Letters of Recommendation
Surveys of Program Directors in many different medical specialties have shown that Letters of Recommendation (LoR) are a significant component of the application. In particular, LoRs in the specialty students applied in were cited as the 2nd most important factor in selecting applicants to interview. In contrast to a transcript and USMLE or COMLEX scores, most LoRs provide qualitative rather than quantitative information regarding your personal and professional characteristics. So, it's important you secure strong letters to support your candidacy and plan early to ensure you receive helpful submissions.
Who do I ask for a letter?
Letters should generally be written by physicians who know you well. Generally, avoid soliciting letters from residents, pre-clinical faculty, and non-physicians.
Some of your letter writers should have experienced working with you in a clinical setting. They should be able to describe in detail your clinical abilities as well as your personal attributes, such as being a team player or a good problem-solver. You may also consider asking a research mentor, who can speak to your skills and productivity as a researcher.
Each specialty recommends your letters be from specific faculty- check theChoosing Your Specialty-Specialty Specific Information for who your letters should be coming from.
Answer these questions to determine your advocates:
How well did I perform in the rotation?
Did I develop a close working relationship with the potential letter writer?
Did this person think highly of my clinical skills and overall performance?
Does this person care about my plans for the future?
Does this person have good communication skills that will be reflected my letter?
Once you’ve identified potential letter writers, discuss your list with your career and specialty advisors!
When should I ask for a letter?
Generally, faculty members upload their letters directly to ERAS within 6-8 weeks of being asked by students. You should ask your letter writers towards the end of working with them and then follow up in June/July. Aim to have all letters in by September 1, meaning you should be asking for LOR no later than July 15.
How do I ask a faculty member for a letter?
Even though they might be happy to comply, recognize your letter writers are doing you a favor, so ask politely. One strategy is to ask, “Would you be comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation?”
Preferably, request the letter directly and in person. If you must make your request in writing, also suggest a face-to-face meeting so the writer can put your name and face together as he or she will have seen many students during the course of the year.
Provide the letter writer clear and specific instructions for the content of the letter and the process for submitting as well as all deadlines. ERAS provides a letter request form you should use once you’ve finalized your LoR authors that assists your letter writer with submission, including how to access and use the ERAS Letter of Recommendation Portal. More information can be found here.
Also provide your letter writers with additional information about yourself. At a minimum, you should provide a copy of your CV and your personal statement (draft is fine).
Do I need a ‘Chairs Letter’/ Departmental Letter?
This can vary by specialty! Look at the specialty-specific section for more information.
How do I get a Chairman’s Letter if s/he doesn’t know me?
Nearly all specialties want specific information about a student’s ability to perform in the specialty of choice, and this information is conveyed through the departmental chairman’s letter. If your specialty requires a chair’s letter, procedures on how to request one are described in the specialty specific information section
How many letters do I need?
Most programs require three letters, but this can vary by specialty! Students may not assign more than four letters to any one program.
Three letters of recommendation are required and no more than four are allowed. You will need a minimum of three letters for both an advanced specialty, as well as a preliminary year application (if you are applying in a discipline which requires preliminary training). You will need three letters for your preliminary application and 3-4 for the advanced program, totaling 6-7 letters.
Can I ask someone outside of ISMMS for a letter?
Yes! In fact, some specialties may ask for one of your letters to be from a person outside of your institution.
Can I read my letter?
Even though you can request the right to read your letter, we strongly recommend that you waive your right for each letter you request. This is done when completing the letter of recommendation request on ERAS and other residency application service. Program Directors tend to be very suspicious of letters for which students have not waived their rights to review the letter. When you waive your right to review your letter, you can neither ask any faculty or administrator from the school to provide any information about your letter.
Do I need a Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE)?
This is specialty specific and more information can be found in the Specialty Specific Information Section.
Do I need to have all my letters of recommendation uploaded before I can apply?
No, you can send in your application even if the letters haven’t been received yet. Writers should let you know when letters arrive so that you can assign them to programs. Please also check ERAS to track the status of your letters.
Do I have to designate all my letters to certain programs at the time that I apply?
No, you can apply without designating any letters at all. You can apply with a few letters designated and add letter writers later.
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