Sample Recommendation Letter for Fellowship Applicant

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A good recommendation letter can help you stand out among other fellowship applicants. You will most likely need at least two letters of recommendation as part of the application process. The best recommendations will come from people who know you well and can offer specific information about you as a student, person, or employee.

The sample recommendation letter shown below has been reprinted (with permission) from EssayEdge.com, which did not write or edit this sample recommendation letter. However, it is a good example of how a business recommendation should be formatted for a fellowship application.

Sample Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship

To Whom It May Concern:

I am proud to recommend a beloved student, Kaya Stone, for your fellowship program . I was asked to write as one who has functioned in the capacity of an employer of Kaya, but I would first like to say a few words about him as a student.

Kaya is a highly intelligent, perceptive young man. He came to our institution committed to capitalizing on the opportunity of his third year of study in Israel, and he left with the satisfaction of having accomplished that goal. Kaya grew in learning, in character, in his depth of understanding. He seeks truth in each area of his life, whether in learning, discussing philosophy, or relating to his fellow students and his teachers. Because of his positive disposition, his reflective way of operating, and all of the character traits that make him so special, Kaya’ s questions never go unanswered, and his searches always bring him to exciting discoveries. As a student , Kaya is outstanding. As an educator, I have watched him grow, seen his talents and abilities not only in the classroom but outside its walls when interacting with all types of people as well.

During his time at our institution, Kaya, who as I’m sure you know is an excellent writer and publicist, also has done a good deal of work for the yeshiva. This has included the text for many public relations brochures and packets, letters to parents, potential donors, and alumni, and essentially any correspondence which I have requested that he compose. The feedback is always overwhelmingly positive, and he has done so much in that way for our yeshiva. Even today, while he studies elsewhere, he continues to do a great deal of this work for our institution, in addition to the recruiting and other services he performs for the yeshiva.

Always, in his work, Kaya is consistent, dedicated and passionate, enthusiastic, cheerful, and a pleasure to work with. He has incredible creative energies and a refreshing idealism tempered only enough to accomplish what needs to be done. I highly recommend him for any position of work, leadership, education, or any other capacity in which he can spread his excitement and share his talents with others. At our institution, we are expecting big things from Kaya in the way of educational and communal leadership in the years to come. And knowing Kaya, he will not disappoint, and probably will exceed our expectations.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to recommend such a special and impressive young man.

Sincerely Yours,

Steven Rudenstein Dean, Yeshiva Lorentzen Chainani

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Professional Letters to Support a Fellowship Application

Table of Contents

A letter of recommendation is an integral part of any fellowship application. It provides the selection committee insight into an applicant’s character and qualifications. And this can be a deciding factor in whether or not the applicant is awarded the fellowship. Looking at a  sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program  can be very helpful in getting started with your letter.

Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up some great sample letters that you can refer to in this article. We’ll also share some of the key steps to writing a recommendation letter that’s both informative and enjoyable to read.

What Your Recommendation Letter Should Include

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship should be well-written and tailored to the kind of fellowships the candidate is applying to. It should highlight the candidate’s strengths and explain why they would make a good fit for the program.

Some of the main information you should include in your letter are:

  • The candidate’s Name, contact information, and academic history.
  • What the fellowship program is about, and the reason why they’re interested in it
  • Description of the candidate’s educational and professional achievements.
  • Details about the candidate’s qualifications.
  • Reasons you think the candidate would be a good fit for the fellowship program.

fellowship application letter of recommendation

How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship Program

Writing a recommendation letter doesn’t have to be all that complicated. Here are some simple steps that you can follow:

  • Start by introducing yourself and stating your position or relationship to the applicant. 
  • Share what you know about their academic and professional accomplishments, as well as any other information that may be relevant.
  • Highlight specific qualities or traits that make them a strong candidate for the fellowship program. 
  • Provide detailed examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities in past experiences or projects.
  • Finally, offer your endorsement and say why you believe they would be an excellent fit for the fellowship opportunity.

Professional Sample Letter of Recommendation for Fellowship Program

Dear [Name of Program Head],

I am writing to recommend [Name of Applicant] for the [Name of fellowship program]. I have known [Name of Applicant] for many years and can attest to his intelligence and dedication. He has always been a top student in everything he does, and I am confident he would excel in this program. 

[Name of Applicant] is an excellent communicator and possesses strong critical-thinking skills. He also has a great sense of humor, which makes him fun to be around. In addition to all these qualities, [Name of Applicant] is hardworking and responsible; I know he would take advantage of this opportunity fully. 

If you have any questions about [Name of Applicant]’s qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

[Signature]

To Whom It May Concern, 

I am writing to recommend [Name of applicant] for [Name of fellowship program]. I have known [Name of applicant] for many years and have always been impressed by their intelligence and work ethic.

In addition to being an excellent student, [Name of applicant] is also highly well-rounded and has a wide range of interests. I can think of no one who will be better suited for this opportunity than [Name of applicant].

If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

I am writing to recommend Kevin Smith for the XYZ Fellowship. I have worked with John extensively in a leadership capacity and can attest to his leadership strengths.

In our work together, he has consistently shown himself to be competent, innovative, and motivated. For example, during our last project together, John proved himself instrumental in developing an original solution that saved the team time and resources. 

I truly believe that John would excel as a fellow at XYZ organization, and I commend him for your consideration. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 555-555-1234. 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Wrapping Up

A letter of recommendation plays a crucial role in a student’s success in applying for a competitive fellowship. They are one of the most influential elements in an application next to the student’s essays . As such, you shouldn’t take writing your recommendation letter lightly.

The letter should be professional and concise and speak to their qualifications and potential. Hopefully, you’ve gained some ideas on how to better write your letter through the  sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program  in this article.

Professional Letters to Support a Fellowship Application

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Letter of Recommendation for a Fellowship (Template)

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fellowship application letter of recommendation

A letter of recommendation for fellowship is a letter written to a fellowship committee on behalf of a candidate. The letter should highlight the candidate's strengths and why they would be a good fit for the fellowship. It is important to tailor the letter to the specific fellowship for which the candidate is applying.

recommendation letter

A letter of recommendation for fellowship should include

  • The candidate's name, contact information, and academic history.
  • Details about the fellowship program and why the candidate is interested in it.
  • A description of the candidate's academic and professional achievements.
  • Details about the candidate's skills and qualifications.
  • Why the candidate would be a good fit for the fellowship program.

