Choosing Your Letter Writers

When choosing your composite and support writers, the best combination will demonstrate different facets of you and your experiences, in and out of the classroom, and provide insight into some of your intellectual, professional, experiential, and personal qualities.

What are the criteria for choosing a composite writer?

Does my composite writer have to be a Dartmouth faculty member?

What if the person I want to ask to be my composite writer no longer works at Dartmouth?

I’m struggling to find a composite writer. What can I do?

This situation most often happens for older alumni, who no longer have as strong connections at Dartmouth. If you find yourself in this situation, do NOT worry! Consult with HPP first. Often students have more options for a composite writer than they think.

If you are absolutely unable to find a composite writer, instead of submitting a composite letter, you can submit a Letter Packet which is comprised of 3 – 5 support letters. A letter packet is a valid alternative to the composite letter packet and will be accepted by medical, dental, etc. schools.

What are the criteria for choosing my support writers?

In addition to your composite writer, you will also choose 3 – 5 support writers. We highly recommend your entire writer group (composite + support writers) include:

Two faculty who have taught you in a science class (one can be neuro or engineering, if science-focused).
At least one faculty from your major (if you’re not a science major) or another type of class that was meaningful for you.
Writers from outside the classroom, such as a research supervisor (PI), coach, internship supervisor, job supervisor, FSP faculty, extracurricular activity, etc. They can be individuals outside of Dartmouth as well.

What should I do after I’ve confirmed ALL my writers?

You should set letter submission deadlines with both your composite and support writers. See the below section “Setting Deadline for Writers” for more information.

2. Open your Privatefolio account using Dartmouth-specific instructions. See the question “How do I create a PrivateFolio account?” for more information.

Send each of your SUPPORT WRITERS (not your composite writer) a Letter of Recommendation Request – this will prompt PrivateFolio to send an upload link that will allow your writers to submit their letters directly to your account. See the question “How do my support writers upload their letters to PrivateFolio?” for more information.

3. Send each of your support writers a thank you note. Be sure to remind them of the deadlines you agreed on, a notice that they will receive a PrivateFolio upload link, and when they should expect your resume and autobiographical sketch.

4. You should also emphasize the following format requirements for letters.

Letters MUST INCLUDE LETTERHEAD AND SIGNATURE! Any letters without letterhead and/or signature can potentially slow down the creation of your composite letter packet.
If your writer doesn’t have a letterhead, they can enter at the top of their letter their name, contact information, title/position, and name of their employer.
All letters must also be dated.

5. Communicate with your composite writer and send them a reminder of the agreed-upon deadline.

What should I consider when setting deadlines for my writers?

We recommend considering the following logistical timeframes.

Give your composite writer 4 – 6 weeks to write AT LEAST.
Once you submit your Release to Composite Writer form to HPP, it can take 1 – 3 business days to process.
Once your composite writer submits their composite letter to HPP, it can take 1 – 4 weeks to review it.
Once your composite letter is finalized, it can take 1 – 3 business days for HPP to create your completed Composite Letter of Evaluation Packet.
Overall, the entire process can take 8 – 13 weeks.

Who should I set deadlines with first? My composite writer or support writers?

You should set deadlines with your composite writer FIRST! Once you have agreed on a CLEAR deadline with your composite writer, you should work backward to set deadlines with your support writers. For instance, if your composite writer needs to complete their composite letter at an earlier time due to other commitments, then adjust your support writers' deadlines accordingly – with their agreement. Make sure to also adjust completing your autobiographical sketch and resume accordingly. If unexpected timing concerns occur, consult with HPP.

I’m nervous about bothering the people I want to be my writers. Is it really okay to ask them?

Should I ask in person or over email?

If you see them regularly, feel free to ask in person. However, it is perfectly okay to start the conversation through email. Some ideas for how to proceed:

If they don’t already know, inform them of your goal and plan to apply to med/vet/dental school.
Ask if they would consider writing you a composite/support letter.
Inform them of the specific reasons why you are asking them to write for you (ex. you appreciate the class you took with them or the conversations you had with them, or working with them in class, lab or research, or job/internships allowed you to experience growth in a particular way, etc.)
Invite them to meet at their convenience in person or through Zoom to further discuss if this is something they are willing to do.

What if I am not “friends” with any of my writers like I was in high school?

There are a range of ways someone can “know” you. The best choices for writers are those who have had the chance to observe relevant qualities and characteristics—even if you weren’t at the level of being “buddies.” Were you an active participant in class who demonstrated an interest in learning? Did you speak to a professor before/after class or during their office hours? Did you engage during collaborative learning/flipped classroom spaces? Were you inclusive? Collaborative? In smaller classes did you lend something to discussions; engage with the material, etc.?

How do I get a letter from my lab because I mostly work with a grad student, not my PI?

My internship supervisor was worried that they don’t have a formal writing background, can they still write?

Are there resources to help my writers with the writing process?

Health Professions Program

Choosing Your Letter Writers

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Composite & Support Writers

What should I do after I’ve confirmed ALL my writers?

Setting Deadlines for Writers

Miscellaneous Questions about Choosing Writers