The ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) are one of the most critical elements in residency applications, with 85% of program directors ranking them as a key factor in selecting candidates.
These letters provide insight into your clinical abilities, professionalism, and interpersonal skills, making them essential for your residency success.
For the 2026 ERAS cycle, be aware of potential updates to deadlines and the Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP). While specifics are yet to be confirmed, staying updated on new guidelines is crucial for timely submissions.
The process remains straightforward: recommenders upload letters via LoRP, and program directors prefer personalized letters with specific examples of your performance. Choosing the right recommenders and planning ahead will significantly boost your chances of securing interviews.
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What Are ERAS Letters of Recommendation?
ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) are crucial documents in your residency application that provide insight into your clinical abilities, professionalism, and suitability for your chosen specialty. Residency program directors frequently rank LoRs among the top factors influencing interview decisions. According to a 2021, 85% of program directors consider LoRs essential when evaluating candidates.
A strong LoR is more than just a formality; it should detail specific examples of your performance and highlight your unique strengths. Letters with specialty-specific examples written by attending physicians or faculty who have directly supervised your work carry the most weight.
For example, if you’re applying for a surgery residency, a detailed letter from an attending surgeon who worked closely with you will have far more impact than a generic letter from a department chair who barely knows you.
The 2026 ERAS guidelines require letters to be submitted electronically through the Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP). To ensure your letters are strong and meet residency program expectations, it’s essential to plan early, approach potential letter writers well in advance, and provide them with supporting materials like your CV and personal statement.
This allows them to craft personalized letters that truly reflect your clinical skills and dedication to the field.
How to Select the Right Recommenders
Choosing the right recommenders for your ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the residency application process. Your goal is to strike a balance between clinical supervisors and research mentors while ensuring your letters are specialty-specific to showcase your strengths in the field you’re applying to.
Who should write your letters?
Ideally, your LoRs should come from attending physicians who directly supervise your clinical work and know you well. These recommenders are typically best placed to provide specific examples of your clinical performance, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
However, it’s essential to review the specific letter requirements for each program to which you’re applying—even within a specialty, different programs may request letters from various types of professionals, such as department chairs or research mentors. Identifying these requirements early ensures you request letters from the most appropriate individuals for each program.
For candidates with significant research experience, a letter from a research mentor can also add value, particularly if they can speak to your dedication and analytical skills. In programs with a stated emphasis on research, a recommendation from a research mentor could be especially impactful. However, clinical experience is paramount, and letters from clinical supervisors should take priority, especially for most residency programs that emphasize patient care.
NOTE: Overlooking program-specific letter requirements can also derail your application. Some programs may require letters from certain faculty members or from a specific specialty. Failing to meet these requirements may result in your application being flagged as incomplete. Always double-check the LoR requirements for each program you apply to and tailor your letters accordingly.
Why are specialty-specific letters important?
Program directors give higher weight to letters from physicians who work in the specialty you’re applying to, as these letters demonstrate your interest in the field and your suitability for it. For example, a strong letter from an attending physician in that field is essential if you’re applying to internal medicine. Additionally, some specialties may even expect two letters from within the field.
When deciding between a strong letter in an unrelated field and a weaker one in your chosen specialty, consider the specific strengths each letter offers. There are benefits to both, and consulting with a trusted mentor can help you determine which option aligns best with your application goals.
How to choose between professors, mentors, and attendings?
When selecting between different potential recommenders, prioritize those who have worked closely with you during rotations and can provide detailed, personalized letters.
Attendees who observed your day-to-day performance are often preferred over department chairs or faculty who didn’t work directly with you. If you participated in research, your research mentor could provide a fourth letter, but the core should still be clinical-based.
How to Build Strong Relationships with Faculty
Building strong relationships with faculty is crucial for securing high-quality ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoRs). By establishing a solid rapport, you can ensure that your recommenders will be able to write personalized and compelling letters that reflect your clinical skills and professionalism. Here’s how you can make a lasting impact:
1. Make a Positive Impact from Day One
Show initiative during rotations by actively participating in discussions and demonstrating critical thinking. Ask thoughtful questions and engage with your supervisors and peers in ways that showcase your genuine interest in the field.
