer research program's director.

Priya excelled throughout the summer research program, showcasing outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities. She has fulfilled her duty as a research assistant, offering to work overtime or assist with lab tasks with flying colors. She constantly seeks clarification, double-checks her data, and requests input on her work, all signs of her attention to detail. I've confirmed with my colleagues that other program supervisors have taken notice of her work ethic.

Priya consistently displayed a high caliber and grade of work while participating in the summer research program, in addition to a high degree of empathy and comprehension. She volunteered to assist another research assistant who made a mistake, apologize to the offended colleague, and reassure the other student after the issue was fixed.

To prevent the error from occurring again and help the other student regain her confidence, Priya worked with her after that. After receiving Priya's help and coaching, the other student's confidence and work quality significantly improved. Priya assisted another student without dominating or being intrusive, handling the problem with empathy and adept interpersonal skills. I was struck by how she treated the other research assistant with consideration and kindness.

Priya was a delight to have in the program, especially when out in the field. When undertaking fieldwork, she acted with the utmost professionalism and politeness toward her coworkers, her bosses, and outside consultants. Priya treated every participant in the study with the utmost respect. She even made friends with some of our colleagues, who told me they were impressed by Priya's zeal and excitement. She consistently displayed enthusiasm and passion for the endeavor, regardless of the circumstance.

Priya Gupta is the top applicant for your medical school program, in my opinion. No other research assistant that I can think of has had such a positive impact on my colleagues and me. Thanks to her excellent work ethic, kind heart, and keen mind, Priya will make a fantastic doctor.

Should there be anything I can do to support Priya's candidacy, please contact me.

Letter of Recommendation Sample from an Extracurricular Advisor:

I've had the pleasure of coaching Peter Johnson for the last four years as a member of the X University Pandas basketball team, so I'm writing this letter of recommendation for him.

Peter has consistently turned up and proved why he is a great athlete and teammate, from his initial tryouts to his final successes with our team. When he graduates this spring, the other coaches, me, and the squad will miss having him on the floor.

Peter immediately made an impression on me during freshmen auditions because of his athleticism, excitement, contagious optimism, and unwavering dedication to consistently turning up, getting better, and enduring.

No matter the obstacles he encountered due to injury, illness, game cancellations, or personal issues, his energy and tireless optimism never faltered once he had made the team. He could juggle his academic schedule with our workouts and games while maintaining a positive attitude on the court.

Clearly, Peter also impacted his teammates because they looked up to him as a buddy, mentor, and natural leader. Peter never criticizes others or assigns responsibility for errors; instead, he is eager to encourage, congratulate, and assist. His colleagues have picked up this mindset because he keeps his head up and is focused on the future.

But because of his medical background, he contributed to the team's most notable success. First aid training is something that Peter has, and it came in handy when a teammate passed out on the court during a routine practice. Immediately starting first aid after rushing to his teammate's side, Peter guided the other players on what to do while maintaining everyone's composure and keeping them updated on the situation.

Thankfully, the teammate made a full recovery, but Peter's heroics inspired not only the squad but also me. Peter was essential in organizing a series of first aid and sports injury first aid lessons that I would host with the team.

Without a doubt, Peter will succeed in becoming a top-notch doctor. His enthusiasm, ambition, and nature are boundless, and he succeeds at anything he sets his mind to. Peter's Pandas teammates have nothing but affection and respect for him. We are all eager to see where his next step in life leads him. I can't express how much I think Peter deserves a seat in your program.

Name of Author

Letter of Recommendation from a Physician/Employer Sample:

I'm sending this letter on Lee Hong's behalf as he applies to medical school. I've known Lee for the past two years. He has worked as a medical assistant under my direct supervision in my internal medicine practice. He has observed me as I conduct patient evaluations. 

Lee's primary duties in my office were to welcome clients, record visits in our electronic medical record, and assist clients with check-out. Six months ago, Lee completed his EMS certification and assisted our clinical assistants and nurses with the initial vital sign collection during patient visits. When the patients were willing, Lee watched me as I provided care as a shadow student.

I think Lee possesses numerous strengths that will help him succeed as a medical professional and student. He is, first and foremost, independent and intellectually curious since he reads about the patient's diagnosis independently. He would also pose inquiries that showed intelligence and a swift ability to assemble data. Our occasional discussions on his college coursework were exciting and demonstrated his academic dedication.

Lee possesses the understanding and compassion that all medical professionals ought to have. His kindness, compassion, and attentive listening were frequently complimented by patients. Lee received a lot of holiday gifts from his appreciative patients. He is the first young student I have worked with who received this recognition. In addition, I observed that he had an exceptional capacity for relating to patients due to her openness, authenticity, honesty, and respect for everyone.

Finally, Lee had exceptional interpersonal abilities. He worked excellently with my diverse staff, respecting everyone in my office and adding to the productive work environment. Lee was an outstanding team member who was constantly conscious of when someone needed assistance or was having a difficult day. I have never seen someone his age have the maturity and respect for others that he demonstrates.

Lee has my highest possible recommendation. Of all the students I've worked with, Lee is the most intelligent, responsible, and fit for a medical career. I commend the medical school that was successful in choosing him to enroll.

Contact us if you have any questions.

Dr. Writer’s Name

Follow-up Letter Samples 

A strong letter of recommendation will better your chances of being admitted into the medical school of your choice…if your writer submits them on time. 

That is why it is essential to follow up on them, especially if the due date is approaching and you have not heard from them. 

Here are a few samples of follow-up letters:

Dear (Name of Referee),

I trust all is well with you.

I just wanted to check in to see if you needed any additional aid to help you create a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf as the application season for medical school is approaching. Do you require any other information to help you with your writing?

In addition, I wanted to inform you that the letter submission deadline is (insert date). I appreciate your decision to help me with my medical school application.

If you require anything else, don't hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely, 

Sample 2: 

I appreciate your recommending me for medical education so much. I've attached a draft of a letter of reference for you to review and edit as necessary, as we discussed last week.

My interests are global medicine and public health. Since I cannot speak to myself, I have left room for you to fill in a paragraph that places me in the context of other students you have worked with.

Please inform me if there is anything else I can do to assist you with this letter or if you need any additional information. I’d be more than willing and happy to do so.

I sincerely appreciate your help throughout this procedure.

Thank You Letter Samples 

Lastly, sending a thank you note to those who have supported your candidacy means a lot to your referees. It shows that you are grateful for their time and effort in writing your recommendation letter.

Here are a couple of thank you letter samples for your reference.

Thank you so much for composing a recommendation for me to support my medical school application. 

Thank you for making an effort to do this for me. Being your student was an incredible honor, and I appreciate the letter you wrote to support my academic aspirations.

As the application season develops, I will inform you of any updates.

I want to express my gratitude for composing a letter of recommendation for my medical school application. I appreciate you for supporting my candidacy.

As the entry period for medical school develops, I'll keep you informed.

Have a great summer with your family!

Additional FAQs – Letters of Recommendation Samples

Can i submit a non-science letter of recommendation to medical schools, when should my letters of recommendation be sent, how long should my letters of recommendation be, you're no longer alone on your journey to becoming a physician.

• Medical School Application

How to Write a Medical School Letter of Intent

Plus sample letters of intent for med school.

Featured Expert: Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD

Learn how to craft an effective medical school letter of intent. This blog breaks down the purpose, structure, and strategic nuances of these critical documents with sample letters and expert advice to elevate your medical school application, whether you’re applying to medical schools in Canada or in the US.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 14 min read

What is a medical school letter of intent.

If you’re applying to medical school, you may have heard of a medical school letter of intent.

A medical school letter of intent is a document that specifically states that you will accept an offer of admission to a particular school, if one is extended, over and above any other schools to which you’ve applied or at which you’ve interviewed (or even accepted).

This is a single letter sent to one – and only one – school: your top choice. Your medical school letter of intent needn’t be verbose; it should be a brief (500-600 word, or roughly 1 page) document.

If you’ve interviewed at a school that is truly your #1 school, writing a letter of this kind allows you to show the school that you are a serious and enthusiastic candidate. Typically, this type of document is prepared and drafted if you have had your interview 1-2 months prior and haven’t heard back or have been waitlisted.

A medical school letter of intent may be especially important if you find yourself in a situation like our student Joe, who was eventually accepted to the New York Medical College, after being waitlisted for a few weeks:

“[I] only had one interview… that's a lot of pressure going into that interview… it really was. I spent my entire winter break of my senior year just preparing… going over the BeMo materials meticulously every day… so after gaining only one interview, I was accepted to New York Medical College after hanging around on the waitlist for a little bit. But it all worked out. Hey, one acceptance is all that matters as long as there's an acceptance in the bunch.” – Joe, BeMo Student, current student at the New York Medical College

If you find yourself in a situation like Joe, consider this the perfect opportunity to write the medical school letter of intent! This blog will help you understand what a medical school letter of intent should look like,  what its purpose is, and the fundamentals of writing a letter of intent that is eye-catching, specific, and persuasive. With the challenges presented by  medical school acceptance rates , every student wants to maximize their chances of admission. A medical school letter of intent is a key tool for doing precisely that.

Not sure what to include in your letter of intent? Our expert Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD and graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, explains:

“It can be easy to spot the “CV stuffers”. And these things… that seem like things you just do to pad your CV with. I would highly recommend participating in activities OUTSIDE of academics or medicine as these truly do make you seem well rounded and are amazing opportunities for you to look to for stories, or lessons learned. We love to see people who are passionate about medicine as well as things outside of medicine!” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

So while your medical school letter of intent can certainly focus on your academic achievements, but it can be so much more! Let’s dive into what you can and should not include in your letter of intent!