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship should be well-written and tailored to the specific fellowship for which the candidate is applying. It should highlight the candidate's strengths and explain why they would be a good fit for the program. The letter should be professional and concise, and it should be signed by someone who knows the candidate well and can speak to their qualifications.

There are many different types of fellowships, and each one requires a different type of recommendation letter. However, most fellowship applications require letters from professors or other professionals who can speak to your academic or professional achievements.

The following are four sample letters of recommendation for a fellowship application. Each letter is tailored to a specific type of fellowship.

Letter for a research fellowship

Dear _________,

It is my great pleasure to recommend ____________ for a research fellowship at your esteemed institution. ____________ is an outstanding young scholar with an impressive record of academic achievement. His/Her work in the field of ____________ has already garnered his/her national recognition, and I do not doubt that she will continue to produce groundbreaking research during his/her fellowship.

I have had the privilege of working with ____________ for several years, and I can attest to his/her passion for her work and her dedication to excellence. He/She is an excellent student and a gifted researcher, and I am confident that she will make significant contributions to the field of ____________ during his/her fellowship.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about ____________'s qualifications or suitability for this fellowship. I am happy to provide additional information.

Thank you for your consideration.

(Your Name)

(Your Email)

Letter for a teaching fellowship

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend __________ for the teaching fellowship she has applied for. I have had the pleasure of working with ____________ as his/her teacher during the past school year, and I can say without hesitation that he/she is an outstanding educator.

____________ has a true passion for teaching, and he/she is constantly seeking new ways to engage her students in learning. He/She has a gift for taking complex concepts and making them understandable for students of all ages. His/Her classroom is always lively and engaging, and his/her students are always eager to learn more.

__________would be an excellent addition to any teaching team, and I highly recommend her for the teaching fellowship he/she has applied for. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Letter for a grant writing fellowship

Dear (the person you are recommending),

I am very pleased to recommend (name of the person you are recommending) for the grant writing fellowship. (He/She) is an exceptional writer and has a true gift for crafting compelling proposals. I have worked with (him/her) on numerous proposals, and I can attest to (his/her) skills in this area.

Moreover, (name of the person you are recommending) is a motivated and hard-working individual who is always willing to go the extra mile. I am confident that (he/she) will be an asset to any organization that hires (him/her).

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Letter for a general fellowship

I am writing in regards to the general fellowship that I saw advertised online. I am extremely interested in the opportunity and would love to learn more about it.

I am a recent graduate of (university name) with a degree in (major). I have experience in (relevant experience) , and I believe that I would be a great candidate for the fellowship.

I am eager to learn more about the program and what is required of me. Can you please send me more information, including the application deadline? I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(Your name)

Final Thoughts

When writing a letter of recommendation for fellowship, it is important to highlight the applicant's qualifications and to express your confidence in their ability to succeed. 

You should also be sure to include any relevant information about your relationship with the applicant, such as how long you have known them and what you have observed of their work ethic and academic ability.

Recommendation Letter Templates

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FSU | Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

Letters of recommendation.

Your letters of recommendation are an important component of your application and should be taken seriously. Your letters should come from people who know you well and can speak to why you are a good fit for the award you are applying for. Since your application as a whole is painting a picture of who you are, consider how each letter writer can support other components of your application. Help your letter writers write strong letters for you by ensuring that you provide them with information about the fellowship or award you are applying for as well as the details of your project . In doing so, your professors will be able to tailor their letters to the specific fellowship. Avoid submitting general letters of recommendation that could be used for multiple purposes. Most importantly, make sure to allow enough time for your professors to compose and submit the letters before the deadline!

Pro-Tip by a Graduate Student

fellowship application letter of recommendation

Bryan Keller, Recipient of over $100,000 in Fellowships and Awards

“Letters of Recommendation are important, and you should not ask someone to write you a letter if they do not know you well. Most reviewers would rather hear from your manager of a couple years vs. a department chair who has only interacted with you a few times. Additionally, the letter of recommendation should directly address the published rubric, so inform your letter writers what you hope their letter will contain. Also, try to diversify who you ask to write a letter. Reviewers like to see these letters highlight different parts of your character and abilities, so having three letters from professors who have interacted with you in the same capacity is not ideal." 

Letters of Recommendation Workshop

This workshop, featuring a panel discussion with Dr. Leushuis (Professor and Chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics), will provide advice and guidance on requesting strong letters of recommendation to accompany your fellowship and grant applications.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR APPLICANTS

  • Asking for Recommendations | Brown University
  • Obtaining Letters of Recommendation | Drexel University
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  • For Candidates: How to Request Recommendation Letters | Amherst College

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR LETTER WRITERS

  • How to Write a Recommendation Letter | The Professor Is In
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  • Guidelines: Letters of Recommendation for Fellowship Applicants | University of Dayton
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Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are a critical element of every application. They validate the claims you've made as an applicant, providing specific examples and details of your academic accomplishments, personal endeavors, and character. Selection committees rely on them to impartially evaluate your performance and potential to be successful in the opportunity you are pursuing. Good letter-writers are those who know you well enough to provide these assessments with enthusiasm and authenticity.

Academic letters are typically written by faculty, lecturers, or faculty research advisors who have overseen your work in courses, research settings, or other academic contexts. These letters generally address how you performed, your potential for future success in the field, and any other attributes that make you qualified for the particular award. Post-doctoral associates/fellows and graduate students may also have insight into your performance if they've worked with you in a course or project. However, depending on the fellowship or research opportunity, they do not usually make suitable academic letter-writers. It is important that you check the criteria of the award and/or check-in with administrators who manage the award to see whether letters from non-faculty members would be appropriate for that opportunity.

