How to Secure the Best Letters of Recommendation for Law & Med School

How to Secure the Best Letters of Recommendation for Law & Med School

When it comes to law school or med school applications, your personal statement and test scores might take center stage, but your letters of recommendation are the quiet powerhouses in the background. 

These letters give admissions committees a third-party perspective on who you are as a student, colleague, and future professional. 

Strong letters can reinforce your narrative. Lukewarm ones? They can raise red flags.

So how do you make sure your recommendation letters work for you, not against you? Let’s break it down.

1. Choose Wisely: Pick Recommenders Who Know You Well

The best letters come from people who can speak specifically and enthusiastically about your strengths. That means someone who:

• Has supervised your academic work or clinical/research work closely

• Can discuss your intellectual curiosity, character, or professional growth

• Knows you beyond your resume and grades

For med school, professors (especially in the sciences), research mentors, and clinical supervisors are ideal. For law school, academic recommenders are key, especially those who’ve evaluated your writing and critical thinking.

Tip: A well-known name doesn’t help much if they barely know you. A lesser-known professor who knows you well will write a stronger, more persuasive letter.

2. Start Early and Build Relationships

It’s never too early to start forming strong connections. Attend office hours. Participate in class discussions. Follow up after the semester ends. The goal is to be memorable—for the right reasons.

If you’re already past that stage, don’t panic. Reach out anyway, and offer to catch up. Remind them of your past work and update them on your goals.

PS- Now is also a great time to book an admissions accelerator package with GradMissions. We work with students as early as their freshman year to craft a successful timeline.

3. Ask Thoughtfully—and Give Them Time

Once you’ve identified your recommenders, ask them at least 6-8 weeks before the deadline. Be respectful and professional:

“I’m applying to [law/med] school this fall and would be honored if you’d consider writing me a strong letter of recommendation. I really valued working with you in [course/lab/project], and I believe you could speak meaningfully to my [academic strengths/work ethic/critical thinking skills/etc.]. Would you feel comfortable writing a supportive letter?”

Always give them an out, you want people who are genuinely enthusiastic to write for you.

4. Make It Easy for Them

Once they’ve agreed, provide a recommendation packet that includes:

• Your updated resume or CV (GradMissions helps with this!)

• Your personal statement draft (Of course we help with this, too!)

• A short list of schools (with deadlines) (and yes, GradMissions helps with this!)

• A brief summary of your work with them (e.g., “I wrote a paper on X topic that you gave high marks for analysis”)

• Any specific qualities you hope they’ll highlight

Some recommenders appreciate a short paragraph of “reminders” about your work together. The easier you make it, the better their letter will be.

5. Follow Up and Show Gratitude

About two weeks before the deadline, send a polite reminder. After the letter is submitted, don’t forget to send a heartfelt thank-you note.

Later, let them know where you got in and where you’re going. Recommenders invest time and energy into your future: keep them in the loop!

6. What If You’re Out of School or Working Full-Time?

If you’ve been out of school for a while, don’t stress. Professional supervisors or mentors can write excellent letters, just be sure they can speak to your skills in areas like communication, critical thinking, leadership, and maturity.

GradMissions works with many nontraditional applicants, and we can help you frame these letters to align with your application story.

Need Help Strategizing Your LOR Game Plan?

At GradMissions, we help you choose the right people, approach them the right way, and ensure your recommenders have what they need to write you the strongest possible letters. Whether you’re just starting out or in the final stretch, our coaching services are designed to help you shine, on every page of your application.

Let’s work together to get you into your dream program. Book a free 20-minute strategy session today!