A medical school letter of intent and a letter of interest are both accepted ways of communicating your continued interest in a medical school, after you have submitted your primary application. Your primary application will have included your MCAT score and AMCAS or AACOMAS application with all components completed, such as your AMCAS personal statement ) You will have completed your secondary medical school essays through the relevant portal and interviewed at your chosen school prior to submitting your letter of intent too.

 There is a lot of overlap in terms of what is included in each of these letters. If you’re anything like our former BeMo student, Moriah, you may have multiple schools on your radar. “I believe I wound up applying to 19 schools... that's a lot of work.” If you’ve applied to multiple schools, you may, at some point, consider sending a letter of interest to your top few. However, sending a letter of intent to one school means you’ve concretely decided on ONE program. In Moriah’s case:

"I decided to go to the University of Massachusetts... I'm originally from Massachusetts, having that support system while I was really busy in med school would kind of be crucial .”

Whether you’ve confidently chosen one school as your go-to like Moriah, or, you’re applying to multiple programs and planning on making a decision later, there are some key differences between the two letters that every medical school applicant should know.

Some applicants may get confused about another purported variation of the letter of intent, namely, the update letter. While some may not recognize the update letter as a distinct category, this document has a purpose and outline other than what you would include in a letter of intent.

An update letter is  only  about achievements, awards, publications, or other notable changes in your profile since sending your application. A letter of intent includes this information  and  reaffirms your interest and commitment to the school in question.

When Should You Write a Medical School Letter of Intent?

The medical school application timeline may feel like a long one. A letter of intent is generally written toward the end of the timeline, after applying to medical school and about 1-2 months after your interviews, especially if you’ve been put on a  medical school waitlist  at your top-choice school (though you may certainly write a letter of intent even if you haven't been waitlisted). For example, our student Ray could send a medical school letter of intent in his case:

“I [was] waitlisted at one and then still waiting for an interview for the other [medical school]. In Australia, I got two interviews so far and I'm still waiting for the third one.” – Ray, BeMo Student

In Ray’s case, if his first choice was the school where he interviewed and got waitlisted, he could leverage his acceptance to try and get the attention of his top-choice school. He could send a medical school letter of intent to update his first choice with this news to see if this affects their decision.

As the letter of intent is meant to declare that this school is your #1 choice, this must be sincere, and the reasoning behind it must be clear and concise. For instance, you should refrain from stating that you're eager to attend one of the easiest medical schools to get into , or a medical school that accepts low MCAT scores . This letter should focus on what you have to offer and why this particular school and program is truly the best, and only, fit for you. (Don’t worry, we’ll share more on how to craft your medical school letter of intent later in this blog).

Later in the admissions season (after you’ve interviewed at multiple schools) you should start drafting your letter of intent. In doing this you can confidently demonstrate that you’ve legitimately considered all the options available to you and that you are certain that THIS school is the one for you. The reason you must wait a bit into the cycle is to show that you have given this serious consideration. So, be sure to only send such a letter after you’ve interviewed; not before.

Declaring your intentions to those making the admissions decisions indicates that you have given full consideration to the options in front of you and demonstrates that you will be an eager contributor to their program and campus community.

Sending a letter of intent before interviewing, or even immediately after interviewing, suggests that you may be making such a decision hastily, without fully and deeply considering all your options, which can reflect poorly on decision makers’ perception of your maturity. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to sit down with an interviewer, your letter will come off as disingenuous.

Medical schools want students who are eager to attend and expressing your enthusiasm and the priority you assign their specific program can go a long way – but it must be genuine. You cannot tell all the schools to which you apply that they are your “top choice.” Not only is this dishonest and unethical, but it will also make for a good deal of awkwardness if you are given multiple offers.

Our own expert, Dr. Sara Kleeb summarizes the ‘need to knows’ of your medical school letter of intent perfectly…

“Your letter of intent must only be sent to your top choice program. It is meant to be sincere, and the reasoning behind it must be concise. It is sent later on in the admissions season, after you’ve interviewed at multiple schools. This way, you can legitimately show that you’ve considered all the options available.”

A letter of intent isn’t a legally binding agreement, but it is a promise, and you must demonstrate integrity and keep your word. This speaks a lot to your morals, trustworthiness, intrapersonal skills and intelligence and your overall character, all of which are taken into account in the medical field.

It may go without saying, but if the school does NOT wish to receive ongoing communication or updates from applicants, then do not send a letter of intent. We recommend that you go through your past communications with the school, as well as any emails they’ve sent you, to see if there is anything indicating they do not want such letters. This is generally rare – most schools are open to receiving updates, but you need to make sure that this is the case, to avoid making a faux pas.

1. Tone and Address

The letter of intent should be a well-thought-out, formal letter, not a quick email. You must ensure your letter is grammatically impeccable, that you’ve spelled everyone’s names correctly, and that it is a polished, final product before sending it off. It must also be concise and backed by reasoning. If you’re currently enrolled in a pre-med undergraduate program, consider reaching out to your school’s Writing Center for assistance in ensuring your letter is as clear, precise, and direct as possible. If you’re not currently enrolled as a student, consider calling a local public library, as some may have services that can help you perfect your letter. You can also use our  essay review and consulting service  to help you develop a high-quality letter.

Your letter should be addressed to the Dean of Admissions or Director of Admissions – you’ll need to look this information up to ensure your letter is addressed appropriately and sent to the correct address. Schools may have a portal for communications or separate email addresses for letters of intent and others, such as  thank you letters after a medical school interview , so be sure to confirm the correct one.

Your letter of intent needs to be addressed to the individual making the admissions decision. Avoid starting your letter with “Dear Admissions Committee,” as this is too impersonal. If you can’t find a specific name online, you can call or email the school to find out to whom you can address the letter.

2. Length and Structure

Your letter of intent should be a maximum of one page (typically this means no more than 500-600 words) and should follow the formal structure of a proper letter. Do not send a letter that spans multiple pages. Remember, the person to whom you are writing has hundreds of other duties and, in a sense, you are asking a favor of them in asking them to review and consider your letter. Do not monopolize their time; be concise and to the point.

Reiterate your interests and offer sincere thanks for taking the time to review your letter. Close professionally with something like \u201cSincerely,\u201d \u201cAll the Best,\u201d or a similar formal closing. If you are a US applicant, you can include your AAMC ID number beneath your name in your closing. ","label":"Closing","title":"Closing"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

3. Additional Details

Unless you are required to use the school’s application portal, you can usually type your message into an email or attach the letter as a PDF. Don’t use a specialized format like .pages – ensure it’s an attachment type anyone can open.

In our experience, using aPDF is the safest bet, and this will ensure your formatting stays exactly the way you want it. The email subject line should be your full name followed by “Letter of Intent.” In your letter, ensure you include the date of your interview, and – if possible – the name(s) of those with whom you interviewed (this won’t be possible with a  multiple mini interview  or some types of  panel interview ).

Finally, if an advisor, professor, research supervisor, etc., is willing to write or call to emphasize your “good fit” for the school, that is also helpful and usually welcomed.

Do's and Don’ts for Your Medical School Letter of Intent

• Proofread your document

Your medical school letter of intent is designed to express your commitment to the school. You will need to use formal language to sound professional and trustworthy. Check your letter of intent for correct grammar and be sure to proofread it several times before you submit it. It can help to have  an expert  read it over for you; they can sometimes catch grammatical errors or make suggestions on what you should revise.

• Show enthusiasm

To show that you’re committed to the school, you need to show enthusiasm. Use a positive, eager tone when you discuss what excites you about the program you’re hoping to join. Using evidence from your employment, volunteering, and extracurricular history, show that your goals and values align with the school’s.

• Provide adequate detail

Simply stating that the school is your top choice isn’t enough. You must provide detail that supports your belief that its program is right for you. Talk specifically about what you admire about the school and the values they espouse that fit you well. You may reference the school’s mission or certain aspects of their curriculum.

• Illustrate who you are

Your letter of intent is a formal, professional document that should enclose your reason for making a written commitment to a school. This means you need to use an objective, straightforward tone to convince the admissions committee that you’re a dedicated candidate. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reveal your personality – discuss your personal and professional experiences to convey individuality and passion.

• Repeat information

No doubt you will have included the most relevant details of your candidate profile in other documents like your personal statement and secondary essays. You should avoid mentioning anything you’ve already sufficiently covered in other parts of your application to avoid repetition. Your goal should be to accentuate pertinent details, specifically in terms of updates to your candidate profile.

You aren’t begging for an acceptance in your letter of intent; these letters are designed to communicate your priorities, goals, and preferences as they relate to program choices. While your letter should be persuasive, you should let your experiences and objective facts about your profile do the convincing. Show enthusiasm, but don’t overdo it.

• Send to more than one school

This has been said elsewhere, but to really drive this point home, we have to say it again: do not send a letter of intent to more than one school . This contradicts the purpose of this document, which is to say that regardless of where else you might get accepted, you will choose their program if they extend an offer.

• Use more space than necessary

Brevity is typically a rule for a letter of intent. Get straight to the point: state your enduring interest in the program and why you’re committed to taking their offer of acceptance if they extend one. Stick to the paragraph format outlined above and don’t exceed a page. If you go over that preferred limit, it’s a good indication that you have some revision to do.

With all of these tips in mind, it goes without saying that having a second set of unbiased (but professional) eyes help you throughout the process of writing your letter of intent. BeMo student Salma Latuke says:

“I really enjoyed the Letter of Intent review process. My reviewer was great at giving feedback and helped me concisely put myself forward as a candidate!”

If you’d like help preparing your letter of intent, we can help you just like we helped Salma!

Medical School Letter of Intent Samples

Medical school letter of intent sample 1, (533 words).

