Who should write my letters of recommendation?

HSDM requires three letters of recommendation (and AADSAS can accept up to four). In addition, two of the three letters must be from a biology, chemistry, or physics professor, or a research mentor. Alternatively, a composite letter of recommendation from a Pre-Health advising committee will meet the full requirement for letters of recommendation. If a composite letter is submitted, any additional letters are optional.  All letters must be submitted through AADSAS.

Letters of recommendation should be written by professors who know the applicant in an academic setting; either they have taught a course the applicant has taken, or they have overseen the applicant's academic work as an academic advisor, research mentor, or thesis mentor. Applicants should be confident that professors are able to write a personalized letter and are in a position to assess the candidate's academic abilities, as well as personal qualities. Frequently, professors and teaching assistants will collaborate in letter writing for students in larger lecture classes; HSDM will accept co-authored letters.

Professional letters of recommendation—for example, letters from a supervisor or a dentist an applicant has shadowed—may be submitted as a fourth letter of recommendation.