What do med schools require for letters of recommendation?

I'm planning on applying to medical school, and I know that getting strong letters of recommendation is important. What should I focus on when asking my professors and other mentors for them? Are there any specific requirements medical schools are looking for in these letters?

Medical schools typically require a mix of recommendation letters to evaluate your qualifications for a career in medicine. The exact requirements vary among schools, but there are some common elements that you should aim for when seeking out recommenders and letters.

1. Academic recommendations: You will generally need at least two letters from professors who taught you in science courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics) and one from a non-science professor. These letters should speak to your academic abilities, critical thinking skills, and performance in challenging courses. Professors who know you well and can describe your intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and potential for medical research will be particularly good ones to ask.

2. Research recommendations (if applicable): If you have participated in research, it is a good idea to include a letter from a research mentor or supervisor. This letter should focus on your research experience, skills, methodology, and problem-solving abilities, as well as your concrete contribution(s) to the project(s). If you have presented or published your research, ask your recommender to mention these accomplishments.

3. Clinical or non-clinical work and community service: Letters from supervisors or mentors during clinical experiences (e.g., shadowing, volunteering, or paid work at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes) or significant non-clinical community service can provide insight into your passion for medicine, patient care abilities, and commitment to community involvement. These recommenders should be able to speak to your compassion, interpersonal skills, and motivation to pursue medicine.

4. Leadership experiences: If you held a significant leadership role in a club, organization, or other activity, a letter from someone who can highlight your leadership skills, ability to motivate others, and collaboration could be advantageous.

Before requesting a letter, make sure the person you're asking knows you well enough to write a thoughtful and personalized recommendation. Meet with them beforehand to discuss your career goals, provide an overview of your experiences, and share your personal statement if possible. Additionally, you don't want to overdo it with the number of people you ask - while you want med schools to get a comprehensive understanding of who you are as an applicant, each rec letter should showcase a new perspective on who you are, as you don't want to waste admissions officers' time by making them re-read essentially the same information.

Overall, medical schools are looking for strong letters of recommendation that demonstrate your academic aptitude, research skills, clinical abilities, leadership qualities, and commitment to serving others – all of which indicate your potential for success in the medical field. Make sure your recommenders are aware of the specific qualities that medical schools value, and choose writers who can speak to those aspects of your character and experiences. Best of luck with your applications to med school!