Dr. John Smith

Director of Admissions

XYZ University

Dear Dr. John Smith

My name is Sally Sparrow, and I am currently applying to XYZ University’s School of Medicine. It was my great honor to visit your campus, learn more about your osteopathy program, and discuss my career goals with Dr. Clara Oswald during my interview on October XX, 20XX. I am writing to inform you that the School of Medicine is my first choice for medical school and to provide an update to my application.

After the interview on your campus, I reached out to Dr. Sarah Jane from your Primary Care department to establish correspondence about my paper on the effects of nutritional deficiencies in postpartum care. She expressed interest in my research and shared some of her own findings from her ongoing study about dietary changes to treat postpartum muscular distention. This fruitful dialogue, and the insight she provided into the kind of research facilities your school offers, consolidated my intention to accept a place in your program, if I am offered one. I would love the chance to work under Dr. Sarah Jane and integrate my bio-medical research with her study, an opportunity I can only avail of at your school. I also deeply appreciate your school’s emphasis on student-based learning, exemplified by your state-of-the-art simulation labs and nutritional cooking kitchens. These facilities will provide the means to develop hands-on skills and receive specialized training that no other medical school offers.

Moreover, your school’s emphasis on nutrition as a treatment method and the use of innovative technologies to advance medical treatments perfectly aligns with my own background in cutting-edge bio-medical research in the area of medical nutrition therapy. I spent two years as a research assistant for a research project investigating the long-term effects of nutritional deficiencies on infertility and hormonal imbalances in post-pubescent females, led by Dr. Harvey Mendoza. This experience helped me develop my research skills, as I completed literature reviews, catalogued samples, interviewed subjects, and implemented data analysis models for the innovative medical treatments Dr. Mendoza was researching. Given my experience in working with the new treatment methodologies and my passionate interest in using the latest technological developments to address holistic patient care, I think I am a perfect candidate for your DO program.

I would also like to communicate a small update to my application materials. In addition to the 2 months of shadowing experience at a psychiatric facility that I mentioned in my primary application, I recently completed 3 months of shadowing experience at the NML Osteopathic Medical Center. While there, I shadowed Dr. Donna Goldberg, an osteopathic physician specializing in internal medicine. I got the chance to closely observe Dr. Goldberg’s implementation of non-invasive treatment therapies and her exemplary use of innovative diagnostic methods to prevent illnesses. The experience of shadowing her confirmed my desire to practice and research osteopathic medicine that prioritizes prevention, as well as cure, of illnesses.

Thank you for taking the time to review this letter. I hope that my application is favorably reviewed, and I can soon become a member of your excellent DO program. If offered a place at your school, I will accept without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information from me.

Sally Sparrow

An honest letter of intent can absolutely influence your chances of acceptance – schools want students who are enthusiastic about being there. If you are certain that a specific program is the best for your particular needs, interests, and passions, then consider reaching out and making your preference known!

It's best to send your letter of intent approximately a month after your interview. You want to be able to show the Dean of Admissions that you have taken the time to really consider your options, and even though you may have interviewed elsewhere, you are still selecting their school as your number-one choice.

Please note that schools do want to see that you have actually thought through which school is your number-one choice. Sending this right after your interview may show that you are being hasty and not really reflecting on the other schools you applied to and interviewed at. So, don’t feel you have to rush and send this in immediately after your interview; rather, really take the time and ask yourself what your number-one choice is and why.

Whether you are applying to  DO or MD  schools, you can email your letter of intent to the Director or Dean of Admissions. In some cases, schools may provide a portal for students to upload their letters instead. Ensure that you check program requirements beforehand. Don’t just send it to info, as it may get lost in the countless emails a school receives every day; take your time to ensure you are sending it to the correct person.

Yes, first, you should only be sending one letter of intent to your top-choice school. If at the end of the interview season you're not really sure which school you want to attend most, then it's better to not send a letter to any school. Most importantly, do not send multiple letters of intent.

Second, it's important that you check your school's requirements before you decide to send a letter of intent. While most schools accept letters of intent, some schools do not wish to be contacted at all after the interview season. In this case, you must follow the school's instructions by refraining from sending any correspondence.

Everything you do as a medical school applicant will reveal who you are as a person, and whether you're suited to becoming a doctor. Sending a letter of intent to multiple schools is both dishonest and unethical – remember you are giving your word that you will attend a program if you are accepted. Lying in any part of your application materials completely ruins your credibility, integrity, and trustworthiness. Plus, you never know which admissions committee members or deans are connected and may find out what you did. Even if you're not caught, what will you do if you receive multiple offers of admission and don't uphold your promise to attend these schools? Take our strong advice here; do not send multiple letters of intent!

Unfortunately, no, but it can certainly improve your chances of admission, and isn't it important to do whatever you can to do just that? The purpose of a medical school letter of intent is to let your top-choice school know that they're your top choice and that you will therefore attend their school if given the opportunity.

It's very difficult for medical schools to determine which candidates will accept their offers of acceptance and which will not. Sometimes, even by accepting waitlisted applicants, schools are left with spots unfilled for this very reason. So, sending a letter of intent may give you a competitive edge over other applicants because you're letting a school know that if accepted, you're a guaranteed student in their entering class.

Of course! Medical school letters of intent are not only suitable to send if you're on a waitlist, but they can also be sent after your interviews, even before you have received a response regarding admission.

This can be upsetting, but receiving rejections is a normal part of the application process. First, scrap the draft you were about to send. If you have already received a rejection, you should not send a letter of intent to that school. Instead, you can follow up with the admissions office and seek feedback on why you did not get accepted; some schools provide written or verbal feedback, while others do not.

Next, take the time to think through the other schools you have interviewed at and which would be your first-choice program now; re-draft a letter of intent to that program and send it in a timely manner.

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2024 Medical School Letters of Recommendation Guide

• By Med School Insiders
• January 10, 2024
• Medical Student , Pre-med
• Letters of Recommendation , Medical School Application

Medical school letters of recommendation are often under-appreciated. Not giving your letters the respect and attention they deserve is extremely detrimental to your application and could be the difference between being accepted or rejected.

Letters of recommendation are vital to an effective and successful medical school application. They provide a respected professional’s opinion of you, as opposed to your own claims or the opinion of a biased friend or relative. A quality letter from a professor at an academic institution or someone who works with students through extracurriculars holds a lot of weight.

Letters of recommendation offer an impartial summary of your unique skills from a qualified professional—so they have a big impact on admissions committees.

Learn why letters of recommendation are so important, how to ask, and common mistakes to avoid. In this post, we’ll cover the Why, Who, What, Where, When, and How of letters of recommendation.

Applying through TMDSAS or AACOMAS? We have a guide dedicated to TMDSAS Letters of Recommendation and AACOMAS Letters of Recommendation .

Why Letters of Recommendation Are So Important

Letters of recommendation are a crucial piece of the medical school application. Some argue they’re even more important than the personal statement since the personal statement is naturally biased. After all, a personal statement is all about trying to paint yourself in the absolute best light.

Read our free Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Medical School Personal Statement for tips on getting started, what to include, and common mistakes to avoid.

On the other hand, letters of recommendation are written by respected professionals, such as mentors, professors, and physicians. An admissions committee is very likely going to take their word over yours. If the person you ask to write your letter of recommendation has worked closely with you and speaks very highly of you, it’s a big deal.

A negative letter of recommendation is a huge problem. A poor or lukewarm letter of recommendation could do irreparable harm to your application. You must approach this process in advance with plenty of organization, taking care to choose your letters wisely.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

You’ll need to include a total of four to five letters with your medical school application.

Three of these must be academic letters written by undergraduate professors—two science letters and one non-science letter. The two remaining letters are from your extracurriculars, typically research and clinical experience.

While it may be tempting to secure a respected, recognizable name to write your letters, it’s much more important that you choose someone who knows you well and thinks very highly of you. If you’ve only had a few conversations with the person you’re asking to write your letter, it won’t be effective. They simply won’t have that much to say about you and can’t offer much insight into who you really are.

Choose someone who can speak about your strengths on a deep level. The letter will have a much greater impact on the admissions committee.

Use our framework to maximize your chances of success: How to Choose Medical School Letters of Recommendation Writers .

What to Provide to Letter of Recommendation Writers

The people you’re asking to write a letter are busy with their own careers and lives. It’s up to you to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. In order to do so, there are a number of key pieces you need to provide.

• Submission instructions —Provide the writers of your letters of recommendation with all of the information they need to submit your letter to the submission service. Typically, this is the AMCAS Letter Service (for allopathic medical schools.) Your letter writer won’t be submitting the letter to you; they will need to submit it directly to the service. Provide your letter writer with a Letter Request Form, available in the Main Menu of the Letters of Evaluation section. This form is a PDF generated in the AMCAS application for each of your designated letter authors, and it includes your mailing address, AAMC ID, the Letter ID, and information about how to submit letters to AMCAS. The Letter ID is a unique seven-digit code assigned to each letter entry on your AMCAS application. It must be provided to each letter writer in order to correctly match their letter with the letter entry you created in your application.
• Updated CV —A comprehensive, organized, and professional summary of your academic, work, and extracurricular achievements to date. If you need any assistance crafting your CV, consider our advising services .
• Academic transcript.
• Personal Statement —If available. Ideally, you should have at least a first draft of your personal statement prepared by the time you request a letter, but you may ask for academic letters early in your undergrad. If you don’t have a draft yet, write a brief summary of the reasons you are pursuing medicine, including what makes you a unique and qualified candidate.
• MCAT score —This should be included in your CV, but it’s possible the letter writer will ask for a more verifiable source, such as a score printout. If you haven’t taken the MCAT, don’t delay asking for a letter just because you don’t have your MCAT score yet.
• Submission deadline —Include the date in writing, either through email or printed with the materials you provide to the letter writer. Make sure the date is at least a week in advance of when you actually need to submit the letter. We recommend giving letter writers six to eight weeks to complete a letter after receiving the materials listed above. This means it’s important to start the process two to three months before you plan to submit your application.
• A printed copy of materials —Even though the LOR submission process is completely digital, you may have letter writers who prefer to read and review physical materials. Ask them if they would like you to deliver or mail a printed packet of all of the above. It’s up to you to make this process as simple as possible for them and a crisp manila envelope with all of your materials and submission information is a nice touch for those less digitally inclined.

