Committee

Health Professions Advisement Committee

Medical, dental, and optometry schools have a distinct preference for a "Committee letter" over individual letters of recommendation. This preference is so strong that some schools will not consider applicants without a Committee letter if their undergraduate institution offers them.

The letter is called a “committee letter” because it reflects the support of a committee who work with applicants and are in a position to evaluate their preparedness for entry into professional school. SIU is pleased to offer Committee letters to qualified applicants through its Health Professions Advisement Committee (HPAC).

Cycle for 2025 Admissions Update: Due to unavoidable staffing issues, the SIU Health Professions Advising Office will be unable to provide a committee letter for professional school applications for the 2025 Cycle. Students who are applying for 2025 professional school entry, as well as professional school admissions officers who require additional information, are asked to contact the Interim Health Professions Advisor. The SIU HP office anticipates that committee letters will again be available for applicants in the 2026 admissions cycle.