Letter of Recommendation (LOR) – Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are an important component of the application process to health professional schools. The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to share information and insights regarding your character, motivations, and specific abilities that others observed.

Prepare Requesting LORs After Resources

Prepare

Preparation: Prepare for letter writers

ONLY ASK REFERENCES WHO YOU KNOW WILL BE ABLE TO WRITE STRONG LORs!
- Some fields or schools ask for specific aspects to be discussed by references. For example, allopathic medical schools have specific guidelines for letter writers. View the guidelines for the field and schools, and then decide who would best be able to talk about these qualities:
What kind of letter do I need?
- The referee explains why you would be good in the field you are applying to.
- The referee objectively evaluates your strengths and weaknesses in the field you are applying to.
How many letters will I need?
- - The number and type of letters required vary by school.
  - Create a LOR grid to determine how many of each type of letter you will need.
    - LOR Grid Template

Check each school to determine the type of letter and the quantity you will need! Lists of specific LOR types for each school can be found in the table below.

Dentistry

Medicine (Allopathic)

Medicine (Osteopathic).

Physical Therapy

Physician Assistant

Requesting LORs

Whom should I ask?
- Ask people who spent time with you, admire your work, and can talk about you in detail.
- It is not about whom you know, but what they know about you!
When should I ask?
- Give your referees at least a month to write the letter.
- Always give a deadline at least two weeks before the letter is due.
- For professional schools that require a letter of recommendation from a specific academic source, it is highly recommended for gap year and/or re-applying students to request a letter of recommendation before graduation and/or application submission.
How should I ask?
- Be sensitive when you ask: find a moment when the person is not rushed or distracted.
- Ask if they can write you a strong letter or if they know you well enough to write a meaningful letter.
- If they agree, provide a packet; the more information you provide, the more detailed the letter. Send the packet based on your references' preferences.
- For all LORs, you should ALWAYS waive your right to view LORs to demonstrate that you completely trust your references.
- Email templates
Packet should contain the following:
- Why you asked her/him
- A list of courses you took from her/him and the grade(s) you received
- Dates of interaction (semester took class, employment start and end dates, or volunteer period)
- Any exceptional work you produced for her/him
- The area you hope s/he will address
- Submission information, instructions, and deadline
- Recommendation/evaluation form if applicable

Additional helpful materials may include copies of the following:
- Transcripts (unofficial STAR transcripts are fine)
- Résumé, CV, or list of pre-professional experiences
- Personal statement
- Guidelines for letter writers

After

ONLY LORS SENT DIRECTLY FROM REFERENCES ARE ACCEPTED!

Check with your referees occasionally: have they had a chance to write yet?
- Ask whether they need additional information/ materials
Once referees submit letters, regularly check with the admissions office until you receive confirmation that all letters have been submitted
Most importantly, send a sincere thank you note to everyone who wrote a letter for you!

Resources