Some students, especially those in their early college years, have not yet had the opportunity to directly interact with faculty – perhaps you have had more direct interaction with Teaching Fellows ("TFs"). In these cases, you might consider asking the faculty course leader or head of a research group to work together with your TF to generate a co-signed letter. Keep in mind, though, that coordinating co-signed letters takes more time than usual, so plan ahead. Peers (other college students or recent alumni in student organizations), on the other hand,  are not suitable letter writers. If you're applying for a non-academic opportunity, or one that is specifically interested in learning about the applicant's personal attributes (character, leadership potential, commitment to service, etc.), then you might consider asking for a letter of recommendation from a College staff member or organization supervisor, coach, faculty who may be familiar with your work outside of the classroom, work supervisor, or Resident Dean or other House staff.

Letters from high school teachers or your high school years: Soliciting letters from high school teachers is not usually acceptable for fellowship and research opportunities at the college level. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you've engaged in research as a high school student and are applying to a competitive research fellowship that funds independent study (e.g. Herchel Smith Harvard Summer Science Fellowship ) as a first-year student, it may be acceptable to provide a letter from that experience, but only if the writer can provide strong evidence that you are qualified to pursue an independent research project.

Navigating Recommendations

Letters of recommendation are a critical part of academic and professional development. If you need a letter from a faculty member, research advisor, or other Harvard community member, do not be afraid to ask if they'd be willing to provide you a strong recommendation letter (even if the deadline is still years away, for instance, a medical school/graduate school application).

Help them help you.

  • Ask for recommendation letters in advance of the deadline—at least 3-4 weeks' notice is typical. Usually, letters of recommendation are due at the  same time as your own materials! Please take note of this.
  • Remind the recommender how they know you, if they have not heard from you in a while. If being in their course was significant to your development or trajectory, let them know! You might also consider re-sending a copy of a paper or project you wrote for their class, to remind them of your good work.
  • Give your recommenders specific instructions – this includes how, where, and when to submit the recommendation letter and any guidance from the selection committee on specific topics recommenders should be addressing. If you'd like the recommender to highlight events, skills, or experiences that speak to your qualifications for the opportunity, tell them so. Invite their questions about your materials and the application process, and check-in with them frequently as the deadline approaches.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for multiple letters. Recommenders who have agreed to support your application for one opportunity may also be willing to recommend you for another. If you are considering asking for multiple letters, you'll need to provide specific information about each opportunity, so that your recommender knows how to tailor their letter to best complement your application. (Remember, give plenty of notice—just because they have written for you before doesn't mean they can write a new letter overnight!) Check in frequently to see if they have any questions or concerns or need more information from you.

Give thanks and provide updates.

Regardless of the outcome of your application, be sure that you let your recommenders know you appreciate the effort and time they put toward the recommendation and update them on the outcome of your joint efforts. Even after the experience is long over, do your best to check-in with those recommenders; keeping them engaged with your trajectory is the best way to keep them engaged as your advocate and mentor.

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Fellowship Letter of Recommendation Writing Guide 2024

Trying to guarantee yourself a spot in the fellowship program at your dream university? A powerful recommendation letter for fellowship might do the magic.

In the face of the raging competition to join the top institutes, you must strengthen your application in every way possible. Remember, when applying to a leading institution, you’re competing against other candidates with similarly impressive academic merit. The word of a credible recommender can make a huge difference and increase your chances of getting selected.

If you seek a sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program, you’ve come to the right page. However, this article also covers a step-by-step guide on how to write a reference letter for fellowship programs, along with the best practices.

letter of recommendation for fellowship programs complete guide for how to write

Table of Contents

what is fellowship recommendation letter and why is it important - learn all

What is a Fellowship Letter of Recommendation? Why is it Important?

admission officers expects from letter of recommendation for fellowship programs

What do admission officers expect to find in a recommendation letter for fellowship?

recommendation letter for fellowship lor example

Recommendation letter for fellowship sample

complete steps of writing a letter of recommendation for fellowship

Write your fellowship reference letter in 6 steps

who can write letter of recommendation for fellowship

Who can write a recommendation letter for fellowship?

Your fellowship LOR is an integral part of your application to a fellowship program. To put it simply, a recommendation letter is a letter endorsing your competence and assuring the admission committee that you’re indeed a deserving candidate.

A Recommendation Letter for research fellowship usually comes from a professor or other academic professional who has taught or mentored you. However, considering how busy they are and how often they receive requests for such letters, they don’t always have the time to write one. Instead, you might have to draft the letter yourself and get it signed by the recommender.

A recommendation letter for fellowship plays a huge role in your application, because it testifies to your qualities and abilities. Not everything can be included in your CV; there are various additional aspects that might influence the admission committee’s decision.

Your reference letter for postdoctoral fellowship can be the difference between getting selected for the fellowship program or having your application rejected. This is why it’s crucial to make sure that your LOR is powerful and puts you in the best light possible.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Writing a Reference Letter for Fellowship?

It’s imperative to cover all the relevant details in your recommendation letter. The LOR should also be tailored to your profile and your requirements. Make sure to ask yourself the following questions before you draft your recommendation letter for fellowship program. In case your recommender is the one writing it, discuss these with him/her.

How is the recommender connected to you?

The person recommending you for the fellowship program must be in a trustable position to do so. Explaining the recommender’s connection to the candidate makes the letter a lot more credible.

How well does your endorser know you?

Being in a trustable position to recommend you isn’t enough – the recommender should also know you well enough to provide valuable insights.

What kind of fellowship program are you applying to?

If you check out our fellowship recommendation letter sample, you’d notice that a good recommendation later is tailored according to the fellowship program it is for. The letter must elaborate on why the candidate is perfect for the program in particular.

What makes you a deserving candidate for the program?

The whole point of a reference letter for fellowship is to reinforce the idea that you deserve a chance to prove yourself through the fellowship program. Think of all the qualities that make you a deserving candidate.

Is there a specific format you need to follow?

Often, institutes set specific formats and other requirements that candidates must follow when writing their recommendation letters. If nothing is specified, you may follow the format used in our recommendation letter sample for fellowship application.

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What Do Admission Officers Expect to Find in a Recommendation Letter for Fellowship?

