Imam Why is Writing a Request Letter Medical School Application So Hard? Your Problems, Answered
- Fear of not meeting admission requirements
- Difficulty in showcasing relevant experience and skills
- Uncertainty about the tone and language to use in the letter
- Pressure to stand out from other applicants
The Basic Framework for an Effective Letter
A well-structured request letter for a medical school application should include a clear introduction, a concise body, and a strong conclusion. The introduction should introduce yourself and state the purpose of the letter, the body should highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements, and the conclusion should reiterate your interest and enthusiasm for the program.
Remember to tailor your letter to the specific medical school and program you are applying to, and to proofread your letter multiple times for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Application in Practice: 14 Scenarios & Examples
Scenario 1: Requesting Admission to a Competitive Program
Emily Johnson
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
February 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
Harvard Medical School
25 Shattuck Street
Boston, MA 02115
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine and to request admission to the Harvard Medical School Class of 2027.
With a strong academic record, extensive research experience, and a passion for patient care, I am confident that I possess the skills and dedication required to excel in your esteemed program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in the program and highlight your relevant experience and skills in the introduction.
Scenario 2: Highlighting Relevant Volunteer Experience
Michael Brown
456 Elm Street
Chicago, IL 60601
March 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Chicago Medical School
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the University of Chicago Medical School and to share my passion for providing quality patient care.
As a volunteer at the local hospital, I have gained valuable experience in patient communication, teamwork, and time management.
Sincerely,
Michael Brown
Practical Takeaway: Highlight relevant volunteer experience and skills in the body of the letter.
Scenario 3: Requesting Admission to a Program with a Specific Focus
Sarah Lee
789 Oak Street
Los Angeles, CA 90001
April 20, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of California, Los Angeles Medical School
10833 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the University of California, Los Angeles Medical School’s Family Medicine Program.
With a strong background in primary care and a passion for underserved communities, I am confident that I would thrive in this program.
Sincerely,
Sarah Lee
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in a specific program or focus area and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Scenario 4: Showcasing Research Experience
David Kim
321 Pine Street
San Francisco, CA 94101
May 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of California, San Francisco Medical School
505 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the University of California, San Francisco Medical School and to share my passion for medical research.
As a research assistant at a leading institution, I have gained valuable experience in data analysis, literature review, and collaboration.
Sincerely,
David Kim
Practical Takeaway: Highlight research experience and skills in the body of the letter.
Scenario 5: Requesting Admission to a Program with a Unique Curriculum
Rachel Patel
901 Maple Street
Boston, MA 02115
June 1, 2023
Admissions Committee
Boston University Medical School
72 East Concord Street
Boston, MA 02118
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Boston University Medical School’s Integrated Pathology Curriculum.
With a strong background in molecular biology and a passion for cutting-edge research, I am confident that I would thrive in this program.
Sincerely,
Rachel Patel
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in a unique program or curriculum and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Scenario 6: Highlighting Leadership Experience
Kevin White
234 Cedar Street
Seattle, WA 98101
July 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Washington Medical School
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the University of Washington Medical School and to share my passion for leadership and teamwork.
As the president of a student organization, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, communication, and project management.
Sincerely,
Kevin White
Practical Takeaway: Highlight leadership experience and skills in the body of the letter.
Scenario 7: Requesting Admission to a Program with a Strong Research Focus
Lisa Nguyen
567 Oak Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101
August 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
3400 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s MD/PhD Program.
With a strong background in biomedical research and a passion for scientific discovery, I am confident that I would thrive in this program.
Sincerely,
Lisa Nguyen
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in a program with a strong research focus and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Scenario 8: Highlighting Clinical Experience
Christopher Martin
890 Elm Street
Denver, CO 80201
September 1, 2023
Admissions Committee
University of Colorado School of Medicine
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the University of Colorado School of Medicine and to share my passion for patient care.
As a clinical volunteer at a leading hospital, I have gained valuable experience in patient communication, teamwork, and time management.
Sincerely,
Christopher Martin
Practical Takeaway: Highlight clinical experience and skills in the body of the letter.
Scenario 9: Requesting Admission to a Program with a Unique Mission
Julia Hall
345 Pine Street
Portland, OR 97201
October 15, 2023
Admissions Committee
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
Portland, OR 97239
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine’s mission to improve healthcare in rural Oregon.
With a strong background in community service and a passion for rural healthcare, I am confident that I would thrive in this program.
Sincerely,
Julia Hall
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in a program with a unique mission and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Scenario 10: Highlighting Public Health Experience
Daniel Lee
678 Maple Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
November 10, 2023
Admissions Committee
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
733 N. Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and to share my passion for public health.
As a research assistant at a leading institution, I have gained valuable experience in data analysis, literature review, and policy development.
Sincerely,
Daniel Lee
Practical Takeaway: Highlight public health experience and skills in the body of the letter.
Scenario 11: Requesting Admission to a Program with a Strong Focus on Primary Care
Jessica Smith
901 Cedar Street
Nashville, TN 37201
December 1, 2023
Admissions Committee
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
1211 Medical Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37232
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s Primary Care Program.
With a strong background in family medicine and a passion for patient-centered care, I am confident that I would thrive in this program.
Sincerely,
Jessica Smith
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in a program with a strong focus on primary care and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Scenario 12: Highlighting International Experience
Samantha Taylor
234 Oak Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
January 10, 2024
Admissions Committee
Georgetown University School of Medicine
3900 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the Georgetown University School of Medicine and to share my passion for global health.
As a volunteer at a leading international organization, I have gained valuable experience in cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and project management.
Sincerely,
Samantha Taylor
Practical Takeaway: Highlight international experience and skills in the body of the letter.
Scenario 13: Requesting Admission to a Program with a Unique Curriculum Structure
Matthew Davis
567 Elm Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
February 1, 2024
Admissions Committee
Washington University School of Medicine
660 S. Euclid Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the Washington University School of Medicine’s Problem-Based Learning Curriculum.
With a strong background in critical thinking and a passion for collaborative learning, I am confident that I would thrive in this program.
Sincerely,
Matthew Davis
Practical Takeaway: Clearly state your interest in a program with a unique curriculum structure and highlight relevant experience and skills.
Scenario 14: Highlighting Passion for Medical Education
Amanda Brown
890 Maple Street
Indianapolis, IN 46201
March 1, 2024
Admissions Committee
Indiana University School of Medicine
1110 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the Indiana University School of Medicine and to share my passion for medical education.
As a teaching assistant at a leading institution, I have gained valuable experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student assessment.
Sincerely,
Amanda Brown
Practical Takeaway: Highlight passion for medical education and skills in the body of the letter.
Final Checklist: Is Your Letter Ready to Send?
- Have you clearly stated your interest in the program and highlighted your relevant experience and skills?
- Have you tailored your letter to the specific medical school and program you are applying to?
- Have you proofread your letter multiple times for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?
- Have you included a strong introduction, body, and conclusion?
- Have you highlighted your unique strengths and qualifications?
- Have you included a professional closing and signature?
- Have you double-checked the application requirements and deadlines?