Program directors value letters that highlight your enthusiasm, leadership, and dedication to learning. This interaction helps faculty remember you when it comes time to write your letter.
2. Demonstrate Professionalism and Strong Work Ethic
Faculty members are likely to write strong LoRs for students who demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.
This means consistently showing up on time, taking the initiative in patient care, and maintaining excellent communication with the team. Letters highlighting these traits are precious because they reflect your ability to thrive in demanding clinical environments.
3. Leverage Mentorships for Stronger Recommendations
Mentorship is key to securing compelling letters. Identify faculty who are experts in your chosen specialty and invested in your personal and professional growth. Keep in mind, however, that not every attending will be interested in mentoring trainees.
Talking to students from previous years can help identify faculty within a specialty who are genuinely invested in medical student education and mentorship. Prioritizing relationships with these faculty can be more fruitful in the long run, rather than spending time trying to connect with someone who may not be interested in mentoring students.
Engage with faculty beyond the classroom or clinic by discussing your career goals, sharing research interests, and seeking feedback on your performance. These interactions will allow your mentor to provide specific anecdotes that can make your letter stand out.
How to Time Your Requests for ERAS Recommendation Letters
Timing is key when requesting letters of recommendation (LoRs) for your ERAS application. Ideally, you should ask for letters at the end of each clinical rotation, especially if the attending has directly supervised you and can provide a detailed assessment of your performance.
It’s best to make the request while your work is still fresh in their mind—don’t wait too long after the rotation ends. This gives your letter writer ample time to reflect on your skills and craft a strong, personalized recommendation.
For sub-internships or away rotations, consider asking for a letter a week or two before the end of the rotation. Since these experiences are often in your chosen specialty, your performance during these critical rotations will likely weigh heavily in your application.
When it comes to deadlines, most residency programs begin reviewing applications in September. You’ll want your LoRs uploaded to ERAS at least a few days before the review period begins to ensure your application is complete and not overlooked. While ERAS allows you to submit letters after your application, completing your file early can strengthen your chances of securing interviews.
How to Craft a Perfect Request for ERAS Recommendation Letter
Requesting in Person vs. Email
When possible, it’s best to request letters of recommendation in person. This direct approach shows professionalism and allows for a more personal connection with your potential recommender.
It also allows them to ask you questions and discuss the process in more detail. Email is perfectly acceptable if in-person isn’t an option—just craft a clear and respectful message.
Be specific by stating, “Would you be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for my residency application?” This ensures the recommender knows you’re seeking a highly supportive letter, which can make all the difference.
What Supporting Materials to Provide
To help your letter writer create a detailed and compelling letter, provide them with key supporting materials. This includes your CV, personal statement, and a summary of your clinical experiences. You may also want to include the Letter Request Form from ERAS, which provides instructions and helps streamline the submission process.
Offering this information ensures that your letter is personalized, detailed, and highlights your strongest attributes.
Setting Your Recommender Up for Success
Be proactive in helping your recommender. Let them know why you chose them specifically and how their experience with you aligns with the skills you want highlighted.
If applicable, remind them of notable experiences you had during your rotation together—this can jog their memory and result in a stronger letter. Additionally, check-in politely a couple of weeks before the deadline to ensure everything is on track without being overly pushy.
How to Enhance Your Letter’s Content
To craft a standout ERAS letter of recommendation, the content should highlight your unique strengths and achievements. Recommenders can be encouraged to include specific examples that demonstrate your clinical skills, leadership, or problem-solving abilities.
For instance, if you managed a particularly challenging patient case or demonstrated exemplary teamwork, the letter could highlight these moments. Strong letters often include concrete examples of your contributions to patient care and, when appropriate, comparative language that reflects your performance positively among peers.
Personalization is key
A strong letter should be tailored, not generic, which means the recommender needs to know you well. Encourage them to avoid vague statements and instead, focus on the specific skills relevant to your desired specialty—such as diagnostic reasoning for internal medicine or surgical precision for a surgical residency.
Addressing any gaps or weaknesses in your application can also be an opportunity to demonstrate growth. If there’s an area where you’ve improved, your letter writer can frame it positively by showing your commitment to learning and development.
