The Secret to Strong Letters of Recommendation (That Actually Impress Adcoms)
Most premeds settle for generic LORs—here’s how to secure letters that make your application stand out.
You’ve put in the work. Your GPA is solid. Your MCAT score is competitive. Your extracurriculars tell a compelling story.
But now, adcoms want to know what others have to say about you.
Letters of recommendation (LORs) are a crucial part of your med school application. While some schools (like the University of Washington) don’t weigh them heavily, many do. A strong letter can reinforce your strengths and set you apart from other applicants.
Here’s how to secure LORs that actually work in your favor.
1. Build Relationships with Your Professors
LORs from science professors are required for most med schools. But not all professor letters carry the same weight.
How to get a standout professor letter:
· Take smaller classes where you can actively engage. Professors in large lecture halls won’t know you well enough to write anything meaningful. My best LOR came from a professor who taught me in a 15-person seminar class.
· Show up to office hours. This is where professors get to know you beyond your grades.
· Be genuinely interested in the subject. Passion stands out, and professors remember students who truly engage.
Pro Tip: If you secure a research position under a professor, that’s a golden opportunity for an LOR. Check out my article on securing research opportunities—this is an essential step for many applicants.
2. Leverage Your Work & Clinical Experience
Your employers and mentors can provide some of the strongest LORs. Why? Because they can speak to your work ethic, character, and patient interactions—qualities that adcoms value highly.
✅ Build strong relationships with your bosses and mentors. If you leave a job on good terms, stay in touch.
✅ Ask for a letter while you’re still fresh in their mind. Right now, I could ask the dermatologist I work for, and I know I’d receive a brilliant LOR. This is because I built a trustworthy, professional relationship with my employer.
A strong clinical LOR can prove you have real-world healthcare experience—something every med school wants to see.
3. Secure a D.O. Letter (If You’re Applying to D.O. Schools)
If you’re applying to osteopathic (D.O.) schools, many of them strongly recommend a letter from a D.O. physician.
✅ Shadow a D.O. early in your premed journey. This will allow you to build a relationship and eventually request an LOR.
✅ Not all schools require a D.O. letter, but having one shows you’ve taken the time to learn about osteopathic medicine.
If you’re unsure, check the specific requirements for each school on your list.
4. The Reality: Not All Schools Weigh LORs Heavily
Not every school puts a major emphasis on LORs. Some, like UWSOM, don’t rely on them much in admissions decisions.
What does this mean?
🚫 If your LORs are good, but not exceptional, it’s not the end of the world.
✅ However, if you CAN secure strong letters, do it. A great LOR reinforces your strengths and could be the deciding factor in a competitive application.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait—Start Building Relationships Now
Letters of recommendation aren’t just about who you know—they’re about who knows YOU. If you’re early in your premed journey, start fostering these connections now.
📌 Join research labs
📌 Engage in class and go to office hours
📌 Build relationships with employers and mentors
When it’s time to apply, you don’t want to scramble for a generic letter. You want someone who knows your character, work ethic, and dedication to medicine.
Put in the effort now, and your future self will thank you.
See you next week,
Leo
PS: If you found this helpful, share it with another premed! The journey is tough, but the right strategies make all the difference. 🚀