Where — Asking for Letters of Recommendation Virtually

Asking for a letter of recommendation in-person may not be possible, which means you will need to request a letter via email or possibly over Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and so on. While this may not feel as personal as you intended, all of us need to adapt to our new virtual world.

Virtual meetings are our new normal, so it’s important to cultivate relationships with potential letter writers and mentors online. A mentor could be someone you worked with, someone you met through a mutual contact, or you might find one through professional networks like LinkedIn.

For more advice on how to build relationships with mentors and letter writers online, read our article: Connecting with Mentors Over Zoom .

When to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Start thinking about your letters of recommendation as soon as possible. It will take time to figure out who to ask and even longer to build strong relationships. If you have someone in mind, they may not have the time or feel they know you well enough, so make sure you have a backup plan and budget extra time in case a letter falls through.

Ask toward the end of your time working together or shortly after the conclusion of a class. Don’t wait months or years. You want the letter writer to have you on their mind so they can write a genuine letter full of fresh enthusiasm.

How to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

If you are requesting a letter of recommendation virtually, you can use our sample request template. Be sure to personalize the request with a sentence or two about your relationship. This could include involvement in their class/organization, the time you spent working together, what you enjoyed or learned, or how they inspired you.

1 | Think About Your Letters Well in Advance

Letters of recommendation can make or break your medical school application. Who you ask can make all the difference. Approach relationships with professors and mentors with the idea that they could potentially be one of your letters of recommendation.

2 | Work to Develop Strong Relationships

Relationships take time. Cultivate your relationships with professors and prospective mentors as soon as possible, and mark how often you check-in with them using a calendar. Share your goals and successes with them so they can clearly see your progress and watch you grow. Express gratitude, and be sure to help them in whatever way you can. Relationships are two-way streets, after all.

If in-person office hours are difficult, be diligent about scheduling virtual meetings . You still need to build strong relationships even if you are unable to meet in person.

3 | Only Ask People Who Will Give You a Strong Letter

This is crucial. If you don’t know a professor all that well or scored anywhere under an A- in their class, do not ask that professor for a letter. Ask someone who you have worked with closely, knows you well, and thinks highly of you.

If the person you ask expresses any hesitation, don’t pursue the letter further. Their hesitation is a sign that they either don’t know you well enough, don’t have positive things to say, or simply don’t have the time. It’s better to catch that hesitation early on as opposed to ending up with a late or lukewarm letter.

More tips: How to Get Strong Medical School Letters of Recommendation .

4 | Make the Process as Simple as Possible

Provide all of the necessary materials to make writing and submitting the letter as smooth as possible. See what to provide in the above section, and ask them if they need anything else ahead of time.

5 | Provide a Deadline to Ensure You Receive Letters on Time

The best letter in the world won’t matter if it’s late. Provide a clear deadline to ensure you receive your letters on time.

Give your letter writers as much time as possible, as they are extremely busy and have likely received plenty of other requests. We recommend two-three months. Set a reminder two weeks out from the due date.

For more tips, check out our advice on How to Ask For Medical School Letters of Recommendation .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following common letter of recommendation mistakes.

• Asking someone who doesn’t know you well.
• Asking for a letter when you haven’t thoroughly prepared.
• Forgetting to provide the writer with the necessary materials.
• Asking people who don’t know you well enough to provide real insight into who you are.
• Not obtaining a variety of letters across science, non-science, and extracurriculars.
• Asking the professor of a class you scored below A- in.
• Coming across as overly-friendly or unprofessional when asking for a letter.
• Waiting too long after working with someone to ask for a letter.
• Getting a letter from someone who was reluctant when you asked.
• Not thinking about letters of recommendation early in your application preparation.

Letters of Recommendation FAQs

How many letters of recommendation do i need.

The medical school letter of recommendation requirements vary from school to school. Most schools require at least three letters, but some may ask for four or five. Make sure you check the specific requirements of each school you hope to apply to.

Since the number varies based on the school, we recommend all applicants plan to have four to five letters of recommendation spread across science professors, non-science professors, and extracurriculars.

How Many Letters of Recommendation for Medical School Are Required?

How do I submit letters of recommendation?

Your letter writers must submit their letter electronically through the AMCAS Letter Writer Application or Interfolio . You do not review or submit your own letters of recommendation.

You will need to provide each of your letter authors with submission information, including your AAMC ID, and a unique seven-digit Letter ID. Each letter writer will be assigned an individual Letter ID when you add them to your AMCAS application, which is needed in order to upload your letter(s).

If you are applying through multiple services, AMCAS, TMDSAS, AACOMAS, etc., Interfolio acts as a go-between so that writers only need to upload once. They will still need their unique seven-digit Letter ID for your letter to be matched to your application. There is a small yearly fee to use Interfolio’s Dossier Deliver service .

Letters submitted through either process will be marked as received—immediately with AMCAS, or within three days with Interfolio. Contact your letter writer and ask them to submit the letter again, if a letter is not marked as received by the deadline you provided.

When are letters of recommendation due?

Include your letters with your medical school application. You can also add letters of recommendation up until you submit your secondary application, though you shouldn’t procrastinate. They are a key piece of your application that shouldn’t be left to the last minute. It takes time to ask for letters, and you need to give the letter writer adequate time to complete it.

Secondary applications are due between July and January, but it’s best to submit yours, along with your letters, by the end of the summer.

Read our Medical School Application Timeline to ensure you plan ahead and don’t miss any important deadlines.

What if a letter writer doesn’t submit a recommendation?

If a letter is not marked as received through the electronic portal you are using, contact your letter writer and ask them to submit the letter again.

In rare circumstances, a letter writer may disappear or stop responding. They are people too, and emergencies happen. This is why it’s so important to have more letters planned than the bare minimum required for your application.

What if a potential letter writer says no?

If a potential letter writer says no, it means they do not feel they know you well enough, they’re already swamped with other requests, or they don’t have confidence in you. Whatever the reason, it’s important to move on and look for another option.

Even if they hesitate before saying yes, it may be better to find someone else. A poor or even lukewarm letter can jeopardize an otherwise excellent medical school application.

Who can write a letter besides professors?

You should have letters from two science professors and one non-science professor. In addition to professors, you may choose to ask a research PI or mentor, a physician you shadowed or worked closely with, or a volunteer activity supervisor.

You could also ask a TA or an employer for a letter of recommendation if they know you better than your other options. What’s most important is that you choose letter writers who know you very well and will speak highly of you.

Are extracurricular letters required?

While not required, we recommend securing letters of recommendation from extracurriculars that were particularly significant. This may include research mentors or principal investigators (PI), physicians that you shadowed, or leadership from other volunteer organizations. If appropriate, aim to secure a letter from each of your three most meaningful activities on your AMCAS.

Who shouldn’t give me a recommendation?

Don’t ask someone who is positively biased towards you, such as a friend or family member. Your letters should come from people who can provide an honest and impartial recommendation.

If the person you ask seems hesitant or unenthusiastic about submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf, don’t push it; instead, find someone else. A poor or even neutral letter can jeopardize an otherwise excellent medical school application.

Can I add additional letters after I submit my application?

Yes, you can add additional letters after your application is submitted, but you cannot delete or change the letters your writers submit.

Although you can add letters of recommendation after submitting your application, we do not recommend it. Strong letters take time, so give your letter writers as much time as possible to compose thoughtful, detailed letters. You should choose four to five strong letter writers—having more won’t increase your chances, but it can dilute your positive recommendations with ones that aren’t as strong.

What types of letters does AMCAS accept?

AMCAS accepts Committee Letters, Letter Packets, and Individual Letters. Committee Letters are authored by a prehealth committee or prehealth advisor representing an evaluation of you by your institution. A Letter Packet is a set of letters assembled by your institution, often including a cover sheet from your prehealth committee or advisor. Individual Letters are written by, and represent, the opinions of one letter writer. All three letter types count as one letter entry.

Can I see my letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are submitted confidentially, and you do not get to see them. Don’t ask letter writers what they have written, as they are under no obligation to show you. You should have absolute confidence that the person you ask knows you well and will speak highly of you.

How should I thank letter writers?

Don’t forget about your letter writers as soon as your application is submitted. Send a thank you email once they submit their letter and consider sending them a handwritten card by physical mail when you are accepted to medical school.

What If You’re Asked to Write Your Own Letter?

You may be asked to write your own letter by people who don’t typically write medical school letters of recommendation, such as those who are not part of the medical school world.

While it does mean more work, it’s important to remember that this is as much a win as earning a strong letter of recommendation. If the person you asked to write you a strong letter asks you to write it yourself, it means you just secured a yes . You have a letter writer, even if you have to write the letter yourself. They want to support you, but you’ve got to do the leg work.

Learn How to Write Your Own Letter of Recommendation , including 7 mistakes to avoid.

Get Help From Professionals

Med School Insiders offers Comprehensive Medical School Admissions Packages that will help you with every step of the application process. Our team of doctors has years of experience serving on admissions committees, so you’ll receive key insights from people who have been intimately involved with the selection process.

Read our Guide to Understanding the Medical School Application Process , which includes an application timeline, what you need to include in your application, mistakes to avoid, and what happens next.

