Discover how two standout ERAS letters of recommendation (LOR) helped our MD experts land their top-choice residencies. We'll also guide you through the essentials of this critical application element, offering tips to make your own letters shine. Whether you're drafting your residency personal statement, focusing on ERAS interview prep, or navigating the entire ERAS process, we've got you covered with insider advice that can give you the edge you need.
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Sample ERAS Letters of Recommendation
Below, you’ll find two sample residency letters of recommendation. Pay attention to how well the two letters complement each other and create a holistic portrayal of the applicant.
3 Effective Strategies for a Strong ERAS Letter of Recommendation
To ensure your letter writers can craft a compelling recommendation, make a memorable impact through your actions…and don’t wait until the last minute!
#1 – Make an Impact
That means you should approach every class, clerkship, volunteer, traditional or virtual shadowing experience, or research activity with the mindset of delivering your best work—consistently.
At the start of any activity, set clear expectations with your supervisor and strive to exceed them. Regularly seek constructive feedback, and nurture a professional relationship. This proactive approach not only makes you stand out but also paves the way for strong, personalized recommendation letters when you need them. Whether the experience is related to your chosen specialty – psychiatry, pediatrics – or, a standalone experience in a specialty that isn’t your dream match, it’s still valuable experience and you should aim to make a significant positive impact.
“I think the best thing you can do is work hard. You want them to talk about your quality and ability to work as an intern, so be up to date on your knowledge and integrate well into the team.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, Harvard South Shore – Psychiatry
#2 - Consider your timing: Ask early!
At a minimum, you should request your letters 2 months prior to the submission deadline.
The earlier you ask, the better. You want to give your letter writers ample time to compose your letter as they are busy professionals and need the proper time to prepare it. You also do not want them to feel rushed in needing to complete your letter at a late point in the ERAS timeline.
You do NOT have to wait until you are preparing your ERAS application to ask for letters of recommendation. You also don’t want to wait until it’s peak ERAS season, and catch your writer when they’re already overwhelmed.
“I decided to ask for my letters of recommendations during my 4th year sub-I’s. I think sub-I’s are a great time to ask for letters of recommendation because you have already chosen the specialty you are going into and you are usually at the peak of medical school. It's really a great time for someone to see you working at your hardest with the highest level of knowledge that you have.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, Harvard South Shore – Psychiatry
#3 - Choosing your authors: Who should write your ERAS letter of recommendation?
Your letters should give a comprehensive and holistic insight into who you are as a student, person, and future doctor in that specialty. With that said, your writers can include pre-clinical professors, research advisors, volunteer or extracurricular managers or advisors, clinical clerkship attendings, or department heads. Your letter writers should be individuals who you have worked or interacted with and who can speak to your character, work ethic, and aptitude.
You should have at least one letter from a mentor, attending you worked with, or department chair in your specialty of choice, as most programs will require at least one letter that supports your suitability for the specialty you are pursuing. Some programs might also require a letter from someone outside the field of medicine. Be sure to look up the program specific requirements on their website.
“Most specialties require that you get at least one letter from someone in that specialty. I had letters from two different specialties, but I felt like this was useful in the end because one highlighted my passion for my chosen field and the other highlighted a strong work ethic. if you don't have a letter from your chosen specialty, I would discuss with faculty from that department potentially they could write you a non-clinical letter, but ideally you should pursue a rotation and ask for a letter.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD
How Important is the ERAS Letter of Recommendation?
It’s VERY important. In fact, a recent Program Director Survey shows that LORS in your specialty are the number 2 factor that determines whether you will be invited for an interview!
As you start to prepare for your residency application, keep in mind that the letter of recommendation can showcase your attributes that may otherwise be impossible to include in your application, such as your teamwork skills, leadership abilities, professionalism, and dedication to patient care. It provides a unique perspective on your strengths and potential as observed by those who have worked closely with you.
The letter of recommendation allows residency programs to understand how other professionals view you, get an idea of your work ethic, and your ability to contribute to the field of medicine in your chosen medical specialty. A strong letter of recommendation can be the deciding factor between receiving an interview invitation or not and even which candidate a program ranks higher when faced with two equally qualified applicants.
How to Ask for an ERAS Letter of Recommendation
When possible, you should ask for your letter of recommendation in person. If you are asking someone you are currently working with, simply ask to speak with them after your duties for the day are completed.
“I identified my main sub-i attendings at the beginning of the rotation. On our first day, usually attendings sit down with students to discuss expectations, and I used this time to also let them know that I would like them to write a letter for me. Attendings are generally familiar with this process, so everyone I asked was receptive and willing to write. I think being upfront with the fact that you want a letter helps them focus on your performance through the rotation versus asking them at the end.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD
Whether your ask in-person or request your letter via email, the approach is the same. Ask specifically, “Would you be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for residency on my behalf?”
Below are samples of how to ask for a reference letter in person and via email:
Should you waive your right to view your ERAS letter of recommendation?
In the ERAS process, students typically waive their right to view their LORs to ensure the letter remains confidential. This waiver is common practice and often encouraged because it assures programs that the recommendation is candid and unbiased. However, if you do not waive this right, you technically can view the letter, though it might raise concerns about the perceived authenticity of the recommendation.
So…should you waive your rights? The answer isn’t clear-cut – and this is also why it’s essential that your authors/referees are writers and professionals whom you are confident in!
If by chance, somebody was to write you a lukewarm letter, it’d be beneficial to find out about this beforehand to either discuss it with the author or consider asking somebody else. However, as noted above, this might look a bit finicky on your application. You might not be penalized, but it could raise some eyebrows.
How to Enter Your Letters of Recommendation into ERAS
FAQs
1. How many ERAS letters of recommendation do I need?
You typically need 3-4 letters, but check each program’s specific requirements.
2. Should ERAS letters of recommendation be addressed to specific residency program?
No, letters of recommendation should be standardized. Addressing letters to specific residency programs would result in your letter writers needing to prepare multiple letters – which isn’t feasible.
3. Who do I ask for an ERAS letter of recommendation?
Ask individuals who know you well, such as pre-clinical professors, research advisors, clinical attendings, or department heads.
4. Who should I avoid asking for a letter of recommendation?
Avoid individuals you barely know or who seem hesitant to write you a letter.
5. How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?
Ask in-person if possible, provide your CV and personal statement, and clearly state your request.
6. When do I ask for a letter of recommendation?
Request letters at least 2 months before the submission deadline.
7. How do I submit my letters of recommendation to ERAS?
Your writers will upload the letters using the ERAS portal and a specific letter ID; you’ll receive an email confirmation once uploaded.
8. How long should my letters of recommendation be?
Your letters should be no longer than one page.
9. Should I send a ‘thank you’ to the authors of my letters?
Yes! A simple, professional thank you note is sufficient! Here’s a quick example: “Thank you so much for supporting my application to residency by writing a letter on my behalf. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to do this for me. It has been a privilege working with and learning from you, and I am honored that you further supported me in my educational.”
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1 Comments
Aaron C
You not that 70% of PD rely on LORs but, no where does it say they look unfavorable on applicants that didn't waive their right to look at them. It does make sense why a PD would care. Please explain why they would?
Reply