Petiton Information

Most professional programs require three letters of recommendation from faculty members that have taught you in a 3+ credit course. Most programs also limit students to a maximum of 6 letters of recommendation of which the remaining letters can come from physicians, research mentors, volunteering coordinators, etc. However, these requirements differ between programs* and some might additionally require a letter of recommendation from a professional in the field you are applying to (i.e. a physician, a dentist, etc.).

Student submitting petitions should submit the following: 

• Pre-Medical: 
  • Two letters from science faculty who taught you in a 3 or more credit course 
  • One letter from any faculty that taught you in any 3 or more credit course (science or nonscience)
  • [Optional] A letter from a research mentor 
  • [Optional] A letter from a professional in your chosen field. Some programs require this letter.
• Pre-Dental:
  • Two letters from science faculty who taught you in a 3 or more credit course 
  • We encourage you to get a letter from a dentist you have shadowed to show your commitment. If you can’t, consider another faculty or supervisor.
  • [Optional] A letter from a research mentor. 

Any NEW of UPDATED  letters of recommendation for your letter packet should be submitted through Interfolio: 

Step 1: Create Your Free Interfolio Account

• To create an account, simply go to Interfolio and click “Log In” and then select “Create an Account.”
• In the “I am” section, selectUndergraduate/Pre-med (even if you are on another pre-health track).
• Once your account is created, contact Interfolio to affiliate your account with FIU’s administrative account so our office can access your letters by calling their customer service: 877-997-8807

Step 2: Request Letters Through Interfolio

• Send individual letter requests through Interfolio to each recommender.
• Be sure to check the box: “This request is for a confidential letter or evaluation.”

Important: In your message to recommenders, clearly state that letters must include: Official Letterhead, Signature, and a Date*. Medical and dental schools will not accept letters without these elements.

*For your reference, please review our Recommender Entry Guideline for Letter Packets  which has the instructions for AMCAS, AACOMAS, and AADSAS Letter of Evaluation section of your primary application. 

Students should be working on the required documents as early as possible. By working on your file early, you can build on experiences and finish all requirements in the year you apply to professional programs. 

Students must also submit the following documents:

• Signed Guidelines Acknowledgement
• Completed Pre-Health Waiver
• Proof of payment for the Administrative Fee or enrollment in a Fee Assistance Program
• Headshot
• Test Scores (MCAT or DAT)
• Personal Statement
• OPHA Personal History Questionnaire (tip: use this to record your activities and log hours of your experiences)
• All Transcripts (unofficial) 
• OPHA GPA Calculator Spreadsheet. 
• List of Schools for Application 
• Completed Primary Application
• Petition letter (an additional 1-2 page essay if you qualify for an Advisor Packet but would like a Committee Packet instead)