Christopher Newport University | Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science | Prehealth Profession

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Letters of Recommendation

In the tight competition for medical schools positions, it is probable that you are one of many candidates with test scores and grades that qualify you for admission. It may be only by letters of recommendation that you can document the special qualities which differentiate you from other applicants.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Composite Letter of Recommendation

Most Health Professional Schools recommend or even require a composite letter of recommendation from your undergraduate prehealth professions program. The CNU Council for Health Professions Preparation (CHPP) will incorporate your individual Letters of Recommendation from other faculty, health care professionals, volunteer work supervisors, etc. into a Composite Letter of Recommendation from the Committee to schools where you are applying.

Individual Letters of Recommendation

Please give a completed copy of the attached Individual Letter of Recommendation Request Form (pdf) to anyone you would like to provide you with recommendation letters. These individual Recommendations are sent to the HPAC and will enable the Committee to provide you with the most favorable composite Letter of Recommendation possible.

INSTRUCTION FOR OBTAINING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Receiving a

Committee Composite Letter of Recommendation >

Individual Letter of Recommendation Request > (pdf)

Please complete a form for each reference letter. This completed form or a comparable one from your prospective medical school is required before a faculty or professional can submit a Letter of Recommendation on your behalf.

CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS

The most important thing you can do now, before you start into the application process, is to get to know a number of your professors, and have them get to know you. Cultivate relationships with your instructors early in your academic career. Ask questions in and out of class. Show your interest in the course, including laboratories, discussions, writing assignments, and so forth. Visit your professors during scheduled office hours. Many faculty are willing to write recommendation letters for students they know well, but cannot say much about someone who is just a line of scores in a gradebook.

Share your goal of becoming a health professional with your academic advisor, and seek their advice in designing your curriculum and selecting related courses.

You may wish to include any health care professionals and volunteer work supervisors who know you well. Choose your evaluators well. The best letters come from those people who know you well and have been able to form a good impression, giving insight not only into your academic abilities, but also into your personal character.