Who should write letters of recommendation for University of California San Francisco (UCSF)?

Most applicants submit 2 science faculty letters and at least 1 letter from a clinical, research, or service supervisor. UCSF values research and innovation, so letters from research mentors who can speak to scientific curiosity and independent thinking carry particular weight.

How do I submit letters of recommendation to University of California San Francisco (UCSF)?

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

Medical school — California

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Letters of Recommendation Requirements

UCSF School of Medicine emphasizes diversity, research, and service in its mission and uses letters of recommendation to understand how applicants have contributed to those dimensions. 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 letterRequired

SubmissionAMCAS Letter Service

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

UCSF prefers a committee letter. Applicants without a committee should submit at least three individual letters, including two from science faculty and one from a clinical, research, or community supervisor. UCSF accepts up to six letters through AMCAS.

Who Should Write Your Letters

UCSF values research and innovation, so letters from research mentors who can speak to scientific curiosity and independent thinking carry particular weight. Letters from people who have observed the applicant in clinical or community health settings add evidence of service commitment and patient-centered care.

How to Submit Letters to University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

Letters are submitted through AMCAS. UCSF's secondary application should be reviewed each cycle for any updated instructions.

Tips for a Strong Letter Package

UCSF has one of the most diverse and research-intensive medical school environments in the country. Letters that reflect the applicant's connection to diverse communities or research ambition can reinforce themes in the personal statement.

Verify current requirements: Medical school admission requirements change by cycle. Always confirm letter requirements directly on University of California San Francisco (UCSF)'s official admissions website and through the current AMCAS instructions before submitting your application.

Common questions

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Recommendation Letter FAQ

How many letters of recommendation does University of California San Francisco (UCSF) require?

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) typically requires a minimum of 3 letters and accepts up to 6 letters through AMCAS. Committee letter preferred; three individual letters required if no committee.

Does University of California San Francisco (UCSF) require a committee letter?

Committee letter preferred; three individual letters required if no committee. 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 University of California San Francisco (UCSF)?

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 University of California San Francisco (UCSF)?

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 University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and other medical school applications.