Instructions for Writing Individual Letters of Recommendation
The student who has asked you for a letter of recommendation is an applicant to medical or other health professional schools. Since these schools will already have the relevant transcripts and test scores, your input is most helpful in providing specific examples in the following non-cognitive areas:
- The time and circumstances under which you have known the applicant
- Exceptional strengths of the applicant.
- The applicant's emotional maturity and ability to handle stress
- The applicant's ability to get along with peers and faculty
- Extenuating circumstances that need to be taken into account in interpreting this applicant's grades
- Does learning per se seem to interest the applicant, and does s/he perform up to his/her potential
- Particular characteristics you have observed which you feel would interfere with or enhance a career in a health profession
In summary, can you state and support a compelling reason why the applicant should or should not be a physician, dentist, or other health professional?
Your reply should be on official letterhead, if possible, and should be addressed: Dear Admissions Committee.
Send your letter to:
- Gateway Student Success Center
- Office of Biomedical Professions
- Northern Arizona University
- P.O. Box 4097
- Flagstaff, Arizona 86011
Copies of your letter will be forwarded to the schools specified by the student.
A Note on Confidentiality
This student's signed waiver or non-waiver of The Family Rights and Privacy Act is on his/her Biomedical Professions Registration form.
Request that the student give you a copy of this form before you write the letter.