In addition to quantifiable "paper" credentials (transcript, application, MCAT scores), admissions committees also want to know if the student is the kind of person who will become a good healthcare professional. Therefore, schools request a summary letter of evaluation to be prepared. Most undergraduate institutions have a committee whose members write these letters.

The letter is a composite or profile of the student's personal qualifications for a career in the health profession. The letter is one to two pages in length, single spaced and contains a statement that the HCEC does not have access to student conduct, or academic integrity records (except as noted on the transcript), medical records, or MCAT scores. Any GPA information is based on the record at the end of the previous semester. See diagram of HCEC process.

The letter attempts to cover all aspects of a candidacy:
 

• academic record and progress
• the quality of undergraduate coursework selection and the academic program
• extracurricular activities
• work experience
• experience in health related institutions and laboratories
• personal traits
• special attributes of interest to medical schools

Most admissions committees place great emphasis on these letters. The letter is one of the most important parts of the application file.

 

Cornell doesn't require students to use the Committee. A few students choose not to. Medical schools state that they want applicants to use a committee process, if their college has one, as Cornell does.

Undergraduates (as a group) who have applied independently in the past had a lower acceptance rate than registrants with the HCEC with comparable credentials. Individual medical schools may request that letters of recommendation for applicants applying independently be from specific kinds of people. For example, a school may require that two of three recommenders be senior professors from the science faculty.

If an applicant elects not to use the services of the Committee, admissions committees may want a letter of explanation (non-registrant's letter) from the Committee. (If you question the best course of action for yourself talk with the health careers advisor.)

 

Faculty and staff at Cornell serve on the Committee. Through orientation and experience, they become familiar with the requirements of medical schools. They also are able to compare applicants with other Cornellians who have applied. The Committee sees itself as the advocate of students, to aid them in applying; therefore, the letter generally has a positive tone. Many Committee members also use the interview as an opportunity to make helpful suggestions on interviewing style.

After the interview is complete, the interviewer usually drafts the letter, frequently quoting from the letters of recommendation. The Chairperson then reads and edits the letter for consistency with other Cornell letters and consults with the letter writer, when necessary. The letter is typed in final form and signed by the letter writer, if available, and by the Chairperson.

The following checklist will help you keep track of your responsibilities:

• Attending HCEC Orientation (usually in November) or listening to audiotape (#14).
• Registering with the HCEC at Registration - Step I and Step II.
• Providing information on which the HCEC can base the evaluation.
• Monitoring the status of your file using HCEC online status check to be certain that letters of recommendation arrive and that requests for distribution have been received and mailed.
• Proceed with the process in a timely manner. Meet deadlines.
• Checking the status of your file at each medical school admission office after HCEC mails your letters if confirmation is NOT received that your file is complete.

 

Transfer students in particular may want to discuss their individual situation with a health careers advisor to determine if it is in their best interest to have their evaluation prepared by Cornell, by the other institution they attended, or to submit their credentials independently. Transfer students must have completed 30 hours of credit at Cornell before the letter of evaluation will be written.

For more information, see "Guidelines for Transfer Students" or listen to transfer orientation, audiotape #147.

 

No. Letters of evaluation and recommendation are sent only to admissions committees of health professional schools or to committees administering financial aid at health professional schools or foundations (both national and international) on the authorization of the student.

Most recommenders are willing to write a new letter for students who have a change in career direction. HCEC can provide the letter writer with a copy of his/her HCEC letter upon your request.