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How to craft the perfect medical school letter of intent.

Introduction

Medical school letters of intent are important documents in the medical school admissions process. They allow you to demonstrate your eagerness to be admitted to a particular medical program. A strong, well-written medical school letter of intent can influence an admissions committee to extend an offer of admission to you.

This article will explain what a medical school letter of intent is, its purpose, what to include and what to leave out, and address some of the most commonly asked questions about medical school letters of intent.

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What is a Medical School Letter of Intent?

A medical school letter of intent is a document written by you that states you will accept an admissions offer should one be made to you. It expresses your interest in that particular medical school over all other schools, so you should only send one of these letters to your top choice of school. 

A letter of intent consists of a few basic components, such as a clear statement of interest, why you want to attend the school, and your interest in faculty research or other work opportunities available through the medical school. As Princeton University noted , a letter of intent is also generally a short, one-page document, so you must consider carefully what is most pertinent to include.

Purpose of a Medical School Letter of Intent

The purpose of a medical school letter of intent is to very clearly express your intention to attend your #1 choice medical school, should they send you an offer of admission. It should also reiterate why you want to attend the school.

A letter of intent can be a strong addition to your application at your top choice of medical school. Not only does it express your interest in a particular school over all others, but it also demonstrates to the admissions committee your dedication to the school and desire to contribute to the program in a positive manner.

Although writing a letter of intent to your first choice of school will not necessarily give you a shoe-in, it could make your application more competitive and help it to stand out. Medical schools want to be able to predict their yield rates; meaning, out of all the applicants they admit, how many will actually end up attending (matriculating) the school.

This is easiest to do when they admit applicants who express a strong interest in the school. Predicting matriculation rates allows medical schools to adjust their tuition depending on whether their yield rates increase or decrease. High yield rates also make medical schools more competitive, and therefore more selective about who they choose to admit.

That said, every little bit helps when it comes to getting into highly competitive schools, especially when you consider that roughly only 41% of applicants get into the prestigious American medical schools. A letter of intent can help you stand out among the other people who also applied to your top choice of school.

A letter of intent can be sent when one of two scenarios happens during your medical school application process. You can send a letter of intent when you have finished all or most of your medical school interviews, including your interview at your #1 choice of school.

You can also send a letter of intent when you have been waitlisted at your top school after completing your interview.

What to Include in a Letter of Intent

According to Dr. Yoo Jung Kim , a letter of intent should begin with a clearly articulated statement of your intent to attend the medical school should they accept you. This is what should be in the opening paragraph of your letter of intent. Accompanying this statement should be a short introduction of yourself and the date of your interview, so the admissions committee member(s) reading it can locate your file.

The second section of your letter of intent should outline the main reasons why this school is your top choice. What about the school makes you want to go there? What sets it apart from other medical schools? Why would attending this program set you up for success, both academically and professionally? Your answers to these questions will provide the details you need to craft this section of your letter of intent.

Dr. Kim also recommends including your interest in the research and work opportunities the medical school offers to its students. If there is a faculty member conducting research that interests you and you would like to work with them, or if there are on-campus work opportunities in medical settings you want to work in, this should be included in this section. As with the previous section, explain why you want to be involved in the opportunity or opportunities offered by the medical school.

Lastly, describe what you will bring to the program. As Dr. Kim wrote, this can include your research and leadership experience. New publications you are lead author or co-author on and new volunteer work experiences are key pieces of information you should be sure to include in the letter of intent you write to your dream medical school.

According to Dr. Sarah Carlson , a vascular surgery resident at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, volunteer work is especially impressive to admissions committees, so if you have started volunteering at a new organization since your interview, it is a good idea to mention that in your letter of intent.

A medical school letter of intent is also a space for you to provide relevant updates about your personal, academic, and professional life since your interview. As previously stated by Dr. Kim and Dr. Carlson, these can include new research or volunteer experiences.

Be sure to only include experiences that are relevant and will bolster your application. These should also be relevant to what you wrote about in your primary and secondary applications, and what you discussed in your interview .

Top medical schools such as Harvard , Case Western, UC Davis, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and many more view your community work and lived experiences as fundamentally important as academic performance has always been viewed. This makes it all the more important to include new work experiences and its relevance to the medical school in your letter of intent.

The letter of intent is another opportunity for you to make a good impression on the medical school admissions committee, so it is crucial to display your professionalism throughout your letter. However, refrain from going into a ton of detail in this letter — again, it should only be a page long, so concision is key.

Your letter should also be addressed to the head of the admissions committee, so be sure to do your research to find out who you should send it to. One way to find the correct individual’s name and title(s) is through MSAR . If you connected well with one of your interviewers, Princeton says you may also include them when you send your letter of intent.

What to Avoid in a Letter of Intent

There are a few things to avoid when writing your letter of intent. To reiterate, a letter of intent should only be sent to a school if it is truly your top choice. Do not send multiple letters to multiple schools with the intention to receive multiple offers of admission. Doing so will reflect badly on you, and as Dr. Kim pointed out, medical schools talk to each other and it could be found out that you sent out letters of intent to more than one school. 

Additionally, sending multiple letters of intent is viewed as a dishonest and unethical practice. A letter of intent is you making a promise to attend a school, and it is not possible for you to fulfill that promise if you send a letter of intent to more than one school. A letter of intent demonstrates your commitment to a school and you cannot be committed to multiple medical schools.

As a general rule of thumb, a letter of intent should be about one page in length. Avoid stuffing your letter with information the admissions committee will have already learned about you from your interview. You want your letter of intent to be short and to the point.

The letter of intent will leave an impression on the admissions committee, and therefore should be free of grammatical, punctuational, and syntactical errors. It would be beneficial to you to have a trained professional review your completed letter of intent before you send it.

Though letters of intent are common, it is important to look into the specific policy of the school to which you wish to send them. As Johns Hopkins University notes , some schools do not want applicants to send letters of intent at all, and if your school is one of them, do not send them an unwanted letter as it may do more harm than good to your application.

Medical schools who do accept letters of intent sometimes have different methods of accepting them. Some schools may request letters of intent be sent through traditional mail, via email to a specific address, or may even have a space to upload them to the application portal. t is important to look into where you should send your letter of intent. Incorrectly sending your letter may reflect poorly on you.

The format of your letter also matters. Written text may be the only requirement for a letter of intent that you upload to the school’s portal, but emailed letters require additional considerations. Emailed letters should be added as an attachment to the email. PDF is the safest file type to use for your letter, as they are easy to open on all types of devices and your formatting won’t change.

If, for example, you write your letter using the newest version of Microsoft Office but the Dean of Admissions opens your doc. formatted letter in an older version of Microsoft Office, some elements may shift around and your letter won’t appear the way you thought it would.

Medical School Letter of Intent Example

This is Dr. Kim’s example of a sample letter of intent

Dear [name of the dean of admission]:

My name is Yoo Jung Kim. I am a medical school applicant who interviewed at the Stanford University School of Medicine this past October, and now that I have completed my interview season, I would like to express that Stanford is my No. 1 choice.

Stanford will allow me to pursue my goal of becoming a skilled physician-investigator through its resources in biomedical research and patient care. I am particularly drawn to Dr. X’s work on pancreatic cancer, and I hope to contribute my experience in pathway analysis to further the field of cancer development research by taking a research year through Stanford's MedScholars program. Furthermore, the Stanford Cardinal Free Clinics and the educational opportunities at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center will give me the skills to take care of underserved patients. Ultimately, I hope to become an academic physician that Stanford will be proud to call its own.

Finally, I would like to provide a list of peer-reviewed publications to which I have been accepted since I submitted my medical school application:

Julia M. Chandler, Yoo Jung Kim, Justin L. Bauer, Irene L. Wapnir "Dilemma in Management of Hemorrhagic Myositis in Dermatomyositis,” Rheumatology International, 12/23/2019.

Yoo Jung Kim, Gun Ho Lee, Bernice Y. Kwong, Kathryn J. Martires, "Evidence-based, Skin-directed Treatments for Cutaneous Chronic Graft-versus-host Disease," Cureus, 12/25/2019.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Best wishes,

Yoo Jung Kim

AAMC ID: [#######]

1. At what point in the application process should I send a letter of intent?

It is best to send a letter of intent after you have had your interview with your first choice of school, and have completed the majority of your interviews with other medical schools. This way, you can be sure your #1 choice is still at the top of your list.

Alternatively, you can also send a letter of intent when your top school has notified you that you have been waitlisted. Demonstrating interest in that particular school may improve your chance of receiving an offer of admission should other applicants choose to decline their admissions offers.

Medical schools are more receptive to letters of intent that are sent closer to the end of the interview season because it better demonstrates the interest a student has in attending a specific school and the careful consideration the student has taken in making this decision. Sending it too soon after your interview or after you have been waitlisted can come across as you seeming desperate rather than genuinely interested, and will not make an admissions committee more likely to accept you. ‍

2. Can I send a letter of intent before I’ve had my interview?

It’s best to wait until after your interview to send a letter of intent. Your interview experience will give you a very good idea of whether the program is still your top choice.

If you have a poor experience with your interviewers but have already sent a letter of intent, you may end up in a position where you have to decline an admission offer that you previously said you would accept. This will not reflect well on you, so it’s best to wait until you have at least had your interview. ‍

3. If my top choice of school does not want a letter of intent, should I send one anyway to show I want to go there?

No, it is unwise to send a letter of intent to a school that states they do not want to receive this type of correspondence. It would reflect badly on you in the same way that sending out multiple letters of intent would. ‍

4. Why should I send a letter of intent if I am on a waitlist?

Sending a letter of intent after being placed on the waitlist of your top school will demonstrate your ongoing interest in attending that school. If you send a letter of intent after being waitlisted, it will show the school you still want to go there, and may increase your chance of receiving an offer of admission later on. ‍

5. Can I email my letter of intent, or should it be sent via snail mail?

Normally letters of intent are sent using the postal service, but email submissions of letters of intent are becoming more common, so it is important to check with the school prior to sending your letter. ‍

6. Should I go into detail about all the reasons that make me a strong candidate for their medical school in my letter of intent?

