Letters of recommendation are a critical element in the health professions application process. Schools value the perspectives of people who have observed your work and can speak to your abilities and personality. Here are some tips about getting letters of recommendation:
• . A person who knows you well can write a more substantial and helpful letter than someone who hardly knows you. In choosing between a person who taught you in a small class versus someone with a famous name or title but who cannot write a personal letter, choose the former. It is REQUIRED to have at least one recommendation from someone who has taught you in the sciences (2 recommended), and it is RECOMMENDED to have one from a faculty in the humanities or social sciences. Others who may write useful letters include research advisors, administrators, faculty advisors, athletic coaches, supervisors of campus or summer jobs, and those who have known you in volunteer positions. Letters from graduate student instructors are acceptable.
• . Take your resume and transcript and papers which you have written for the instructor (preferably the copies which contain their comments) with you and be prepared to talk about your future goals and past achievements. If an individual agrees to write on your behalf, present him/her with the Recommendation Waiver Form. If the person is off campus, it is also helpful to provide the writer with a stamped envelope addressed to the Office of Pre-Professional Programs and Advising.
• . You want to have strong letters and if a person is somewhat uncomfortable writing for you or doesn’t have enough time, it is likely that the result will be short and weak. It is much better to have someone be honest with you at the start, so that you can find another referee who will be more enthusiastic. You can determine this by asking the person if s/he feels comfortable writing a strong letter on your behalf.
• . Make sure that your referees know that we need to have your letters sometime in the spring or early summer, and that there is a June 19th deadline. If your letters are not received by June 19th it may delay the processing of your Committee Evaluation.
• . Remember they will be writing a letter reflecting on many aspects of you—which includes behavior and interpersonal interactions!
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The Waiver Form is a document provided by the Office of Pre-Professional Programs and Advising that will allow you to waive your right to inspect the contents of letters of recommendation written on your behalf. You must complete this form and provide it to each of your recommenders. Waiving your ‘right to access’ means that your letters will remain confidential, and you will not be privy to their contents. Admissions officials may give more credence to the content of a letter that is confidential. If you choose NOT to waive your right, you will have access to the contents of the recommendation.
When you submit your Health Professions Committee Application, you will be indicating the names of all of the individuals who you have or plan on requesting a letter of recommendation. We realize that you may change your mind about a recommender at some point before applying. If you make a change, you must notify the office since the list of names you have provided to us will be the DEFINITELY list of recommendations we expect to receive by June 19! All update on your application need to be communicated through your Administrative Coordinator (A-L, Mrs. Krause; M-Z, Mrs. Sanders).
