Preparing for Medical School - Page 56
Letter of Recommendation to Enhance a
Candidate's Status
____________________ University
July 31, 2002
Chairperson
Admissions Committee
Re: Daniel H. _________________
Dear Doctor:
I am writing on behalf of Daniel H.
____________________, whom I have gotten to know very
well during the course of his extended visits to
my office.
I am especially stimulated to write on behalf of
Daniel in the light of what I foresee as the
special qualities that I think physicians
planning to practice in the next century should
have. It is my feeling that there is a need for
prospective physicians to feel that their sense
of satisfaction will be the major fulfillment
factor in their future medical practice. Daniel
________________________, to my mind, is an
individual with such an outlook.
Daniel was born and raised on Long Island,
where he attended private elementary and high
schools. His parents both have a higher
education. He enrolled at __________________________
University for his undergraduate studies
because he desired the advantages that a smaller
institution affords. _________
___________________ University premedical
curriculum is rather
unusual in that organic chemistry precedes
inorganic chemistry. Daniel was academically
unprepared for this regimen; nevertheless, by
intensively applying himself he received a
satisfactory grade in this course. This
situation, however, impacted negatively on his fresh-
man GPA (approximately 3.0). Subsequently, his
performance steadily improved to the
point where his GPA for junior year was 3.85.
Clearly, his ability to face up to challenges
and his determination to achieve his goal are
most evident from his overall performance
during the past three years. His science GPA
(excluding freshman year) is superior and is
reflected and confirmed in his strong showing
on both of the science subtests of the spring,
2001 MCAT. His low quantitative score is
probably an aberration. I believe it is to be of no
significance in terms of a reflection on his
ability. Nevertheless, he is retaking the exam
because of his determination to rectify this
situation.
What is especially striking about Daniel is
that he comes from a family that has passed on
a very successful business (wholesale fruit and
vegetables) through several generations.
His father, not surprisingly, would be quite
amenable to his becoming active in the busi-
ness upon graduating college and eventually
attaining financial success. However, Daniel
is seeking a service-oriented
career.
Daniel has impressed me with the genuineness of
his motivation and the sincerity of his
conviction. He clearly realizes that the
component of personal satisfaction is one of the
most important aspects of a career in medicine.
His considerable exposure to medicine has
not only reinforced his interest in this field,
but has provided him with evidence that such
service can provide a unique means of personal
gratification.
In summary, Daniel possesses solid academic and
personal credentials and, in my mind,
has the innate attributes that a prospective
physician should possess. I strongly recom-
mend him to your next freshman
class.
Sincerely,
Chair, Premedical Advisory
Committee
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