Who should write letters of recommendation for Stanford School of Medicine?

Most applicants submit 2 science faculty letters and at least 1 letter from a clinical, research, or service supervisor. Letters from faculty who can speak to the applicant's research contributions or performance in advanced coursework are particularly useful.

How do I submit letters of recommendation to Stanford School of Medicine?

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

Medical school — California

Stanford School of Medicine Letters of Recommendation Requirements

Stanford School of Medicine uses letters of recommendation to evaluate the kind of impact an applicant makes on others over time. This guide covers how many letters are required, who should write them, and how to submit through AMCAS.

View Medical School Templates View Requirements FAQ

Minimum letters3

Maximum letters6

Science letters2 recommended

Committee letterPreferred / Optional

SubmissionAMCAS Letter Service

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Stanford prefers a committee letter from the applicant's undergraduate institution. Applicants from schools without committees should submit at least three individual letters, including two science faculty letters and one letter from a clinical, research, or service supervisor. Up to six letters are typically accepted through AMCAS.

Who Should Write Your Letters

Letters from faculty who can speak to the applicant's research contributions or performance in advanced coursework are particularly useful. Stanford also values letters from people who have observed the applicant in service or clinical settings where teamwork, communication, and patient interaction were involved. Letters that reflect personal knowledge carry more weight than brief endorsements.

How to Submit Letters to Stanford School of Medicine

All letters are submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service. Applicants should also review the Stanford secondary application for any program-specific instructions, especially for the MD-PhD program.

Tips for a Strong Letter Package

Stanford's culture emphasizes innovation and collaboration. Recommenders who can speak to the applicant's creative problem-solving, interdisciplinary thinking, or entrepreneurial approach to medicine can provide perspective that complements the personal statement.

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

Common questions

Stanford School of Medicine Recommendation Letter FAQ

How many letters of recommendation does Stanford School of Medicine require?

Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford School of Medicine and other medical school applications.