Letters of recommendation are an important part of your application to medical school. Since the admission committee members at the medical schools do not know you personally, they rely heavily on the comments from people who do know you and are in a position to comment on your potential to complete the medical school curriculum and become a competent and caring member of the medical profession.
Most medical schools require a minimum of three letters of recommendation, or a composite letter of recommendation prepared by a committee from your undergraduate institution if such a committee exists. Committee letters of recommendation are generally preferred, but if a student opts to obtain individual letters of recommendation, it is advisable to include at least two academic evaluations (at least one from the sciences) and at least one non-academic evaluation (employer, volunteer coordinator, a physician under which you have worked). Portland State University does have a Health Sciences Advising Committee.
