Credential Letters
UIC Pre-Health Advising does not write commitee or composite letters of recommendation for students or alumni applying to medical school. Nor do we compile letters of recommendation on behalf of a student. However, we recognize that UIC students and alumni have many facets of their experiences to share with health professions programs. The Credential Letter is offered by Pre-Health Advising as one way provide that information.
A Credential Letter is available for any UIC undergraduate or alumni planning to apply to a graduate health profession program in the upcoming cycle.
Purpose Heading link
The purpose of the Credential Letter is two-fold. It is meant to serve as an incentive for students to engage with pre-health advising at UIC in order to improve preparedness for the application. It is also to provide context for a candidate’s application for admission to a health profession program when possible.
The Credential Letter is not intended to replace faculty or practioner letters of recommendation, nor is it intended to serve as a committee letter. It does not necessarily indicate advisor endorsement of the applicant.
A sample of the Credential Letter is available for students who wish to review what the document will look like.
Credential Letter Informational Webinar Heading link
Missed the Credential Letter Information Session and want to hear more about it? Watch the Credential Letter Informational Webinar!
Requirements for candidates and participation Heading link
In order to receive a Credential Letter, students must meet all requirements and deadlines.
Required to Participate
- Be a UIC undergraduate or alum (received a BA/BS from any college at UIC).
- Be planning to apply in the upcoming cycle.
- Submit the electronic form indicating your interest. (The form opens in late August and closes in late October of the year prior to the summer applications open.)
- Read and (as necessary) respond to all emails from pre-health advisors regarding the Credential Letter.
- Follow all requirements of candidates as detailed in that tab.
Required of Candidates
- Meet with a pre-health advisor at least twice in the year before applying (for example, Summer 2021 to Summer 2022).
- Watch Parts 1-3 of the Letters of Recommendation webinar series offered by Pre-Health Advising.
- Complete the Are You Career Ready self-evaluation created by LAS Career Development and based upon the 8 key career competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
- Submit the “Background Information Form” and a resume.
- Meet all deadlines during the process.
- Apply to health profession program(s) in the time frame agreed upon in meeting with a pre-health advisor.
- Release application to advisors for purpose of receiving help as needed and following of final application outcome.
Previous Credential Letter Recipients
Individuals who completed the Credential Letter process in a previous cycle but who decided to wait to apply are welcome to participate again. You will be asked to complete the following:
- Submit the electronic form indicating your interest.
- Meet with a pre-health advisor at least once in the calendar year in which you plan to apply (for example, January to May 2022). Online or phone appointments are possible for alumni who cannot return to campus. A fall appointment is strongly encouraged to discuss what you have been up to since your last pre-health advising appointment. (Please note, all pre-health advising appointments are held online until further notice.)
- Update your Are You Career Ready self-evaluation created by LAS Career Development and based upon the 8 key career competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
- Submit the “Background Information Form” and a resume.
- Meet all deadlines during the process.
- Apply to health profession program(s) in the time frame agreed upon in meeting with a pre-health advisor.
- Release application to advisors for purpose of receiving help as needed and following of final application outcome.
Individuals who started the Credential Letter process in a previous cycle but did not complete it will need to complete all steps listed in the “Required of Candidates” tab.