The Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) is required for all emergency medicine residency applications. The SLOE is a letter of evaluation and not a letter of recommendation. Because it’s standardized, programs can directly compare applicants.
SLOEs come in a couple of varieties, but the most critical is the Composite or Group SLOE, which is written combined faculty feedback during your senior clerkship. You must get one from your home rotation, and you should get one from each away rotation if you complete them.
If away rotations aren’t possible, an individual faculty SLOE is acceptable — but Group SLOEs carry more weight since they compare you to a larger pool of peers. Learn more on the CORD Standard Letters of Evaluation website for an introduction to the varying types of SLOEs, including the eSLOE, non-residency based SLOE, sub-specialty SLOE, and off-service (O)SLOE.
It is important that you read instructions on the official CORD Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) website in their entirety before you complete your first SLOE for the application season.
When requesting any SLOE:
- Formally ask if the faculty willing to write you a SLOE.
- Provide a draft personal statement and CV as early as possible.
- Offer to meet to discuss your application and interest in emergency medicine.
If you have questions, we’re here to help. Please reach out to Niki Hagen, medical student education manager, at nrhagen@medicine.wisc.edu.