No. The letter of intent is not an appropriate space to recap all of your achievements and all the reasons why the school should accept you. Only include new updates that have occurred since your interview and since you submitted your primary and secondary applications, along with a concise statement of why you are a good fit for the school.

Conclusion ‍

Letters of intent are important documents that, if crafted thoughtfully and with care, can have a positive impact on your application to your dream medical school. A letter of intent should be short and only contain the most pertinent information that will set you apart from other applicants.

If you have questions about medical school letters of intent, contact us here and we can help. Inspira's med school application advisors know the ins and outs of the entire med school process and will ensure each component comes together to paint the best picture of you!

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Medical School Letter of Recommendation: The Ultimate Guide (2023-2024)

Learn everything you need to know about medical school letters of recommendation including who to ask and how, how many letters you need, and how to create a top-notch letter profile. Read a sample medical school letter of recommendation.

Before we answer some basic questions you likely have about medical school letters of recommendation, let’s review the history and purpose of letters in medical school admissions.

Like everything about the med school admissions process, the letter of recommendation (LOR) has evolved from a fairly basic “stamp of approval” by a few teachers to currently, a letter of evaluation (LOE) that is more expansive.

The transition to the letter of recommendation to the letter of evaluation was deliberate and followed the “ holistic review ” trend. Medical schools have been thinking about admissions in terms of whether a candidate has demonstrated the competencies that are desirable in a medical student candidate – competencies that are required to be successful in medical school and residency. Increasingly, medical education has been thought of on a continuum from undergraduate (medical school years) to graduate (residency years) and beyond to fellowship training. 

Keep in mind that many people use the terms letter of reference and letter of evaluation interchangeably.

Medical schools have slightly different requirements, but, generally speaking, you will need to have a minimum of three school recommendation letters which must include two science letters. Most medical school applicants send in four to five letters of evaluation. AMCAS allows students to send in a maximum of ten letters of reference. However, most medical schools have limits on the number of letters you can submit with the most prestigious medical schools allowing you to send up to six letters. MedEdits’ nontraditional or very highly accomplished students routinely submit up to six letters of evaluation when allowed.

Table of Contents

How many letters of recommendation do I need for medical school?

Medical schools have slightly different requirements for the LOE, but, generally speaking, you will need to have a minimum of three with two of those letters from science professors. Most medical school applicants send in four to five letters of evaluation. How many letters you send to medical schools will also depend on the system through which you are applying.

AMCAS Letters of Recommendation : AMCAS allows students to send in a maximum of ten letters of reference. MedEdits’ nontraditional or very highly accomplished students routinely submit up to eight letters of evaluation. 

TMDSAS Letters of Recommendation : TMDSAS allows one heath professions committee packet or three individual letters of reference. You are also allowed to send in one additional letter.

AACOMAS Letters of Recommendation : AACOMAS defers to individual medical schools regarding how many letters you should send. Letters can be sent directly to medical schools or via AACOMAS.

What are medical school admissions committees looking for in letters of recommendation?

The Association of American Medical Colleges has clearly outlined the competencies medical school admissions committees what to know you possess. Letter writers are expected to comment on any of the competencies of which they have knowledge. Admissions committees want to know about your academic abilities as well as your personal qualities and characteristics. Not every letter writer will be able to write about every competency listed below.

Thinking and Reasoning Competencies

• Critical Thinking
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Written Communication

Science Competencies

• Living Systems
• Human Behavior

Pre-professional Competencies

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement

Admissions committees also value comparison information highly. What does this mean? They want to know how you compare to other students or co-workers within context.

Who should write my medical school letters of recommendation?

We consider the ideal letter portfolio to include a total of four to six letters (keep in mind that TMDSAS allows a letter packet or a maximum of four letters):

• Two letters from science or math teachers/professors (any letter from a biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics teacher/professor). These two  letters are the most important letters in your portfolio.
• One research letter. A research letter can be as important as your science/math letters if you have done significant research.
• One non science/math teacher/professor. Many medicals schools require a non science letter.
• One clinical letter (ideally a physician. For osteopathic applicants, this clinical letter should be from an osteopathic physician). Unless your letter is from an academic physician, keep in mind that this letter won’t have huge impact but can serve more as a character reference.

If you majored in something other than science or math, we suggest that your non science/math letter be from a teacher/professor within your major. If you attend a large university and know your teaching assistants (TAs) better than your professors, you can ask the TA to write the letter of reference and the professor can cosign the letter.

By the same token, if you did research primarily working with a lab assistant or post doc and had little contact with the principal investigator (PI), ask the person with whom you worked most closely to write the letter and have the PI cosign the letter. Additional letters from extracurricular mentors mainly serve as character references and, while they don’t hurt your candidacy, they won’t be overly influential.

Keep in mind that there may be specific medical school requirements so be sure to check each medical school individually.

If I am a nontraditional applicant, who should write my letters?

As a non traditional applicant, you want to have letters that are from people who have worked with you most recently whether in an academic, scholarly, or work-related position. If you are in a post baccalaureate or other academic program, finding letter writers will not be difficult. The bigger issue is for people who have been out of academics for several years and may have distant relationships with professors. In these cases, do your best to reach out to those professors whom you have in mind early to meet or speak with them so you can remind them of who you are and what you have done since graduation.

What does it mean to waive my right to see my letters?

When you waive your right to read your letters, it means that you don’t have the right to read what is written about you. Why are you asked this question? Letter writers are more willing to give honest evaluations if they know you won’t be reading the letter of evaluation. So, you should ALWAYS waive your right to read your letters (that means clicking “yes”). However, many letter writers will offer to let you read your letter of evaluation as a kind gesture. If your letter writer offers to let you read a letter of reference, you are in the clear even if you waived your right to read it.

Do I need a medical school committee letter?

If your school has a pre med advising committee letter, you should make sure to qualify for it and have it. Not having a committee letter in your profile if your school offers one is a red flag to admissions committees. In order to receive the best possible committee letter, follow their process explicitly. The way you interact with your health professions advising office or with the committee will determine the quality of your committee letter. Be polite, be on time, give them quality responses to written questions/questionnaires and meet all deadlines. These actions are evidence of your professionalism and they will notice whether you are professional or not.

How do I ensure I have the best letter profile?

Consider your letters in total – are key aspects of you covered? Do you have someone who can speak about you as a learner? A researcher? A scholar? An intellectual? An employee? Most importantly is a writer who can talk about character and your interpersonal skills vis a vis other humans – your future patients. Letters should provide rich content that cannot be known from looking at your transcript or list of activities.

When necessary, letters can corroborate something that needs further explanation or underscore what you have talked about in your personal statement. Ideally your letter writers should know you quite well and be able to compose outstanding letters of evaluation. “Luke warm” or mediocre letters of evaluation can hurt your candidacy. The AAMC outlines what should be included in letters of evaluation in this guidelines brochure: Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant.

Do professors ever write negative letters of reference?

Only under rare circumstances, if a professor truly believes you are a danger to the practice of medicine would someone write a negative letter of reference. If a letter writer does not feel he or she can support your candidacy, they would typically communicate that when you ask for the letter.

Should I get a letter from a “big name?”

Unless you have had direct contact with the “BIG NAME” in a work, academic, scholarly or extracurricular setting, and he or she can write about your distinguishing qualities and characteristics, a letter of this type can actually hurt your candidacy and be seen as disingenuous. Applicants should not get letters from someone with whom they haven’t worked or does not know them well. Medical school admissions committee members want to read letters from people who can truthfully discuss your accomplishments, characteristics, and attributes.

Which letters of recommendation are most useful?

The AAMC’s Analysis in Brief looked at how admissions offices felt about the letters they received and found that letters from advisors were most helpful. They also thought that guidelines or some standardization would be helpful so the AAMC produced guidelines for letter writers – I highly recommend that applicants read this guideline and use it together with their letter writers. It is the gold standard for both the applicant and for the writer. I hope it will help you work with your letter writers.  Here is a link for Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation for a Medical School Applicant.

When should I ask for my letters of recommendation?

When to ask for letters of evaluation in part depends on your working relationship with the letter writer. For example, if you take a fall biochemistry course and plan to ask that professor for a letter, you should request it as soon as the course is over assuming you won’t be working with that professor further. The more time you give your letter writers to compose their letters, the more likely they will be thoughtful and timely letters of evaluation. Ideally, you should request all letters of evaluation by April of the application year. Why? Professors receive tons of letter requests and you want to do your best to beat the rush so your letters of evaluation aren’t submitted late. If you will be getting a medical school committee letter, follow those instructions closely as mentioned earlier in this article.

How do I ask for letters of recommendation?

The answer to this question really depends on two things:

• Your relationship with the letter writer
• Your letter writer’s “style”

There is not a formulaic way to ask for letters of evaluation since because of the two variables above. For example, if you know your letter writer quite well and see her regularly, ask in person. If you are asking a professor for a letter, consider visiting him or her during designated office hours. How you ask again depends on your relationship. You might ask her when you see her, casually. Or, if you have a more formal relationship, maybe you would make an appointment to sit down with her.

The key is to ask her if she’d be willing to write you a strong letter of reference for medical school. Then I suggest asking the letter writer what she would like from you to make the task easier. Offer to give her your CV/resume and personal statement. Ask what else she might need to make the process easier. Every letter writer has his or her own style for writing letters. Some may want to talk to you about your interests while others would be perfectly comfortable writing a letter with no additional information.

