A medical school letter of recommendation is a short letter from a professor, research mentor, or supervisor that backs a student’s application to medical school. This supporting document gives the admissions committee honest feedback about the candidate’s qualities, achievements, and performance in their studies or work. Make sure the author completes every detail accurately and signs the letter. For other student applications, see the letter of recommendation for student page.
Last Updated: October 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
Medical schools hold applicants to high standards, and the competition is intense. Many students with superb academic records may not pass only due to the absence of solid references. Letters of recommendation for medical school appear to be the decisive factor when choosing between two notable candidates.
Therefore, the students should take all possible steps to provide at least three distinct reference letters to succeed. Applicants should learn the requirements and terms of their school of choice advances regarding reference letters because they might differ from one institution to another.
Still, most aspects remain universal and demand a high level of commitment, active social position, and a cross-cutting approach. Traditionally, medical colleges and universities expect applicants to provide references from two science professors and one non-science authority, like a supervisor from a volunteer project.
We recommend applying with references acquired from the disciplines in which the student is prominent and remarkable. Choose the field wisely. It makes little sense to apply for a medical school seat with a reference from a Foreign Literature professor.
Use this short checklist before you approach anyone for a reference:
Reference letters are relatively free format documents that aim at promoting the highest achievements and attributes of a student applying to join a medical teaching facility. However, specific mandatory components should be present in any reference:
Present the information above in a clear order. Often, the applicant won’t have a chance to discuss the letter thoroughly with the chosen author due to the latter’s busy schedule. In that case, prepare an outline of your achievements for the author to use, so the letter stays specific and complete.
A reference letter is usually one page long and contains about 500-700 words. Follow this plan to compose a medical school recommendation letter:
This section is often referred to as a letterhead and is mandatory whether the student submits the recommendation letter by email or fax. Use this part to introduce the author of the letter, their title, teaching facility name (or organization’s name), physical address, and contact details. Please feel free to include fax and email details as the preferred contact method.
Use the introduction to identify the author, their position, and their relation to the candidate. This section also introduces the applicant, giving a short description of their overall performance and qualities and how long the author has known the candidate personally.
The most significant part of the entire recommendation letter is covered in these paragraphs. Here, the letter’s preparer dwells upon the relationship with the student and their involvement in the curriculum and extracurricular programs, achievements, and awards. The author should share details about their interaction with the applicant. They can also describe the qualities that suit the student to medical school and list the assessments.
This part consists of several paragraphs, each providing essential data to cover as many positive aspects as possible. You are welcome to divide the section to discuss the following parameters one by one:
This part holds the final statement regarding the medical school applicant’s qualification and enrollment. The author should sum up the focal ideas provided in the letter once again, append their signature, and place the current date. As a rule, the conclusion contains an invitation for follow-up communication if requested by the medical school.
Preparing a medical school recommendation letter can feel challenging if you do not know where to start. Use this list to see which ideas to avoid and what to include in your own letter.
Preparing supporting papers is essential when one applies for a position in a highly demanded sphere like medicine and medical education. To maintain the structure of a reference letter and include all relevant information, feel free to use our templates specially prepared for you.
You can generate the required PDF file using our latest software then enter the necessary details. You can also fill out the samples and submit the papers to the professor you have chosen to serve as guidelines.
The sample below shows how the parts fit together. Notice how it:
Recommendation Letter
June 10, 2021
Professor Frank Grennan
Department of Chemistry and Biology
West Beverly High School
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
(444) 333-2211
To whom it may concern:
I am honored to prepare this letter to recommend Isabella Swan and support her in applying for medical school. I taught Isabella for three semesters in 2020-2021 in Biology as a schedule for her pre-medical program. Although I always have about 60-70 students, I always take special care of my pre-medical undergraduates.
During the academic semester, Isabella has proven a brilliant student with solid self-discipline and qualification to comply with my graduation metrics: attendance, engagement, accomplished work, impressive results, high quality of performance, and outstanding examination marks. Relying on these criteria, Isabella Swan proves to be a student of striking abilities, diligence, and high tolerance to handle stress.
I have accurately examined Isabella’s researches in Biology, got familiar with her other academic studies, and can assure Ms. Swan’s investigation interests and scholastic approach are full of commitment and bring some fresh concepts. Isabella can clearly understand and develop the ideas presented during the program and translate the knowledge into action.
Ms. Swan’s lab performances were also exceptional in organization, efficiency, and clarity. This mindset is crucial for future medical students and potential healthcare professionals.
Isabella Swan will make an excellent contribution to any medical school program, and she has my personal reference. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me by email or phone.
Kind Regards,
Professor Frank Grennan
fgrennanpro@fg.com
(444) 333-2211
A strong medical school letter of recommendation gives the admissions committee a clear, specific picture of both the student and the author. Make sure it covers each of the following points:
Choose authors who know your work well, ideally from subjects where you stand out. Many applicants ask two science professors and one non-science mentor, such as a volunteer supervisor. Skip anyone from an unrelated field.
Plan on at least three distinct letters, and check what each school you apply to asks for.
Ask as early as you can, well before your submission date. Authors are busy, and extra time lets them write a thoughtful letter with specific examples.
Share a short summary of your coursework, research, volunteering, awards, and goals. Add the name of each school so the author can tailor the letter. Specific facts help the author give real examples instead of general praise.
Most reference letters run about one page, or roughly 500-700 words. Keep the tone positive and focus on specific examples of the student’s performance.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
