Letters of Evaluation & The Composite
Letters of Evaluation are an essential component of an application to a graduate-level, health professional school. Admission committees read letters carefully to learn more about applicant's academic, experiential, and personal qualities. Letters can have a significant impact on an application, so applicant's must understand Dartmouth’s Composite Letter of Evaluation Process and think strategically about it.
Applicants are responsible for several parts of this process, including understanding the process; choosing and then communicating with writers; setting deadlines; providing writers with important information, and communicating with HPP.
The Health Professions Program (HPP) oversees the composite letter process. We work closely with both applicants and composite writers, coordinate the logistics, and ensure the integrity of the final composite letter. Letters are written on an applicant's behalf, so be conscious of the privilege of having people writing to support you in this process. Behave accordingly, with clear communication, gratitude, and respect. Your HPP team is here to assist you at every step of the process!
2026-2027 Med/Vet/Dental Application Newsletters & Resources
Click on the drop-down to access newsletters and resources related to the 2026-2027 application cycle for medical, dental, and veterinary school. These newsletters and resources go over the various components of the application process, including the MCAT, Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs), recommendation letters and the Dartmouth Composite Letter of Evaluation, tips for choosing schools, primary and secondary applications, and more!
2025-2026 Med/Vet/Dental Application Newsletters & Resources
Click on the drop-down to access newsletters and resources related to the 2025-2026 application cycle for medical, dental, and veterinary school. These newsletters and resources go over the various components of the application process, including the MCAT, Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs), recommendation letters and the Dartmouth Composite Letter of Evaluation, tips for choosing schools, primary and secondary applications, and more!
The Composite Letter: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the Dartmouth Composite Letter of Evaluation, including the role of composite and support writers, how the composite process works, what's included in the composite letter, and more. For more detailed information about composite letter, and the entire process of obtaining one, please see of Composite Letter Process Handbook.