Recommendation Letters

Instructions for Health Professions Recommendation Committee interviewees

1. You should obtain a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation
2. We suggest that at least two letters come from science or mathematics faculty members.
3. We prefer that your letter writers come from different disciplines but this is not a requirement.
4. We like to see letters from Humanities or Social Science faculty but this is not required.
5. It is valuable and recommended that you obtain a letter from a medical professional. It is most helpful to have a letter from a person who has gone through the same medical profession education that you plan to pursue. For example, every osteopathic medical school asks if the student has a letter from a DO. Not having such a letter does not disqualify the student but the admissions committees  like to hear from their own folks about you.
6. Letters from previous supervisors or other mentors in your life are also acceptable. 
7. You may request and have sent more than 3 letters but more than 5 or 6 is too many.
8. I cannot use letters that you send to me to prepare your committee letter. I can add that letter to your file but I will not refer to it in your committee letter. Your letter writer will need to send the letter on your behalf if it is to be included in your committee letter.

Technical details for your letter writers

It is important that all of your letters of recommendation have the following technical components.

1. Letters must be on letterhead. Exceptions are only made for personal/character recommendations. Your old boss, your professors, and your coaches should supply letters on appropriate letterhead.
2. Your letter writers should sign their letters. Letters that are signed in script font are not acceptable. (Once again, I make exceptions from letters that are from writers who may not be writing from a professional standpoint. Check with me if you have doubts about your writers. I would communicate with your letter writer if there was an issue with the letter since you will not be able to verify on your own.)
3. Letters should be electronic ( .pdf format). I will accept image files but they are not preferred. I'm willing to work with recommenders if they need to snail mail letters but to the greatest extent possible I would like all documents in electronic format.
4. You should confirm and share your waiver form with your recommenders after they have agreed to write for you. This will clearly indicate to them that you  do not (or do)  intend to request to read their letters. Letter writers do not need to fill out any forms.
5. You should send a formal thank you to all of your letter writers. 

Where do my recommenders send my letters?

You should ask your recommenders to send your letters to Valerie Rivera by email to vrivera@siena.edu. 

I will do my best to update your checklists in a timely fashion but I beg your patience, compassion, and kindness if there are delays. I'm a one-man band.