How many letters of recommendation are required?
Alabama requires one letter of recommendation. The admissions committee requests that the letters go through the LSDAS. The best letters are specific and describe your abilities and accomplishments. The committee often considers letters from undergraduate professors to be most useful. A letter of recommendation particularly would be helpful if your GPA is significantly below the median.
Three letters or recommendation are required with at least one letter from a research mentor who can address one’s research experience and abilities. Letters must be submitted to the MSTP Office directly, particularly if they differ from letters submitted for medical school admission. Committee letters or composite letters are acceptable, but the names of the applicant’s three referees must be listed on the application.
A minimum of two academic letters of recommendation from professors who have taught you in class, or from professors who have direct experience with your academic ability and potential are preferred. We strongly discourage recommendation letters from friends and family, and such letters do not substitute for academic letters of recommendation.