The reason why LORs hold such importance is that the admission officers rely on them for a variety of information and insights on the candidates. Here are some of the details that your recommendation letter must cover.

Personality:

The recommender’s impression of your personality can have a strong influence on the admission committee’s decision. The more your personality is relevant to the program, the better.

Soft skills:

Your hard skills are already covered in your CV, but your endorser can prove additional insights into your soft skills.

Uniqueness:

Let’s face it – basic qualities like being a hardworking student and having strong academic merit are too common in LORs. Your recommendation letter must cover unique individual traits that set you apart from the rest.

Justification:

Hollow praise doesn’t do much good in a recommendation letter for fellowship doctor When discussing the candidate’s qualities, the recommender must justify them with examples.

Professionalism:

Admission officers judge the authenticity of an LOR based on its tone and pitch. Of course, an LOR written by an experienced academic professional would usually be very different from one written by a candidate who is new to writing recommendation letters.

How long should a fellowship reference letter be?

As you might notice in our sample recommendation letter for fellowship program, LORs are usually 400 to 500 words long. Unless the institute’s LOR guidelines state otherwise, try to keep it within one page of an A4-sized sheet.

The font size should be either 11 or 12, and stick to professional fonts only. Arial and Times New Roman are good choices. Remember to maintain a 1-inch margin on each side of the page.

Recommendation Letter for Fellowship Sample

The following sample recommendation letter for fellowship program will help you get a better understanding of what your LOR should look like. Take note of how the recommender has endorsed the candidate without seeming to praise him blindly or excessively. You may follow this sample fellowship letter of recommendation to fine-tune the tone, pitch, and format in your own LOR.

To whom it may concern,

It’s my privilege to recommend Mr Sounak Basu for your Journalism and Mass communication fellowship program. I am writing this later in the capacity of an educator who supervised Sounak through his research efforts during his postgraduate program. Having him as my student was a pleasure, for he always showed qualities that set him apart from the rest.

Sounak is a dedicated and hardworking student to say the least. However, it’s his inquisitive nature and hunger for knowledge that drew my attention. He has a strong passion for understanding complex theories down to their roots. However, he doesn’t just stop at learning the theories – he takes a practical approach and seeks to utilise them in his research endeavours.

I believe Sounak would be an ideal candidate for the fellowship program at your institute, not only due to his commitment to learning but also because of his active participation. I’ve grown to know him as a team player who’s always ready to volunteer for different projects and events. Not many students I’ve supervised have displayed his level of integrity, practicality, and dedication.

I’d also like to point out that Sounak took up a number of side projects on his own initiative during his postgraduate program under my guidance. I feel gratified to have had the privilege of guiding him with those projects and evaluating them. He certainly has the ability to think out of the box, always coming up with unique research ideas.

Lastly, I should mention that during my time as his mentor, I got to know him quite well as a person. Sounak is a cheerful and passionate student who is always ready to assist others as needed. Not only is he a committed learner himself, but he also takes pleasure in guiding other students with complex concepts and projects.

At this stage of his academic life, Sounak needs the global exposure offered by an esteemed institution like yours. I believe that pursuing a fellowship program at your institute will help him unlock his true potential and reach new heights. Considering his inquisitive nature, unrelenting commitment, and creativity, I don’t doubt that his success would, in turn, benefit the academic world.

I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to recommend an amazing student like Sounak, and can assure you that he would be a great addition to your esteemed institute. Do feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Yours Sincerely,

Rajiv Sharma,

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication,

University of Calcutta,

Guidelines for Using Samples

Of course, you can’t simply use the sample as a template – it would become too generic. Here’s how you can leverage LOR samples.

  • First, go through multiple (at least four) sample letters of recommendation for fellowship program to check out different angles that a recommender can cover.
  • Always customize and contextualise your recommendation letter with your personal information. This is very important to avoid getting your application rejected.
  • The quality of your LOR must match that of the sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program.

Write Your Fellowship Reference Letter in 6 Steps

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on writing an effective recommendation letter for fellowship program.

Step 1: Explain the endorser’s connection with you

As mentioned earlier, establishing the endorser’s credibility is crucial. The introductory paragraph should explain the endorser’s relationship with the candidate.

Cover the academic qualities

Since the recommendation letter is for an academic program, your academic qualities take priority. In this regard, don’t forget to cover personality traits that enhance your academic performance.

Talk about extracurricular and additional activities

In addition to the candidate’s academic excellence in general, the endorser should also bring up any extra projects or activities that the candidate has partaken in.  

Write about the candidate’s personality

Step 5: summarise the contents and persuade.

The second-last section of the recommendation letter should summarize the candidate’s qualities and push the recommendation, emphasizing that he/she would be a great candidate.

Step 6: Conclude the letter

Finally, conclude the letter on a positive note, thanking the reader. The recommender should also share his/her contact details and assure the admission officers that they can contact him/her if they have any queries.

Who Can Write a Recommendation Letter for Fellowship?

The person writing your recommendation letter for fellowship must be in a position of authenticity and authority. The letter should also come from someone who knows you well enough to vouch for you. Usually, fellowship recommendation letters are written by professors, mentors, and HODs.

Final Checklist

  • Does the letter establish the recommender’s credibility?
  • Has the letter been written in the right format?
  • Is the flow of information sequential and logical?
  • Did you customize the LOR properly?
  • Is your LOR as good as the sample letter of recommendation for fellowship program?

Dos and don’ts

  • Maintain a professional tone
  • Proofread the document multiple times
  • Stay positive and enthusiastic
  • Emphasize your nature and personality
  • Use a flawless and high-quality language
  • Refrain from copying a recommendation letter for postdoc position sample and simply changing the names and course details.
  • Don’t exceed the specified word count.
  • Refrain from using any informal words or phrases.
  • Never use false information or exaggerate the candidate’s qualities.
  • Don’t spend too many words on generic qualities and achievements.

Tips for Writing a Fellowship LOR

  • Make sure the strengths discussed in the letter align with the requirements of the fellowship program in question.
  • Dedicate a paragraph explaining why the applicant is an ideal candidate for the institute.
  • Justify your statements about the candidate using practical examples.
  • Open the letter with a strong introduction and close it with a convincing conclusion.
  • Follow the sample recommendation letter for fellowship program closely.

