🩺 How to Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation for Residency

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are one of the most critical—and often overlooked—parts of your residency application. While board scores and clerkship grades are numeric, your LORs give programs a qualitative insight into your professionalism, work ethic, and fit for the specialty. Today, I’ll walk you through how to ensure you get powerful, personalized letters that make your ERAS application shine.

💡 Top Strategies to Secure Great LORs

1. Choose the Right Recommenders

Pick physicians who:

• Know you well (not just attended your presentation once)

• Supervised you clinically

• Work in your target specialty (at least 1 should)

• Have a history of writing strong letters

Pro Tip: A strong letter from a general internist is better than a vague one from a famous neurosurgeon.

2. Ask Early—And In Person

Request the letter near the end of the rotation, ideally during your last week.
Say something like:

“Dr. Patel, I’ve really valued your mentorship this rotation. Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation for residency?”

This gives the writer a polite out and clarifies your ask.

3. Provide a LOR Packet

Make it easy for your writer with:

• Your CV

• Your personal statement draft (or specialty goals)

• A list of projects, cases, or anecdotes you shared during the rotation

• The ERAS submission deadline and instructions

Use a tool like KOTC’s Custom Homepage to keep your letters and timelines organized.

4. Follow Up Professionally

If someone agrees to write you a letter:

• Send a polite reminder email 3–4 weeks later

• Express gratitude—don’t nag!

• Send a thank-you message regardless of whether the letter is submitted

You can track your letter status through ERAS or third-party LOR management tools.

5. Aim for 3–4 Letters

ERAS programs usually require 3 LORs, but you can assign up to 4.
Ideal mix:

• 2 from core clinical rotations

• 1 from your specialty of interest

• 1 “wild card” from research or leadership

📌 Before You Go…

A solid letter is about more than what you did—it’s how you’re remembered.

✅ Call-to-Action (CTA)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

  Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.

• What is the best way to handle test anxiety?

  Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

• How can I stay motivated during the long application process?

  Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.

• What role does exercise play in MCAT preparation?

  Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.

• How does King of the Curve help with MCAT preparation?

  KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.