Imam Why is Writing a Request Letter Medical School Writing Guide So Hard? Your Problems, Answered
Many students and professionals struggle when it comes to writing a request letter for medical school. Here are some common pain points and fears:
- Fear of rejection or not getting accepted into the medical school of their choice
- Difficulty in articulating their motivation and goals for pursuing a medical career
- Uncertainty about the correct format and structure of a request letter
- Concerns about showcasing their skills and experiences in a compelling way
The Basic Framework for an Effective Letter
A well-structured request letter for medical school typically follows a simple yet effective framework. It should begin with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention, followed by a clear and concise explanation of your motivation and goals. The body of the letter should highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, and finally, it should conclude with a powerful call-to-action and a professional closing.
This framework can be tailored to fit your unique circumstances and goals, but it provides a solid foundation for crafting a compelling request letter.
Application in Practice: 14 Scenarios & Examples
Scenario 1: Requesting Admission to a Prestigious Medical School
Admissions Committee, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115
February 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a medical degree at Harvard Medical School. As a top-ranked institution, I am drawn to your school’s commitment to excellence in medical education and research.
I am confident that your program will provide me with the ideal environment to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the medical field.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Lee
Practical Takeaway: When requesting admission to a prestigious medical school, it’s essential to highlight your unique strengths and motivations that set you apart from other applicants.
Scenario 2: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from a Professor
Professor John Smith, Department of Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
March 15, 2023
Dear Professor Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to medical school. I had the privilege of taking your biology course and working as a research assistant in your lab.
I believe that your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application, and I would be grateful for your endorsement.
Sincerely,
Alex Chen
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a letter of recommendation, be sure to provide the recommender with all necessary information and materials, and give them ample time to submit the letter.
Scenario 3: Requesting an Interview with a Medical School Admissions Committee
Admissions Committee, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
April 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in scheduling an interview as part of the application process for the University of Michigan Medical School.
I am eager to discuss my application and learn more about the opportunities and resources available at your institution.
Sincerely,
Sarah K. Patel
Practical Takeaway: When requesting an interview, be sure to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the medical school, and highlight your unique strengths and qualifications.
Scenario 4: Requesting a Deferral of Admission to a Medical School
Admissions Committee, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
May 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request a deferral of my admission to Stanford University School of Medicine for the upcoming academic year.
I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity to participate in a research project that aligns with my goals and interests, and I believe that this experience will make me a stronger candidate when I matriculate.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Kim
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a deferral, be sure to provide a clear and compelling reason for your request, and demonstrate your commitment to attending the medical school in the future.
Scenario 5: Requesting a Meeting with a Medical School Dean
Dean’s Office, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104
June 1, 2023
Dear Dean Johnson,
I am writing to request a meeting with you to discuss my application to the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
I am eager to learn more about the school’s curriculum and research opportunities, and I believe that a meeting would provide me with valuable insights into the program.
Sincerely,
David L. Brown
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a meeting with a medical school dean, be sure to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the program, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the meeting.
Scenario 6: Requesting a Recommendation from a Healthcare Professional
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Chief of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027
July 15, 2023
Dear Dr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to medical school.
I had the privilege of working under your supervision during my volunteer work at the hospital, and I believe that your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application.
Sincerely,
Emily G. Lee
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a recommendation from a healthcare professional, be sure to provide them with all necessary information and materials, and give them ample time to submit the letter.
Scenario 7: Requesting an Update on the Status of a Medical School Application
Admissions Committee, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
August 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request an update on the status of my application to Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
I am eager to learn about the progress of my application and understand the current timeline for decision notifications.
Sincerely,
Kevin T. Patel
Practical Takeaway: When requesting an update on the status of a medical school application, be sure to be polite and professional, and avoid being overly aggressive or pushy.
Scenario 8: Requesting a Waiver of the Application Fee
Admissions Committee, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143
September 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request a waiver of the application fee for the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.
I am a low-income applicant, and the fee presents a significant financial burden for me.
Sincerely,
Maria D. Sanchez
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a waiver of the application fee, be sure to provide clear and compelling evidence of financial need, and follow the medical school’s specific guidelines for fee waivers.
Scenario 9: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from a Research Mentor
Dr. John Lee, Department of Biochemistry, University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
October 15, 2023
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to medical school.
I had the privilege of working in your lab as a research assistant, and I believe that your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application.
Sincerely,
David K. Kim
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a letter of recommendation from a research mentor, be sure to provide them with all necessary information and materials, and give them ample time to submit the letter.
Scenario 10: Requesting a Meeting with a Medical School Admissions Committee Member
Admissions Committee, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195
November 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request a meeting with a member of the admissions committee to discuss my application to the University of Washington School of Medicine.
I am eager to learn more about the school’s curriculum and research opportunities, and I believe that a meeting would provide me with valuable insights into the program.
Sincerely,
Samantha J. Lee
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a meeting with a medical school admissions committee member, be sure to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the program, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the meeting.
Scenario 11: Requesting a Reconsideration of a Medical School Application
Admissions Committee, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, 885 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095
December 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to request a reconsideration of my application to the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.
I believe that my application was unfairly evaluated, and I would like to provide additional information to support my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Chen
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a reconsideration of a medical school application, be sure to provide clear and compelling evidence to support your request, and follow the medical school’s specific guidelines for reconsideration.
Scenario 12: Requesting a Deferral of the MCAT Exam
The Association of American Medical Colleges, 2450 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
January 10, 2024
Dear AAMC,
I am writing to request a deferral of the MCAT exam for the upcoming testing cycle.
I am currently experiencing unforeseen personal circumstances that prevent me from preparing adequately for the exam, and I believe that a deferral would allow me to better prepare and perform to the best of my abilities.
Sincerely,
Alexandra M. Patel
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a deferral of the MCAT exam, be sure to provide clear and compelling evidence to support your request, and follow the AAMC’s specific guidelines for deferrals.
Scenario 13: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from a Supervisor
Ms. Jane Smith, Supervisor, ABC Hospital, 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
February 1, 2024
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to medical school.
I had the privilege of working under your supervision at ABC Hospital, and I believe that your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application.
Sincerely,
Rachel K. Lee
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a letter of recommendation from a supervisor, be sure to provide them with all necessary information and materials, and give them ample time to submit the letter.
Scenario 14: Requesting a Meeting with a Medical School Dean to Discuss a Low GPA
Dean’s Office, University of Illinois College of Medicine, 808 South Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612
March 1, 2024
Dear Dean Johnson,
I am writing to request a meeting with you to discuss my application to the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
I am concerned about my low GPA, and I would like to discuss the circumstances surrounding my academic performance and how I have grown and improved since then.
Sincerely,
James M. Kim
Practical Takeaway: When requesting a meeting with a medical school dean to discuss a low GPA, be sure to be honest and upfront about your academic performance, and prepare to discuss the steps you have taken to improve and grow as a student.
Final Checklist: Is Your Letter Ready to Send?
Before submitting your request letter, make sure to review the following checklist:
- Have you clearly stated your purpose and motivation for writing the letter?
- Have you provided all necessary information and materials to support your request?
- Have you proofread your letter for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?
- Have you tailored your letter to the specific medical school or program?
- Have you included a professional closing and signature?
- Have you made a strong and compelling case for your request?
- Have you followed the medical school’s specific guidelines and instructions?
By following these guidelines and practical examples, you can craft a compelling and effective request letter that showcases your strengths and achievements, and helps you stand out as a strong candidate for medical school.