Hopefully, the detailed guide and the sample above should be enough to help you draft a powerful recommendation letter for fellowship for yourself.

However, don’t hesitate to seek out professional assistance if you aren’t confident about writing a good LOR or find it too difficult.

Expert LOR writers can craft highly tailored recommendation letters for every purpose.

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Letters of recommendation are one of the most important elements in a student's application for a national or international scholarship. Many of these awards are incredibly competitive. Applicants require excellent letters of recommendation in order to stand out.

Tips and Suggestions

  • Address your letter to the selection committee for the scholarship or fellowship they are applying for. (For example, "Dear Goldwater Scholarship Selection Committee.")
  • Discuss how long you have known the applicant and in what context.
  • Wherever possible, provide specific and detailed examples of what the applicant has done. Be careful of giving hyperbolic praise without evidence. 
  • Avoid listing academic information that is likely to be on the student's transcript (GPA, class rank, majors, minors) unless there is something not captured in the data that is important to share. 
  • Many awards prefer you to include rankings or comparisons of the student to peers and/or to previous students you have taught. Percentages sometimes help: "This student ranks in the top 10% of students I have taught during my career in terms of intellectual curiosity."
  • Letters praising good attendance, completing all assignments, and receiving A grades are generally not helpful. Many candidates for national scholarships will share these qualities. Reviewers are looking for more substantive information on the student’s potential as an outstanding scholar or future leader in their field.
  • Be honest, but cautious about criticism. Committees take it seriously. Be fair to both the candidate and to the reader.
  • Make the case for why the student is a strong candidate for the specific award they are applying to. Connect the student's talents and experiences to the selection criteria for the award. (See below for guidance on writing for specific awards.)
  • While you can always ask students for resumes, descriptions of awards, and their particular interests, please do not ask the student to write the letter for you as an academic exercise, even if you plan to make substantial changes to their draft; this is specifically prohibited by most competitive fellowships.

Recommendation Guidance for Specific Awards

English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Awards: The application uses an online recommendation form rather than traditional letters. You will be asked to complete several short-answer questions online on such things as the applicant's communication skills, interest in teaching, and ability to work in unstructured environments. You should speak to the applicant's ability to teach English in a classroom abroad based on their intellectual and professional preparation.

Research/Study Awards: These applications require traditional letters of recommendation . Letters should be written in English (or accompanied by an official English translation), printed on institutional letterhead, and signed by you. The letter should discuss the applicant's ability to carry out the proposed project or course of study, their preparation and suitability for the endeavor, and their ability to represent the U.S. abroad.

For both ETA and research/study , recommenders should, according to Fulbright, “keep in mind that the applicant will be serving as a cultural ambassador representing the United States and that personal suitability, as well as academic excellence, is an important criterion to be considered.” These are not general character references. They should speak directly to the specific award type and the applicant's potential to be an excellent Fulbrighter.

From Goldwater Scholarship website:

  • Letter format and submission requirements
  • Letter writing guidance

Marshall website: Information for Recommenders.

Mitchell website: Recommenders and Endorsers .

NSF-GRFP website: Reference Writers .

Rhodes website: Guidance for Referees - USA .

Truman website: Letters of Recommendation .

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The fellowship application process is of great educational value and can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Advisors play a key role in helping students through the fellowship journey.

Thank you for supporting your students and the larger fellowship process within Yale College.

Advising Students on Fellowships

Note: This recorded webinar offers faculty and staff an overview of Office of Fellowships, available fellowship competitions, and the many resources we provide to students seeking funding for research, study, independent projects, internships, and more.

How you can make a difference

A trusted mentor can help a student craft a strong, competative fellowship project by providing guidance with the student's unique interests and goals in mind.

Fellowships for research or graduate school

Students applying for research opportunities and graduate school programs would greatly benefit from the guidance of a menotr with expertise in their field of study. By sharing their experience and insight, mentors are able to help students craft competative applications and plan for their futures.

When advising students pursuing research and graduate school opportunities, consider both the practical and long-term aspects of the experience. Practical considerations include methodology, skills, and the general structure of the proposed project. Long-term considerations relate to the student's academic and professional goals.

The fellowships process at Yale 

The Fellowships and Funding Office supports students applying to Yale fellowships as well as external funding opportunities. Funding is available for a wide range of activities. Each fellowship application has its own requirements and timeline.  

The Yale Student Grants Database is a searcheable database of all internal (Yale) and select external (non-Yale) fellowship opportunities. It is the best place for students to begin their fellowship search.

Certain external competitions require a University nomination and are therefore overseen by the Fellowships and Funding Office. These include prominent programs such as Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, and Fulbright. A curated list is available here .

Note: We're here to support the work you do. Fellowship Programs offers information sessions, workshops, individual advising appointments, and other resources for students interested in applying for fellowships.

Writing Letters of Recommendation

  • Concrete examples of stand-out work.
  • Merits of the proposed project in relation to the opportunity and the field as a whole.
  • Positive impact the fellowship would have on the student's short- or long-term goals and overall educational and professional trajectory.
  • Contextual support for the student's ability. Quantitative remarks and percentages may be useful, such as, "Top 5% of students in my 20 years of teaching."
  • Draw on the remarks of colleagues for supporting evidence or the acknowledgement of specific strengths. Letters from professors may also draw on comments from teaching assistants who may have worked more closely with the applicant.
  • Ask the student requesting the letter of recommendation to send you a current resume and relevant application materials. Have a conversation with the student about what to highlight. Understanding of the student's motivation and what they hope to achieve will be helpful as you craft your recommendation. 
  • Be aware of bias in letter writing.*
  • Be honest with yourself. Consider whether you can dedicate the time and energy to writing a detailed letter. If not, say no (see below.)

* Avoiding Racial Bias in Letter of Reference Writing

* Avoiding Gender Bias in Letter of Reference Writing

Tip: Think about how your letter of recommendation might help shape an interview with the fellowship committee.

