Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an important component of the application process to health professions schools. The purpose of a letter of recommendation is to share information and insights regarding your character, motivations and specific abilities that others have observed. You want to think about who can write a strong letter in support of your candidacy not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. You want to choose an evaluator who can attest to your involvement in a broad spectrum of activities during your undergraduate education. Therefore, it is wise to begin to develop relationships with faculty and other individuals early.

Students with questions regarding letters of recommendation should read the Letter of Recommendation handout. To enhance candidacy, UIC Pre-Health advisors assist students in determining individuals who could write on their behalf. The Pre-Professional office assists dental and medicine students with the collection and distribution of a comprehensive packet of letters.

Student pursuing other health professions can review reference requirements by referencing the Professional Health Fields page

It is recommended by Pre-Health advisors that pre-med applicants have a core group of three letters: two letters from science faculty and one from a non-science faculty member. Students may add additional letters to the file at their discretion.

Dental applicants are encouraged to have a letter from a dentist they have shadowed, volunteered or worked with as part of their letter packet.

LAS has moved to an electronic method of collecting and maintaining letters of recommendation for students. All students must open a file online. Alumni may contact the Pre-Health Advising office for information regarding their previously stored letters.

Pre-Medicine and Pre-Dentistry students must attend an Information Session before opening an account. veCollect accounts will not be activated till a student attends a session. For a list of upcoming dates for sessions please see the Pre-Health Workshop Page.

Instructions regarding setting up an online file are available at LAS Electronic Recommendation File.