Dean's Letters

The Dean's Letter is a letter prepared after completion of the third year of medical school that provides a summary of the student doctor's achievements across all aspects of their medical education. At UMDNJ-SOM, the Dean's Letter includes specific information from the student's academic record including both didactic and clinical courses. Clinical faculty's comments on evaluations, scholarships, awards and community service, and information about COMLEX are also specified.

Academic Affairs at UMDNJ-SOM will process the Dean’s Letter, which will be sent to the programs you designate via the ERAS Post Office from our office.  (See the ERAS section for more information.)

• Dean's Letters Instructions
• Authorization for Release
• Sample Curriculum Vitae
• Dean's Letters FAQ's

Dean's Letters Instructions 

Please be aware that only one Dean's Letter is prepared. If additional letters are required after graduation, a cover letter containing no additional information or comments is attached to the original letter.

1. The Office of Academic Affairs is responsible for preparing Dean's Letters.
2. Dean's Letters are written after completion of the third year.
3. Plan ahead! A minimum of four weeks from submission of all required materials to issuance of completed letters is standard procedure. Letters will be written in order of receipt. Requests for additional letters are processed in chronological order.
4. Before your Dean's Letter is written, the following information should be provided to Academic Affairs:
   1. Authorization for Release of Information
   2. A curriculum vitae
5. Your Dean's Letter includes specific information from your academic record including didactic and clinical records. Clinical faculty's comments on evaluations are also included. Scholarships, awards and community service are also specified. The more information you provide, the more complete the letter will be.
6. You will need to provide the following information when requesting that a Dean's Letter be sent:
   1. A typed list of addresses including name of person to whom the letter is to be addressed and his/her proper title.
   2. If applicable, a check made out to UMDNJ-SOM for the appropriate amount.
7. Undergraduate students are provided with a maximum of ten (10) letters at no cost. Additional letters are $5.00 each. (NOTE: A $5 fee will be charged for any letter requested with less than two weeks' notice).
8. The first ten letters requested by graduates are $3.00 each. Thereafter, each additional letter is $5.00 each.
9. Please Note: All required material must be submitted before a Dean's Letter is written.

Dean's Letters Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dean's Letter?

The Dean's Letter is a letter of evaluation prepared during your last year of medical school. Unlike a letter of recommendation, which advocates for your suitability for a career in a particular specialty, the Dean's Letter provides a summary of your achievements across all aspects of your medical education. Your Dean's Letter includes specific information from your academic record including both didactic and clinical courses. Clinical faculty's comments on evaluations, scholarships, awards and community service, and information about COMLEX are also specified. 

Why do I need a Dean's Letter?

Regardless of specialty, a Dean's Letter is generally required as part of the application process for postgraduate training (internship and/or residency). The Dean's Letter may also be requested later in your medical career, as part of the application process for a medical license, hospital privileges or insurance participation.

What materials do I need to submit so my Dean's Letter can be prepared?

The Office of Academic Affairs prepares Dean's Letters. Before a Dean's Letter can be prepared, you must provide Academic Affairs with the Authorization for Release of Information and an up-to-date curriculum vitae. We strongly encourage students to sign the Authorization for Release of Infromation waiving the right of access to the Dean's Letter because it enhances the impact of the Dean's Letter. The more information you provide on your CV, the more complete the letter we can prepare. Authorization forms are available in Academic Affairs, or you may print a copy by following the link below. Required information must be submitted before a Dean's Letter is written.
 

How do I request copies of my Dean's Letter once it is written? 

Provide Academic Affairs with a typed list of addresses, including the name of the person(s) to whom the letter(s) is to be addressed and his/her proper title. If applicable, include a check made out to UMDNJ-SOM for the appropriate amount (see next FAQ).

Will the Dean's Letter cost any money?

SOM undergraduate students: A maximum of ten (10) letters will be provided for each undergraduate student at no cost. Additional letters are $5.00 each. (NOTE: A $5 fee will be charged for any letter requested with less than two weeks' notice).

SOM Graduates: The first ten letters requested by graduates are $3.00 each. Thereafter, additional letters cost $5.00 each.

How long does it take to generate a Dean's Letter?

A minimum of four weeks from submission of all required materials to issuance of completed letters is standard procedure. Plan ahead! Letters usually are written during July and August after the completion of your third year. Dean's Letters are prepared in order of receipt of the required materials. Once the letter is written, requests for additional copies of your Dean's Letter are processed in chronological order.

Will another Dean's Letter be written after I've graduated?

Only one Dean's Letter is prepared. If additional letters are required after graduation, a cover letter containing no additional information or comments is attached to the original letter.

Where can I get help in preparing my curriculum vitae? 

Latin for "life's course," your curriculum vitae (also called a vita or C.V.) will summarize your academic, employment, and professional experience. You will be adding to your C.V. throughout your professional career so now is a good time to write one if you have not already done so.

Among the resources available to assist you in preparing your C.V. are:

• Samples included in the packet of information about applying for internship/residency that will be provided to your class. 
• Susan Ireland's The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Resume (2nd edition), Alpha Books, 2000 (see chapter 15, "When You Really are a Brain Surgeon: Curriculum Vitae"
• "CV Writing" at www.cvtips.com provides information and links to examples and resources including software and books (links to www.amazon.com selections). 
• You may also make an appointment with Dr. Marilyn Kimmelman in Academic Affairs to review your C.V. prior to submitting it for your Dean's Letter.