Letters of Recommendation and Your Autobiography

Medical School Recommendation Letters: What You Need to Know

Who writes your letters?

• The Health Sciences Committee writes a single, composite letter of recommendation for you.
• This is preferred by most professional schools.
• In some cases, additional letters from employers, faculty outside natural sciences, or transfer schools may be helpful.

What's included in the letter?

• The letter focuses on your personal qualities relevant to medicine: motivation, compassion, maturity, integrity, and interpersonal skills.
• The committee considers your academic record, MCAT scores, autobiography (see below for autobiography details), and interactions with you inside and outside of class.

How is the letter written?

• A committee member familiar with you writes a draft letter.
• The committee discusses and edits the draft until everyone approves it.

Your Pre Health Autobiography

What to Include

• To write a strong autobiography for the Health Sciences Committee, focus on these areas:
• Experience: Describe your contact with your chosen profession through work, volunteering, or family/friends.
• Motivation: Explain why you're interested in this career and how you developed this passion.
• Plans: Discuss your alternate career plans in case you can't pursue your first choice.
• Activities: Highlight your extracurricular activities, sports, and leadership roles.
• Interests: Share your hobbies, skills, and talents outside of academics.
• Employment: Explain your work experience, including responsibilities and skills learned.
• Background: Briefly describe your family background, including number of siblings and parents' professions (especially healthcare related).
• Education: Summarize your academic history and any honors received. Include unofficial transcripts if needed.
• Challenges: Explain any academic issues that don't reflect your true ability (illness, etc.). Mention challenging courses and participation in programs like University Scholars.
• Suitability: Reflect on your life experiences and explain why you're well-suited for your chosen career.

Formatting and Submission

• Write your autobiography in a well-written essay format.
• Keep a copy for yourself and attach a recent photo.
• Staple the pages together (no folders).
• Include your social security number and a local phone number.
• Submit it to the Coordinator of Pre-Professional Health Advising for approval by mid-to-late January of your junior year.

Additional Information

• You'll also need to complete a Buckley Amendment Waiver Form, stating whether you waive your right to see your recommendation letter.
• Be honest about any past institutional actions you received (disciplinary or academic).
• Update your autobiography by late summer (early summer for Early Decision candidates) with any new information.

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Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition.