Committee Letter Information

Many medical schools—and some dental and veterinary programs—expect or require a Committee Letter if it is offered by an applicant’s undergraduate institution. The Committee Letter provides a comprehensive institutional endorsement and is often viewed more favorably than individual recommendation letters submitted on their own.

²©ÓãÌåÓý of America offers this service to eligible applicants. The Committee Letter includes:

  • A detailed narrative evaluation of the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal readiness
  • An institutional endorsement and formal recommendation level
  • A packet of individual recommendation letters, submitted verbatim 

This letter presents a holistic portrait of the applicant within the context of ²©ÓãÌåÓý of America’s ²©ÓãÌåÓý and mission. It helps admissions committees understand the applicant’s qualifications, growth, and contributions more fully. It also allows SUA to advocate on the applicant’s behalf and highlight the university’s distinctive approach to preclinical education—one that integrates humanistic values, rigorous academic preparation, and a strong foundation in global citizenship and ethical leadership.

Eligibility for a Full Committee Letter

To receive a full Committee Letter (with narrative and institutional endorsement), applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Applicant Status and Program Eligibility 
    Be a current SUA student or alumnus applying in the 2026–2027 cycle to medicine (MD, DO), dentistry (DDS, DMD), veterinary medicine (DVM, VMD), or dual-degree programs (e.g., MD/PhD).
  2. Completion of Prerequisite Coursework 
    Complete or be enrolled in all required prerequisite courses () at the time of letter preparation.
  3. Minimum Standardized Test Scores 
    Achieve a minimum MCAT score of 500 for medical applicants or a DAT Academic Average of 18 for dental applicants. Submit final scores to HPA by June 1, 2026.
  4. Advising Appointment Completion 
    Schedule and complete at least one individual advising appointment with HPA by March 30, 2026.
  5. Submission of Intent to Apply Form and Associated Materials 
    Submit the Intent to Apply Form, resume, unofficial transcripts, digital headshot, two personal essays, and list of recommenders. The submission portal for these materials will open in late 2025, and applicants must submit all documents by April 30, 2026.
  6. Letters of Recommendation Requirements 
    Provide five letters total, including at least two academic letters (one from a science instructor and one from a non-science instructor), one letter from a clinician, and one personal reference. Choose the fifth letter from an additional recommender, such as a faculty member, mentor, or supervisor. Letters must be on official letterhead and signed. Ensure recommenders submit letters directly with a signed FERPA waiver. The submission portal for letters will open in late 2025, and all letters must be submitted by April 30, 2026.

If You Do Not Meet the Minimum Score

Applicants who meet all other requirements but do not reach the MCAT or DAT minimum by June 1, 2026, will be eligible for a letter packet—which includes a cover letter introducing ²©ÓãÌåÓý and its mission, along with their individual recommendation letters submitted on their behalf. This packet will not include a committee narrative or formal institutional endorsement.

Timeline

Applicants must submit Committee Letter materials by April 30, 2026, and MCAT/DAT scores by June 1, 2026. Health Professions Advising will upload Committee Letters and Letter Packets to the centralized application services beginning in mid-June 2026.