For letter writers you don’t see regularly, it is perfectly acceptable to send an email request. However, if you don’t receive a reply in three or four business days, follow up with a phone call. I suggest sending an email like this:

SUBJECT: [YOUR NAME]: Letter of evaluation Dear Professor X, I hope you are doing well. I am applying to medical school this summer and I was hoping you would be willing to write me a strong letter of evaluation. I really enjoyed your course in genetics and feel it gave me a firm foundation that will help me in medical school. I would be happy to meet with you and can send you my CV, personal statement, transcript, the AMCAS letter guidelines or anything else that might be useful. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

medical school letter of recommendation template

How do I nudge my letter writer?

After you submit your application be sure to check on the progress of your letters ensuring they have been received by AMCAS. If after two weeks of submitting your application, and assuming you gave your letter writer at least two weeks notice, if your letter hasn’t been received, I suggest reaching out to the letter writer via email, gently and politely reminding him about the letter.

Consider sending an email like this:

Dear Professor X, I hope you are enjoying the start of summer. I am happy to report that I sent in my medical school application two weeks ago. I know how busy you are, so I wanted to make sure you are still able to write me a strong letter of evaluation in support of my candidacy. Please let me know if there is anything I can do or if you need any further information. Thank you for your consideration and time. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

How do I thank and follow up with my letter writer?

After your letter is received, be sure to express gratitude.

I suggest sending your letter writer an email like this:

Dear Professor X, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to write my letter of evaluation for medical school. I value your endorsement of my candidacy. I will be sure to keep you posted as the medical school application season progresses. Enjoy your summer. With gratitude, [YOUR NAME]

Then, be sure you keep in touch with your letter writer throughout the application season!

What if I am asked to write my own letter of recommendation?

I find that more and more letter writers are asking students to write their own letters. Why? Your professors are busy and simply don’t have the time! So, what do you do? I suggest following the AAMC letter guidelines: https://www.aamc.org/download/349990/data/lettersguidelinesbrochure.pdf . If you need further guidance on how to write a stellar letter of evaluation, contact us.

By what date should my letters be sent?

Ideally, you want your letters of evaluation to be received when your secondary applications are sent in or earlier. Since medical schools won’t review your application until the secondary application is received, you don’t need to stress if your letters haven’t been sent in by the time you submit AMCAS. That said, do not let this delay requesting your letters of reference since it takes some letter writers quite a long time to compose letters. In the ideal world, your letters should be sent in when you submit your medical school application.

How are my letters of recommendation stored and sent to medical schools?

There are two primary ways to send your letters of evaluation to medical schools. Your college or university may collect and hold on to your letters of evaluation sending them all together in as a packet once you apply to medical school. Alternatively, letters of evaluation can be uploaded directly to AMCAS via the AMCAS letter writer application: https://services.aamc.org/letterwriter/ . Finally, some applicants use a letter dossier service to store and send letters of evaluation. The two most popular dossier services are Interfolio and VirtualEvals.

Does AMCAS need to have all of my letters for my application to be verified?

Your application will be processed and verified even if your letters have not yet been received. As your letters are received, they will be sent to medical schools on a rolling basis.

If I am a reapplicant, do I need to resubmit my letters?

The answer is yes! AMCAS does not store letters of evaluation.

Can I read a sample letter of recommendation?

Yes! See below for a sample medical school letter of recommendation.

Dear Admissions Committee Members,

I am writing this letter on behalf of Sarah Smith who is an applicant for medical school. I have known Sarah for two years. I have directly supervised Sarah as she has worked as a medical assistant in my internal medicine office and has shadowed me as I evaluate patients. During the summers Sarah worked full time, and during the school year, she worked on Saturday and one evening per week.

Sarah’s primary responsibilities in my office were to greet patients, use our electronic medical record to document visits, and help patients check out. Once Sarah became EMS certified six months ago, she started helping our clinical assistants and nurses take initial vital signs during patient visits. As a shadow student, Sarah observed me as I cared for patients when they were willing to have an observer.

Sarah has many qualities that I believe will make her an outstanding medical student and physician. First of all, she is intellectually curious and independent reading about patient diagnoses on her own. She would also ask questions that demonstrated insight and an ability to quickly synthesize information. From time to time Sarah and I would also discuss what she was studying in college, and, even thought I was rusty on everything she was discussing, the conversations were engaging and showed her commitment to her studies.

Sarah also has the compassion and empathy that all physicians should possess. Patients would often comment that she was kind, understanding, and listened attentively. At holiday time, Sarah received many gifts from grateful patients. She is the only young student I have worked with to be acknowledged in this way. I also saw that she had a unique ability to connect with patients because she was open, authentic, honest, and treated everyone respectfully.

Finally, Sarah’s interpersonal skills were extraordinary. She worked with my diverse staff wonderfully, respecting everyone in my office and contributed to the positive work environment. She was a great team player always aware of when someone needed help or was having a bad day. Her maturity and consideration of others is something I have never observed in someone her age.

I give Sarah my absolute highest recommendation. Since I work near the University, I have had close to 100 students work in my office and shadow over the years. Sarah is, by far, the smartest, most mature, and best suited for a career in medicine of all the students with whom I have worked. I congratulate the medical school that is lucky enough to recruit her. Please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely, Sarah’s Boss, MD

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How Do Medical Schools Use Letters of Recommendation?

Like almost anything in this process, this will depend on the school. For the most part, medical schools don’t share the minute details of how they evaluate letters of recommendation. It also doesn’t serve you to waste mental energy trying to figure out exactly when and how medical schools will assess your letters of recommendation.

Who Should You Ask for Letters of Recommendation?

Each school will have a list of their letter of recommendation requirements, which can be found on their website. This can make the process more difficult because you need to research the requirements of each school you’re interested in. You don’t want to apply to a medical school only to find that you haven’t met their LOR requirements.

If you have letters of recommendation from two science professors and one from a non-science professor, you should be in good shape to fulfill the requirements for most medical schools. Some students may also include a letter from a physician they worked with or shadowed, but most schools do not require this. The best way to find out what each school requires is to check their website. If you are a nontraditional student who has trouble fulfilling LOR requirements check school websites or contact them to see what alternatives might be available.

You should also keep in mind who can write the strongest LOR. Ultimately, this will come from someone who knows you well. If you don’t have someone who fits the LOR requirements and knows you well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation, it’s time to develop that relationship .

Check out our post on this exact question for a more in-depth breakdown of deciding who to ask for LORs.

When and How Do You Ask for Letters of Recommendation?

You are bound to have changed throughout your college career and throughout the premed process. A letter written about you years ago is unlikely to capture who you are now accurately. That doesn’t mean that someone who first got to know you years ago can’t write you a high-quality letter. It does mean that you need to maintain that relationship or reconnect with a previous professor or another potential letter writer.

You can set the expectation that you will eventually ask for a letter of recommendation once you sense that you have a good relationship with this professor. This might be during the semester or at the end of the class. You might say something like,

Hi Dr. Taylor, I’m planning on applying to medical school in a few years. I’ve really enjoyed my time in your class (or lab, etc.), and was hoping to keep in touch with you during my college career so that when the time comes, you would be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation. 

If they say yes to this, make sure to hold up your end. It might be a good idea to send them an update email or have a quick meeting once a semester. If you have the opportunity to take another class with this professor or otherwise remain connected to their work on campus, that can be an easy way to maintain the relationship. Asking early helps you develop the relationship further and get a stronger letter than you would from a professor who’s only known you for one or two semesters. It also gives you time to find other options if they say no. If they do say no, don’t take it personally. Think of who else you might ask, and have a similar conversation with them.

When the Application Cycle Arrives

During the year you are going to apply to medical school, start formally asking your letter writers for a letter of recommendation no later than February or March. You should also keep in mind any special deadlines for your premed’s committee letter process if that’s something your school offers. Asking early gives your letter writer plenty of time, and allows for the possibility that they may procrastinate or need extra time without delaying your application. Most schools require that all of your letters be submitted before they will consider your application complete.

Do I Need to Finish My Personal Statement First?

Don’t delay asking for letters of recommendation because you assume that letter writers will want to see a draft or completed version of your personal statement. Many won’t. Even if you know they will want to see a draft of your personal statement during the process, you should still ask them early to get the process started.

Submitting Letters of Recommendation

When should you submit letters of recommendation.

You can submit your application without LORs, so you may need them slightly later than the rest of your materials. However, as stated before, most schools will not consider your application complete until the expected letters are received, so you don’t want to overly delay submitting your letters of recommendation. Many students begin submitting their secondary applications in mid-June, so it can be useful to have that time in mind as a firm deadline for submitting letters of recommendation. You still want to give your letter writers an earlier deadline than this like mid-May just in case something goes wrong.

How Do You Submit Letters of Recommendation?

For you and the letter writer, the stress doesn’t begin and end at requesting and writing the letter. You need to send a more formal request either through the application service or through a third-party letter service. Your writer needs to ensure their letter is signed, dated, and on official letterhead. You need to make sure that your letter writer is aware of these requirements before they have finished and submitted their letter.

Even though not every school requires these extra details, enough of them do that you should ensure all of your letters have them. The actual process of submitting your letters of recommendation will depend on where you submit your letters of recommendation. You can either submit them directly to the application service(s), or you can use a third-party letter service.

Our favorite third-party letter service called myLORs is available in Mappd Pro . myLORs allows you to easily request, store, and transmit your letters of recommendation. Mappd also checks your letters for the necessary details like letterhead, dating, and a signature to make sure medical schools don’t reject your letters for improper formatting. Your letter writers will also be able to easily send you messages within Mappd if they have questions for you throughout the process. You can also easily share documents with letter writers like a draft of your personal statement or your resume.

