Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) have the power to make or break your medical residency application. According to the NRMP® Director Survey, Letters of Recommendation rank #2 among the top 5 most important factors when reviewing a residency candidate’s application. The strongest Letters of Recommendation are:
Preparing for Letters of Recommendation differs depending on what walk of life you are on. Most residency candidates fit into one of three candidates types:
After you have a clear picture of who you will be asking for Letters of Recommendation, the next step is how to actually ask your Letter Writers for the Letter of Recommendation (if you haven’t already in the past). The main goal is to be polite and grateful and to be sure they have everything they need to write a positive letter. When it’s time to ask for a Letter of Recommendation try to schedule a one-on-one meeting with them. Bring your CV, resume, or anything else that helps highlight your accomplishments, and make sure to run through these items with them. If you can’t meet face-to-face, arrange a phone call or Skype meeting to talk. A simple email asking them for the letter and attaching documents to read won’t cut it! Some suggested items to offer your Letter Writer are:
You may also want to discuss:
During your discussion with your Letter Writers, be sure to get their feedback on your performance. Ask them if you have exhibited any qualities strong enough to mention such as enthusiasm, confidence, teamwork, dedication, knowledge, or commitment. If anything comes to their mind, ask or provide them with examples of when you demonstrated these traits. TIP: If you have an idea of what your Letter Writer is saying about you in the letter, you can integrate what they are saying into your Personal Statement to make both your letter and the Personal Statement stronger. For example, if your Letter Writer says you are an exceptional team player, you can mention your teamwork in the Personal Statement with a story about how well you worked with a team of peers. This adds credibility to both documents. Once you have talked to your Letter Writer, the Letter of Recommendation will need to be submitted. Submission is different whether or not you waive your right to see your LoRs. If you waive your right to see the letter, this means you will not be able to see the LoR before it is submitted. Not waiving means you can review the letter and submit it yourself. There are many things to think about when you are deciding whether or not you should waive a LoR. If you don’t waive:
Bear in mind:
You will have to think carefully if you want the chance to look at the letter, or if you trust your Letter Writer enough to write you an LoR that will be an asset to your residency application. If you choose to waive your right to see the Letter of Recommendation, your Letter Writers will need to go to the LoR Portal® (LoRP) on the AAMC® website. Make sure you have researched and understand the submission process before you talk to your Letter Writer. Before submitting, your Letter Writer will need:
Remember, ONLY the Letter Writer or someone they designate (the designee) can upload LoRs. The designee cannot be someone from your medical school who is affiliated with the medical residency application process. If you do not waive your right to see the Letter of Recommendation, you may submit the letter yourself. After you have followed up with your Letter Writers to confirm they have submitted the letter or checked your MyERAS Account, don’t forget to send a Thank You card. A handwritten card is more thoughtful than a simple email. Letters of Recommendation FAQ:
This is just a basic guide to Letters of Recommendation. You can also check out Residency Experts’ helpful tips by reading Your Complete Residency Letter of Recommendation Guide. If you or your Letter Writers have any questions, you can either check out the LoR Portal User Guide on the AAMC website and call 202-862-6264, or call Match A Resident at 858-221-8510. Sources and Resources:
Who should provide letters of recommendation?Schools often ask for letters of rec from a specific person, such as a core subject teacher, specific subject teacher, or school counselor. Get advice from teachers, counselors, and family members on who would be best to write your recommendation letters.
Can a fellow write a letter of recommendation for residency?Avoid requesting a letter from a resident or fellow. They may have the best knowledge of your clinical skills, but the attending should write your letter. Help the attending by providing the names of the residents and fellows with whom you worked so he or she can consult them for input if needed.
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