Letters of Reference:

You may begin collecting recommendations at any point in your Carleton career and have them sent to the pre-med advisor once you have filled out a waiver agreement. Your recommendation writers can write a general letter or they can follow the format outlined in the reference request, depending on their experience. You should have all your letters collected by the end of the school year before you begin your application process. You must then choose a 'primary letter writer', preferably from the Committee, but at least in the pre-medical departments, who will be responsible for compiling the recommendations and writing the comprehensive letter.

Letters of reference will be accepted by AMCAS medical schools only when requested by the school. This request is usually made of the applicant by the school at the time of submission of the “secondary application.” If the school is not an AMCAS school, then letters of reference may be sent as soon as your application has been submitted. Comprehensive letters on behalf of the undergraduate college are generally preferred (the “Committee letter”). When you wish a Committee Letter prepared and sent out, contact the Chair of the Committee.

(note: letters of reference (“evaluations”) are not the same as letters of recommendation. Medical schools have made it clear that they want letters that present an honest and complete picture of the candidate. By signing the Carleton Waiver statement, you agree to the school and Committee meeting this responsibility. The weight given to a Carleton letter depends on our honesty with the schools.)