More Links and Resources

How to Get Letters as a Nontrad

The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Application Process for even more information on letters of recommendation

More information on myLORs!

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• Crafting an Outstanding Letter of Intent for Medical School
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The journey toward becoming a doctor is more than just the rigorous years spent in medical school; it starts right from your undergraduate years. Even the earliest decisions, such as course selection , play a pivotal role in defining your path. Every milestone, every choice, adds a piece to the puzzle that shapes your professional future. 

Yet, even with years of dedication, your credentials may not fully convey the depth of your commitment or potential when it’s time to apply for medical school. In such scenarios, a well-crafted letter of intent can make all the difference.

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Dive into this guide as we unravel the intricacies of composing a powerful letter of intent for medical school. We’ll guide you through the essential dos and don’ts and provide a sample letter to anchor your understanding. By the conclusion, you’ll be equipped to pen a persuasive letter of intent that resonates with the discerning eyes of medical school admission committees.

What Is a Medical School Letter of Intent?

A medical school letter of intent is a formal document that prospective students can write to express their interest in attending a particular medical school. Such letters are supplementary to the standard application materials, including forms, test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

Such letters must be sincere, well-crafted, and concise, highlighting the applicants’ unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations that align with the values and offerings of the medical school of their interest.

If you’re still in search of the perfect medical school, one that truly resonates with your goals and merits the effort of composing a letter of intent, we invite you to explore our application guide and take the first step to joining our institution .

When and Why To Send a Medical School Letter of Intent

The timing of a medical school letter of intent is crucial for it to fulfill its purpose as a valuable tool to further showcase your commitment and enthusiasm for a particular institution. 

You need to be mindful of deadlines and carefully follow the specific guidelines set forth by the school to find a balance so you don’t send the letter too early or too late. Generally, we recommend you send it after having some form of interaction with the school, such as an interview or being placed on the waitlist.

For example, after an interview, you can take some time to reflect on the meeting, and that can help you write a detailed letter explaining why the institution is a perfect fit for your educational and professional goals. 

Similarly, this letter can be a powerful tool if you’re waitlisted, as it allows you to show your continued interest in the program and update the admissions committee on new accomplishments or experiences since your initial application.

Ultimately, it can make a significant difference, particularly if you are on a waitlist, as it demonstrates to the admissions committee that you are actively engaged and genuinely passionate about joining their program. It also distinguishes you from other candidates, showcasing your proactive approach and dedication to joining their academic community.

Key Components of a Successful Letter of Intent

To ensure your letter captures the admissions committee’s attention and highlights all that you can bring to the table, focus on the following components:

Addressing the right people

First, make sure that your letter of intent reaches the right individuals. Addressing it to the Dean of Admissions or the specific admissions committee members demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for their roles in the selection process.

If you’ve had prior interactions with faculty or staff members, consider mentioning them by name to personalize your communication further. Small details like that demonstrate that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the institution.

Expressing genuine enthusiasm

It’s also essential to convey your excitement about the prospect of attending the school you’re interested in. Your eagerness to join them should be evident in your words, showing not only your passion for medicine but also your interest in that specific institution.

You can mention distinctive aspects of the program, faculty, or resources that genuinely resonate with you to give the reader a clear picture of your dedication and genuine desire to contribute to the school’s community.

Highlighting the fit

On top of everything, maintain focus on the “intent” of your letter of intent, which is to illustrate the seamless fit between you and the medical school. 

Mention how the school’s values, mission, and educational approach align with your aspirations and principles. Detail specific programs, research opportunities, or teaching methodologies that resonate with you. By emphasizing this alignment, you not only highlight your suitability but also showcase your potential to thrive and contribute positively to the institution.

Sharing accomplishments or updates

If you have had significant achievements or experiences since submitting your application, now is the perfect opportunity to share them. These could include academic awards, research contributions, or clinical experiences that prove your ongoing growth and dedication to the medical field. Each accomplishment demonstrates your potential as a valuable addition to their medical school community.

Concluding your letter of intent

As you approach the end of your letter, it is important to reiterate your enthusiasm for the medical school and your eagerness to become a part of their esteemed community.

End with a strong, positive note that leaves a lasting impression, expressing gratitude for the time and consideration of the admissions committee. Make it clear that you eagerly anticipate a positive decision while simultaneously emphasizing your understanding that the selection process is rigorous and competitive; therefore, you respect any decision they make. This balanced approach reflects your professionalism and mature perspective, qualities any admission committee values.

Finalizing your draft

Lastly, it’s crucial to thoroughly review and revise your writing before sending off your letter. Check for grammatical or typographical errors and ensure the language is clear, concise, and professional. Verify that all names and titles are correctly spelled and that the document is appropriately formatted.

At this step, you could also seek feedback from trusted mentors or advisors to gain another perspective and refine your content. Once you’re confident in the final version, submit it, knowing it represents your genuine passion and suitability for medical school.

Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Letter of Intent for Medical School

Some other tips to keep in mind about what to do and what not to do when writing your letter of intent include:

• Customize your letter of intent for each medical school, highlighting specific aspects of the institution that resonate with your goals and values.
• Include a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter.
• Provide concrete examples of experiences, skills, and qualities that demonstrate your suitability for medical school.
• Highlight academic accomplishments, research experience, clinical exposure, and relevant skills that showcase your readiness for medical studies.
• Clearly state your reasons for pursuing a medical career, showing a deep understanding of the profession’s demands and rewards.
•  Illustrate your long-term commitment to the field by discussing your career goals and how the specific medical school aligns with them.
• Use an optimistic and passionate tone throughout the letter to demonstrate your genuine interest in joining their medical community. 
• Don’t let your academic achievements overshadow other valuable qualities and experiences.
• Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach; each letter should be tailored to the individual medical school.
• Don’t exaggerate, but provide accurate information about your accomplishments and experiences.
• Avoid using excessive medical terminology that might be unfamiliar to non-specialists.
• Don’t ignore spelling or grammatical errors.
• Avoid critiquing other institutions or expressing doubt about your qualifications. Stay positive and focused on your strengths.
• Don’t exceed the recommended length.

Sample Letter of Intent for Medical School

Below, we will offer a sample of what a letter of intent might look like. Remember, it’s crucial to emphasize your personal experiences and accomplishments to make the letter truly your own.

Dear members of the admissions committee,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my continued enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the ranks of aspiring physicians at ABC Medical School. Since submitting my application, I have been further inspired by your institution’s remarkable achievements and distinguished faculty.

While I eagerly await a final decision, I am grateful for the chance to provide an update on recent endeavors. Since applying, I have had the privilege of leading a community health initiative to provide preventive care to underserved populations. This experience has reinforced my commitment to the field of medicine and underscored the critical role that compassionate and capable physicians play in patients’ lives.

As I reflect on my journey thus far, it is clear to me that ABC Medical School remains the ideal environment for my growth as a future physician. The institution’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and its emphasis on clinical exposure resonate deeply with my aspirations. The opportunity to collaborate with both the esteemed faculty and my accomplished peers is one I eagerly anticipate.

I understand the highly competitive nature of the admissions process, and I greatly appreciate the careful consideration given to my application. I remain committed to ABC Medical School and am prepared to join the incoming class should the opportunity arise.

Thank you once again for your time and attention. I look forward to the possibility of being a part of the academic community and dedicated healthcare environment at ABC Medical School.

The Bottom Line

The path to medical school, replete with dedication, effort, and significant milestones, is an intricate one. But beyond the academics, grades, and references, it’s the genuine intent and passion of an individual that truly stand out. 

This guide has meticulously broken down the importance, timing, structure, and nuances of crafting a compelling letter of intent for prospective medical students. Whether you’re an applicant awaiting an interview, placed on a waitlist, or someone still searching for that perfect medical school, remember that every communication, especially a well-written letter of intent, can provide a deeper understanding of your dedication and zeal. 

By focusing on the distinctiveness of the school, emphasizing alignment, sharing updates, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can position yourself in the best light, genuinely reflecting your commitment and desire to be a part of a prestigious medical community. 

Whether you’re starting on your medical journey or are somewhere in the middle, we hope this guide equips and inspires you to articulate your passion and potential effectively.

How long should a letter of intent be?

A letter of intent should typically be around one page in length.

How is a letter of intent different from a  personal statement or a letter of interest?

A letter of intent emphasizes the applicant’s interest in a specific program, while a personal statement is a broader narrative. Additionally, a letter of interest is a preliminary inquiry before applying, whereas letters of intent are typically sent later in the application process.

Can I send letters of intent to multiple schools?

Yes, you can send letters of intent to multiple medical schools , but make sure they’re tailored to each institution.

Do all medical schools value letters of intent?

Though many medical schools consider letters of intent, their importance may vary. Therefore, it’s best to research each school’s policies before sending.

How should I address my letter of intent if I don’t know the specific person’s name?

Address it to the members of the admissions committee or the appropriate department.

Is email or post better for sending my letter of intent?

Email is generally preferred for its speed and convenience, but follow the school’s instructions if provided.

I haven’t received a response, should I send a follow-up or another letter of intent?

Sending a follow-up email after a reasonable waiting period is appropriate, but avoid sending multiple letters of intent without new updates.

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Why I Chose AUA:

“I was confident going into AUA because of their leadership. It was clear to me from the beginning that the staff and administration from top to bottom were pioneers and leaders in medical education. They showed a great deal of commitment by investing in constructing a brand new state of the art campus while I was there. Although the new campus opened shortly after I left the island, it was encouraging to watch its construction. It let us know that AUA was committed to investing back into its students, and are here to stay for years to come.”

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