part 1
1. What kinds of letters do I need to apply to medical school?
For most schools, you need a MINIMUM of two letters from science professors, and 1 letter from a non-science professor. If you have done research, a letter from your PI is also recommended, especially at research-intensive schools. Consider these 3 letters your "core letters".
2. But do I really really have to get X type of letter?
The short answer: yes.
3. I am a non-traditional student and have been out of school for awhile. Can I get around the letter requirements?
The short answer: yes. You will need to cultivate relationships, etc. to make sure you have these ready to go. We can talk more about this in the future.
4. How/when can I submit letters of req to AMCAS?
Because someone else's answer is far better than what I could write: "Once the application opens in May, you may begin submitting letters to AMCAS. Before you can mail a letter in, you must "create' the letter in your AMCAS application. This involves you telling AMCAS who the letter writer is and naming the letter in AMCAS. AMCAS will then give this letter an ID number. It is important for you to give your letter writer both your AMCAS ID number and the Letter ID number to avoid any snafus with lost letters. Your letter writer can then mail the letter into AMCAS with these two pieces of information, and the letter will be uploaded to your file and will be available to assign to any school you wish. I am told that while AMCAS will accept documents without your AMCAS ID on them, you MUST have the Letter ID or AMCAS will not accept it. I don't have firsthand knowledge of whether or not this is true.
You can create and submit letters at any time, including after you submit your application and after you are verified. This is one of the few parts of the application you can edit after submission."
5. Do I have to waive my right to see the letters?
No. But this is a massive red flag if you don't waive your right to see the letters.
For most schools, you need a MINIMUM of two letters from science professors, and 1 letter from a non-science professor. If you have done research, a letter from your PI is also recommended, especially at research-intensive schools. Consider these 3 letters your "core letters".
2. But do I really really have to get X type of letter?
The short answer: yes.
3. I am a non-traditional student and have been out of school for awhile. Can I get around the letter requirements?
The short answer: yes. You will need to cultivate relationships, etc. to make sure you have these ready to go. We can talk more about this in the future.
4. How/when can I submit letters of req to AMCAS?
Because someone else's answer is far better than what I could write: "Once the application opens in May, you may begin submitting letters to AMCAS. Before you can mail a letter in, you must "create' the letter in your AMCAS application. This involves you telling AMCAS who the letter writer is and naming the letter in AMCAS. AMCAS will then give this letter an ID number. It is important for you to give your letter writer both your AMCAS ID number and the Letter ID number to avoid any snafus with lost letters. Your letter writer can then mail the letter into AMCAS with these two pieces of information, and the letter will be uploaded to your file and will be available to assign to any school you wish. I am told that while AMCAS will accept documents without your AMCAS ID on them, you MUST have the Letter ID or AMCAS will not accept it. I don't have firsthand knowledge of whether or not this is true.
You can create and submit letters at any time, including after you submit your application and after you are verified. This is one of the few parts of the application you can edit after submission."
5. Do I have to waive my right to see the letters?
No. But this is a massive red flag if you don't waive your right to see the letters.