How do I submit letters of recommendation to Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine?

Submit through AMCAS Letter Service. Applicants assign letters to individual school applications after uploading to AMCAS.

Medical school — Illinois

Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine Letters of Recommendation Requirements

Q: Who should write letters of recommendation for Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine?

Most applicants submit 2 science faculty letters and at least 1 letter from a clinical, research, or service supervisor. The strongest letters for Northwestern come from faculty who supervised meaningful research or taught advanced coursework, and from clinical or service supervisors who can describe the applicant's interpersonal effectiveness, patient communication, and commitment.

Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine reviews letters of recommendation alongside academic records, MCAT scores, research experience, and essays to build a complete picture of the applicant. This guide covers how many letters are required, who should write them, and how to submit through AMCAS.

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Minimum letters3

Maximum letters6

Science letters2 recommended

Committee letterPreferred / Optional

SubmissionAMCAS Letter Service

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Northwestern prefers a committee letter from applicants whose undergraduate schools offer pre-medical advising committees. Applicants without committee support should submit three or more individual letters, including two science faculty letters and at least one letter from a supervisor in a clinical, service, or research setting. Up to six letters are accepted through AMCAS.

Who Should Write Your Letters

The strongest letters for Northwestern come from faculty who supervised meaningful research or taught advanced coursework, and from clinical or service supervisors who can describe the applicant's interpersonal effectiveness, patient communication, and commitment. Letters that describe a consistent pattern of behavior over time are more persuasive than brief endorsements.

How to Submit Letters to Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

Letters are submitted through AMCAS. Northwestern's secondary application may include specific instructions for the MD-PhD or other combined programs.

Tips for a Strong Letter Package

Northwestern values diversity of experience and perspective. If your recommenders can speak to leadership, community engagement, or unique personal history in addition to academic and clinical performance, those dimensions strengthen the overall application.

Verify current requirements: Medical school admission requirements change by cycle. Always confirm letter requirements directly on Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine's official admissions website and through the current AMCAS instructions before submitting your application.

Common questions

Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine Recommendation Letter FAQ

How many letters of recommendation does Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine require?

Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine typically requires a minimum of 3 letters and accepts up to 6 letters through AMCAS. Committee letter preferred; individual letters accepted.

Does Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine require a committee letter?

Committee letter preferred; individual letters accepted. If your undergraduate school does not have a pre-medical advisory committee, submit the required number of individual letters instead.

Who should write my letters for Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine?

Most applicants submit 2 letters from science faculty and at least 1 letter from a clinical, research, or service supervisor who can speak to qualities beyond academic performance.

How do I submit letters to Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine?

Submit through AMCAS Letter Service. Recommenders upload letters through a unique link provided by AMCAS, and applicants then assign letters to each school application.

When should I ask for letters of recommendation?

Ask recommenders three to four months before the application opens. Provide each recommender with your personal statement draft, activities list, transcript, and a few reminders of work you completed together. Follow up with a thank-you after submission.

Related resources

Medical School Recommendation Letter Templates

Use these resources to prepare your recommendation letters for Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and other medical school applications.