OMSAS Reference Letters

Who to ask for reference letters? 

OMSAS requires the applicant to ask 3 different individuals to provide a reference:

• 1 academic- or employment-related referee
  • This could include professors, research supervisors, or teaching assistants
• 1 non-academic referee 
  • This could include employers, volunteer coordinators, or coaches.
• 1 referee of your choosing
  • Referee related to a hobby/extracurricular 
  • Ensure that you are choosing referees who know you well (ideally for an extended period of time, +1 year) and can speak to your qualities relevant to medical school.
  • Additionally, some programs have different requirements for referees. For those applying to the Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program, they must submit an additional referee. Those applying to the UofT MD/PhD must also have additional references 

How can I ask my professors for a reference letter?

One of the hardest parts about acquiring a reference letter from a professor is knowing which professor to ask. In general, it is best to follow the below practices:

• It is best to ask professors who know you well, whether that be because you have taken multiple courses with them, you were a TA for them or assisted them in some capacity (such as in a lab).
  • By doing this, the professor in question can provide a much more specific picture of you as a candidate, increasing the weight of the reference when compared to a more general letter from a professor who does not know you as well.
• The best way to talk to a prospective professor would be in a face-to-face meeting so they can see your enthusiasm, and build additional rapport.
• Upon receiving their willingness to write a letter, it is vital to communicate the details of the letter, such as:
  • Who should the letter be addressed to?
  • When is it due?
  • Will they receive an email from the program to fill out a letter, or will they have it do it on their own accord?
  • Are there any specific questions that need to be answered in the letter?
• Don’t leave it until the last minute. Professors are busy and often have multiple people asking for reference letters. Taking the initiative and asking as promptly as possible will ensure the letter is completed on time, as well as demonstrate responsibility to the professor.

What happens if a referee cannot complete a letter on time?

You can still submit your application even if all references have not been received, however, it is up to the individual medical schools to evaluate late documents. It is best to submit reference letters as soon as possible so that all schools receive them promptly.

What language do my references need to be in?

Typically speaking, references should be submitted in English. However, if you are applying to the University of Ottawa, or NOSM (Northern Ontario School of Medicine), then your reference can be in French.

Can I change my referee after asking a prospective referee?

Yes, you can change your referee as long as they have not yet started the confidential assessment form (CAF). Once they start the CAF, you cannot change your referee. 

The application process for med schools is arduous, and one of the most important parts of the application is the reference letters. By getting a head start on this process, whether it be by being informed of what is required or by having a list of potential references in mind, it is best to start early in order to have everything submitted by the deadline. 

Good luck!