On the whole, the following are not helpful: 

  • Letters that consist largely of unsupported praise and fail to provide specific examples of points mentioned or generic letters sent without regard to the specific fellowship, course of study, or project proposed.
  • Letters that may be read as implying criticism (beware of backhanded compliments) or whose criticisms might be taken to indicate stronger reservations than stated. Letters should be honest - and honest criticism, if generously presented, can enhance the force of a letter - but committees take critical comments very seriously.

When to Say "No"

There may be times when declining to write a letter is the best thing to do, such as:

  • If the student asks too close to the deadline or approaches you in a highly unprofessional manner. We advise students to ask for letters no less than three weeks in advance of a deadline.
  • If you feel that you cannot be emphatically positive in support of a student.
  • If you do not have a clear recollection of the student.
  • If you do not have the time to write a good letter or if you think that you are not the best person to write a letter. 
Tip: You can help the student to consider alternative letter writers, but agreeing to write for a student whom you cannot strongly support does not help.

Other Considerations

  • If you are called upon to write letters for two or more applicants for the same fellowship, beware of using too much of the same language in each, especially if they will be read by the same committee. If you have questions about whether your students are applying through the same region for external fellowships, please contact Fellowship Programs ( [email protected] or 203-432-8685).
  • Although we encourage students to provide their recommenders with helpful, detailed information, it is not ethical to request that students provide drafts of their own letters. Faculty should also beware of leaning too heavily on material provided by students, since students give much the same information to each recommender and following this too closely can lead to letters that sound too similar.
  • If you have written a letter in collaboration with another faculty member, be mindful about how you and your colleague use subsequent versions of that letter. We want to avoid situations in which a student is represented by different letters with largely identical language from two different faculty members.

(Some of the items above are responses to an informal survey of Truman Scholarship selection panel members. With thanks to Mary Tolar, former Deputy Secretary of the Truman Scholarship Foundation.)

Note: Lost your copy of a letter you wrote? If it was submitted through our office and we still have it on file, we'll gladly send it to you upon your request.

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Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

By Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc

Published July 21, 2017

res360

Applying for fellowships is a stressful process. It not only involves making major decisions that will impact your life but it also requires creating a competitive application and preparing for high-stakes interviews, all while you are still fulfilling your responsibilities as a resident. NEJM Resident 360 hosted a discussion with a panel of experts on preparing for fellowship to explore many of these issues. In this blog post, I share some personal tips and useful advice from our panel experts on how to be a successful fellowship candidate.

Be the Early Bird

Creating a successful application for fellowship does not start one or two months before applications are due. Starting the process a year before you apply can ensure that you are ahead of the game.

Here are some things to think about during the year before applying: 

Decide on your subspecialty:

You may be someone who knew you wanted to be a cardiologist when you applied to medical school or you may still be undecided about specialties. If you are in the second category, try to find clinical experiences in the subspecialty during your elective period, ambulatory block (for outpatient-focused specialties), or inpatient rotations in specialties that you are considering (for specialties with a heavy inpatient load, such as cardiology and oncology). Talk to fellows and faculty in the specialty to learn what their life is like. Discuss your choices with advisors (e.g., your residency program director) or mentors. You might also find the NEJM Resident 360 blog post Family Medicine, Rad Onc, or OB? How to Choose a Specialty helpful. 

Invest in at least one rotation in your chosen subspecialty:

Most fellowships want at least one letter from a faculty member in the subspecialty that you are applying for. As you set up your schedule for the year, ensure that you have at least one rotation that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can write a letter of recommendation for you.

Take part in research projects to enhance your application :

Depending on your subspecialty and career plans, consider working on a project that either has a research or educational focus or on a case report or case series during the year before you apply. This is particularly important if you plan to have a career that includes nonclinical or nontraditional activities such as research, medical education, health policy, global health, hospital administration, and medical writing. Participating in such activities in addition to patient care will demonstrate your commitment and set you apart from other applicants. 

Take time out of the training path:

Many residents are interested in taking a year off to do research, work as a hospitalist, or act as a chief medical resident. In many cases, this may strengthen your application. However, being away from clinical medicine for too long might elicit concern about your clinical skills when you return to practice. Make sure to address your decision to take time out in your personal statement and be prepared during your interview to explain why you decided to take that path, how you spent this time, and how the experience will help you during fellowship and your career. If you were a hospitalist and practiced independently for an extended period, you may be asked about the challenges of being a trainee again and required to run your plans by someone else. 

Assembling Your Application

As the application submission deadlines loom closer (within 6 months), start collecting all the documents that you need to create your application. Some components depend only on you (e.g., the personal statement and resume) while other parts require input from busy people (e.g., letters of recommendation). The earlier you start, the better! 

Here are the steps required to assemble your application: 

Familiarize yourself with the application requirements:

Most subspecialties use the Electronic Residency Application Service ( ERAS ). Some programs and subspecialties have specific requirements, so you will want to review the ERAS website in detail as well as the relevant fellowship program websites. 

Request letters of recommendation (LoR):

How many? Aim for four letters if the number is not specified. Check program requirements on the ERAS and program websites. 

Who should write the letters? After you review the letter requirements for your programs, think about who can write a meaningful LoR about your abilities as a doctor rather than someone who will rehash your CV. Usually, one of the letters is from your residency program director. Others can be written by clinicians in general medicine or subspecialties with whom you have worked. If you have been involved in research or education projects, get LoRs from your project supervisor. Include at least one letter from a subspecialist in the specialty that you are applying for. 

When should I ask for the letter? Asking for a letter while you are still working with a faculty member is best — and the earlier the better — as this allows them to pay more attention to your performance in real time and perhaps take note of specific strengths or examples. You can provide additional instructions on how to submit the LoR closer to the due date. 

How do I ask for the letter? First, don’t be afraid to ask! All faculty members at institutions with residency programs are accustomed to writing LoRs. You can email your request, but also offer to meet in person to discuss your career plans. Writers based outside of the U.S. may require more guidance. An international faculty member may be brief about your abilities, and this could be perceived more negatively than intended. Providing sample LoRs could be helpful. 

