Letters of Recommendation for Medical School
PPAC Letter Packet Service
When applying to medical school, your letters of recommendation are generally considered to be more honest if you waive your right to review them first. This is considered basic courtesy in the admissions process and shows that you trust your letter writer.
The PPAC can manage your letter of recommendation packets if you are applying to allopathic (MD), osteopathic (DO), or podiatric (DPM) medical school. If you would like the PPAC to manage your letters of recommendation, please follow the steps below.
This workshop will provide you with an overview of the application process, so you have a thorough understanding of what to expect, including how to request letters of recommendation.
Check how many letters are required for each of the schools to which you are applying and what kind of letter writers are needed (for example, science professors vs. non-science professors). Download and thoroughly read the Letter of Recommendation Waiver and Instructions Form (LOR-Waiver). Sign the form and include a copy to each of your letter writers when asking them for recommendations. For a better letter of recommendation, you can include this link to letter writer guidelines from the AAMC. Each letter writer must sign the LOR-Waiver and submit it to PPAC by the deadline stated on the form along with their recommendation letter.
Once PPAC has received all your recommendation letters, please submit the Letter Packet Submission Form. This form directs the PPAC with the order of letters and where to submit your letter packet. It’s important you send this form from your UC email.
Medical School Application Services
The PPAC uses AMCAS, AACOMAS and AACPMAS, to process and upload letter of recommendation packets. It’s important you follow the specific directions within the submission form for each medical school application service for choosing the type of letter:
- AMCAS: Letter Packet
- AACOMAS: Individual
- AACPMAS: Individual
If you believe it is necessary to customize your letters for particular schools, please schedule an appointment with a PPAC advisor to discuss this process and what will be helpful for you and your schools.