For instance, they could state, “Although the applicant initially struggled with time management, they demonstrated remarkable improvement by the end of the rotation, becoming one of the most efficient students on the team.” This not only addresses the gap but also highlights resilience
Follow-Up and Gratitude
After requesting a letter of recommendation, it’s important to follow up politely and professionally. A well-timed follow-up ensures your letter is submitted on time without appearing pushy.
Typically, checking in about two weeks before your program’s deadline is appropriate, especially if you haven’t received submission confirmation. When following up, keep the tone friendly and considerate.
You can say, “I just wanted to kindly remind you that the deadline is approaching, and I would appreciate your confirmation once the letter has been submitted to ERAS.” This approach keeps the conversation polite while reinforcing the urgency.
Expressing gratitude is equally essential, as maintaining strong professional relationships can be beneficial long term. After the letter is submitted, always send a thank-you note. Whether via email or handwritten, express sincere appreciation for their time and effort supporting your residency application.
You can say, “Thank you so much for writing a letter on my behalf. Your support means a lot to me, and I greatly value the opportunity to have worked with you.” This gesture not only closes the loop but also helps maintain a positive, lasting professional relationship, which could lead to future mentorship or collaboration
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Navigating the ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) process can be tricky, and some common mistakes can hurt your chances of securing strong letters. One of the biggest pitfalls is making late requests.
Asking for a letter too close to the deadline puts unnecessary pressure on your recommender and may result in a rushed or incomplete letter. To avoid this, make your requests at least three months before your ERAS submission deadline.
Another mistake is choosing disinterested recommenders. If someone seems hesitant when you ask for a letter, it’s a red flag. A weak, generic letter is worse than no letter at all. It’s crucial to select recommenders who are enthusiastic about your application and know you well enough to write a detailed and supportive letter
Expert Insights on How to Get ERAS Letters of Recommendation
According to Dr. Malke Asaad, a plastic surgery resident and founder of The Match Guy, the quality of your LoRs can significantly impact your application:
- Personalization: A standout LoR is highly individualized. The more time you spend with your recommender, the more detailed and personalized your letter will be. Specific examples of your work ethic and clinical skills, when included, add depth and provide program directors with a clearer picture of your strengths.
Additionally, a letter from a prominent figure in the department, such as a program director or department chair within your specialty, can make the recommendation more impactful due to their influence and familiarity with residency expectations.
While both elements are valuable, they serve different purposes: specific examples showcase your unique contributions, while letters from department leaders can carry weight due to their authority in the field.
- Choosing Recommenders: It’s essential to select someone who has closely observed your performance and can testify to your skills, hard work, and dedication. Ideally, this should be someone within the U.S. who is well-known in your specialty. Recommenders familiar with your chosen field can provide more credibility to your application.
- Waiving Your Right to View: Dr. Asaad advises waiving your right to view your LoRs. This practice builds trust with program directors, signaling that you are confident your recommenders will positively assess your skills, even without your oversight.
- Timing: Start early—request your letters at least three months before submitting your application. This gives your recommenders ample time to write a thoughtful letter highlighting your strengths.
- Clinical vs. Research Letters: While you may have multiple experiences, clinical LoRs are generally the most important for residency applications. Programs prefer at least two letters that speak directly to your clinical abilities, though research letters can be helpful in some instances.
Conclusion
Securing strong ERAS Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) is critical for your residency application success, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. First, ask your recommenders early, ideally 3 months before the ERAS deadline, to give them enough time to write a personalized letter.
Choosing the right recommenders is equally important—select faculty who know you well can speak to your clinical skills and are respected in your chosen specialty.
Avoid common pitfalls such as choosing disinterested recommenders or submitting your requests too late, which could lead to a rushed letter. Additionally, ensure your letters meet the specific requirements of each residency program you’re applying to, as some programs require specialty-specific letters.
For more personalized advice on securing the strongest possible letters for your residency, consider scheduling a consultation with Jack Westin. Their expert guidance can help you navigate the process and optimize your application strategy, giving you a competitive edge in the residency match process.