Here are some more helpful tips: 

Ask if they feel they know you well enough to write a positive letter on your behalf

Provide an updated copy of your CV and your personal statement to frame the LoR

Consider noting specific areas on your CV that you would like highlighted

Always remember to thank your letter writers, especially after you match, because they will be curious about the outcome! 

How are the letters submitted? Letters are submitted electronically via ERAS. Make sure you review the ERAS procedure carefully and instruct your letter writers on how to submit their LoRs. 

Write your personal statement:

Your CV and LoR may be prioritized over your personal statement, but programs use your personal statement to learn more about you. The personal statement is the only place in your application where you can add your voice and bring together all of the pieces of your application. Send your personal statement to friends and mentors to ensure that it is error-free. Keep it brief — no more than one page. 

Some questions you may want to ask yourself as you write your personal statement include:

What experiences make you a strong candidate for this program?

What parts of your application suggest that you will have a successful career?

How can you draw the reader’s focus on your unique achievements?

What relevant information is not included elsewhere on the application (e.g., unexplained absences from clinical work or a failed exam)? 

Create your application/CV:

ERAS will prompt you to input all the information that fellowship program directors are looking for, such as education, academic projects, publications, etc. Include all achievements, including ongoing projects. Be prepared to address anything that is on your application during the interview.

Select programs to apply to and submit your application:

Once you have created your application, you will submit it to programs (usually via ERAS). Deciding how many and which programs to apply to will depend on personal preferences, your competitiveness as an applicant, and the type of training you seek. For example, if you are planning a career as a clinician-investigator, focus on academically oriented programs. If you had some struggles during medical school or residency and therefore do not have a very strong application, you may need to apply more broadly. Your residency program director can help you decide how many and what programs to apply to. Look at the fellowship program website to find out the career paths of prior fellows.

Acing the Interview

Fellowship interviews are often a bit more involved than residency interviews. The number of faculty members and trainees is much smaller in the fellowship program, and some fellows may stay on faculty after their fellowship. Therefore, faculty will be considering you as a potential future colleague and want to determine in the interview whether you will be a good fit.

Tips for acing the interview include: 

Be engaged: Show your best side during the interview day. Make sure you are rested. Do not schedule interviews when you are post-call! Be social, put your phone away, and get to know the faculty, fellows, and other applicants.

Practice and prepare : Many residency programs will offer mock interviews with experienced fellowship interviewers. Even if you do not have the opportunity to do a mock interview, prepare answers to commonly asked questions and practice delivering these answers out loud. 

Some interview topics to prepare for include:

talking about yourself

your strengths/weaknesses

describe a challenging patient interaction and how you resolved it

where you want to be in 5 to 10 years (You don’t have to be specific but you should have some sense of what you would like to do and how you will get there.) 

Make sure you know what questions interviewers are not allowed to ask (e.g., what other programs you applied to, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and family status). If any of these questions come up, try to make light of it and take the conversation in a different direction. Let your residency program director know if you are concerned about questions asked during your interview. 

Know your interviewers : Many fellowships will give you the interview schedule ahead of time; make sure you read about the interviewers and their interests. If you know the program has a faculty member that might make a good mentor, make sure to contact the program well ahead of time to see if they can schedule an interview with that person. In addition to the division’s website, you can find useful information about interviewers on PubMed, LinkedIn, Doximity, Google, etc. This information will allow you to find some common points for discussion during the interview. 

Ask questions : You should have read the program’s website in detail before the interview. Reviewing the website of the medical school or the medical center might also be helpful. You may find information on a relevant grant or multidisciplinary initiative. Prepare honest questions to help get to the essence of the type of curriculum the program offers (including clinical experiences you would like to learn more about, research mentorship, or non-clinical training opportunities).

Interact with current fellows: They are on the front lines and can tell you more about call schedules, work hours, and other day-to-day questions than any of the faculty members. In addition, current fellows can give you the inside scoop on the program, the program director, and mentorship.

Send thank you notes: Sending a thank-you note (via email or snail mail) is not required and may not be reciprocated. If your post-interview feelings are genuine, you can choose to send a quick note to express your ongoing interest in the program and you can include specific points, but do not cut and paste a generic thank you note. If there are been major updates to your application, let the program know.

Post-interview communication: The official match policy is to discourage any communication from the program to the applicant after the day of the interview. Therefore, if you do not hear from the program, it does not necessarily indicate a lack of interest in you. However, fellowship programs are not prohibited from contacting you so you may get a call or an email, usually just to check if you have any additional questions. Programs cannot ask you how you are going to rank them. If you have concerns about a post-interview communication, discuss it with your residency program director who can help resolve the situation. 

Once you are done with the interview season, you will need to submit your rank list and wait for match day! Good luck!

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How To Write a Fellowship Letter of Recommendation in 6 Steps

A letter of recommendation for a fellowship can be a powerful tool in helping students become competitive applicants for highly sought after awards. It helps to provide an objective assessment of the applicant’s qualifications and background and can be an important factor in the selection process. When writing a letter of recommendation for a fellowship, it is important to keep in mind the purpose and goals of the fellowship for which the applicant is applying. Demonstrating an understanding of the program and the applicant’s potential to excel in it can help to make a compelling case for their candidacy. When crafting a letter of recommendation, one should include information on the applicant’s academic background, work experience, and relevant accomplishments. In addition, it is also important to provide a candid assessment of the applicant’s character and ability to contribute to the fellowship program. Finally, your letter should be written in a professional and respectful tone, while making sure to highlight the applicant’s unique talents and skills.

What to include in a fellowship recommendation letter

If you’re writing a letter of recommendation for someone who is applying for a fellowship, take into account the following points:

Specific examples

It’s crucial to provide specific examples of the applicant’s or student’s accomplishments. This demonstrates your knowledge of their skills and abilities. Additionally, it demonstrates to the admissions committee that you are speaking truthfully when discussing the applicant. The applicant’s qualifications are better explained with specific examples, which can strengthen the letter and increase their chances of admission.

Purpose of the program

An explanation of how the student fits the program’s goals should also be included in the letter of recommendation. For instance, if submitting a research project proposal is a requirement of the fellowship program, you should discuss why you believe the proposed study will be worthwhile. Strengthening the recommendation letter by offering more assistance with the student’s research or course of study

Impact on the applicant

A description of how the fellowship might benefit the applicant is another thing you could put in. This section might discuss how a fellowship could help an applicant achieve their academic and professional objectives. Include a description of your thoughts in this section if you think the fellowship would help the applicant personally.

Positively framed weaknesses

Try to frame any of the applicants’ flaws you point out in the letter in a positive light. Instead of saying that the applicant struggled to properly cite sources in research papers, you could say that they showed a commitment to enhancing their citation styles. Explaining shortcomings in a constructive manner can show the admissions committee that the applicant wants to keep developing their knowledge and skills.

Accurate details

It’s crucial to be as accurate as possible when adding specifics to the letter’s body. Instead of overstating a student’s abilities, try to back up your assertions with facts or figures. For instance, you might mention that the applicant completed their program in the top 10% of their class rather than merely stating that they were good students. By including a statistic, you can improve the accuracy of the information and give the admissions committee a better idea of the applicant’s range of skills.

Why is it important to write a letter of recommendation for a fellowship?

When submitting an application for a fellowship, a letter of recommendation is crucial because it enables the applicant to set themselves apart from other candidates. A fellowship is a program that broadens education through study, research, or an internship. Fellowships typically include a financial grant, stipend, or other compensation to help the fellow with program expenses. Given the fierce competition for many fellowship programs, a letter of recommendation can strengthen an application.

How to write a letter of recommendation for a fellowship

Consider taking the following actions if someone asks you to write a letter of recommendation for a fellowship program:

1. Converse with the applicant

Try to speak with the applicant for a while before you start writing. Ask them about the fellowship, the program, their research proposal, and any other topics that might help you write a stronger letter during this conversation. This knowledge will help you decide what kind of material to put in the letter’s body.

2. Address the letter to the appropriate recipient

It’s crucial to make sure you’ve addressed the letter to the correct recipient at the top. Sometimes, the fellowship program is overseen by a single person, and other times, an entire committee evaluates applicants. It’s best to either mention a specific person or address the committee as a whole. This shows that you are aware of the application process and have made an effort to comprehend the particular fellowship program.

3. Write an introduction

You can mention your relationship with the student in the letter’s opening paragraph. This could include your relationship with the applicant, how long you’ve known them, and your impressions of them overall. The admissions committee will better understand your qualifications to represent the applicant after reading your introduction. Additionally, it gives you a chance to highlight your own academic and professional accomplishments. A thorough opening can lay a solid groundwork for the remainder of the recommendation letter.

4. Write body paragraphs

There are one or two body paragraphs you can write following the introduction. Recommendation letters are ordinarily one to one and a half pages long. Employers may see from a longer letter that you have a lot of positive things to say about the applicant. The body paragraphs of the letter may describe the applicant’s prior work, discuss why you believe they would be a good fit for the fellowship program, or discuss the qualities of their character that would make them a strong student. The body paragraphs contain the bulk of your recommendation.

5. Write a conclusion

Try to conclude your letter by summarizing it after the body paragraphs. The main points of the letter are reemphasized in this paragraph, which also summarizes the key information. You could say in your conclusion that the admissions team can get in touch with you if they have any additional questions. This demonstrates your willingness to speak on behalf of the applicant in addition to the recommendation letter’s contents. The letter is more effective overall when it has a solid conclusion.

6. Proofread

Before mailing the letter, its important to proofread thoroughly. You can use proofreading to make sure you wrote the details clearly and included all the necessary information. If you frequently write letters of recommendation for students, proofreading can assist you in staying organized as you work. You can verify with the applicant at this time the recipient’s name, the mailing address for the letter, and the title of the fellowship program.

A sample recommendation letter for a fellowship application is provided below:

Dear [ admissions counselors name ] ,

Introduction:

Im writing this letter on behalf of [applicants name]. Theyre applying for admission to [name of fellowship program]. I had a working relationship with the applicant for [period of time] and was [type of relationship with applicant]. I was able to learn more about the applicant’s ability to work under pressure, conduct research, and dedication to getting things done during this time. I highly recommend [applicant] for this fellowship program.

Body paragraph:

This applicant has demonstrated their abilities in a number of situations, including [description of situation]. They also demonstrated the following skills [list a few pertinent skills or abilities] The applicant has proven their suitability, and I think they possess the necessary abilities to make a valuable contribution to this fellowship.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I think [applicants name] is a fantastic choice for [fellowship name] because of their all-encompassing skills and credentials. I would be happy to have a phone conversation with you about the applicant if you have any additional questions.

[ Your name ]

Heres an example of a fellowship letter of recommendation:

January 5, 2022

Dear Political Science Fellowship Committee,

Harrison Rodriguez, who is applying for a position in your Political Theory Fellowship Program, has asked me to write on his behalf. My name is Dr. Jones, and Ive had the pleasure of supervising Mr. Rodriguez through his postgraduate research efforts. He has made significant contributions to numerous political theory research projects, so I think he qualifies for this fellowship.

Mr. Rodriguez is a committed student with a strong passion for comprehending how political theory affects how society functions. By compiling survey data and conducting various tests, he contributed to a study on voting patterns and socioeconomic status. Mr. If Rodriguez is awarded this fellowship, I believe the academic community would greatly benefit from the way his research would address important issues in politics and contemporary society.

In conclusion, I think Mr. Rodriguez is a driven and enthusiastic student who enhances any project in which he is involved. I sincerely recommend him for this fellowship, please take that into consideration. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Dr. Jones, Ph.D.

Writing Recommendation Letters for Fellowship Applicants

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation for fellowship?

People who know you well enough to vouch for you in your application should write you letters of recommendation. It won’t help your application if a Nobel laureate who doesn’t know you recommends you.

How long should a fellowship recommendation letter be?

The letter should provide comprehensive but detailed information on observed performance in no more than two pages. Comments should be as succinct as possible. To ensure maximum availability to fellowship program directors, the letters must be finished by July 1.

Do you need a letter of recommendation for fellowship?

Most fellowships require at least one letter from a professor who specializes in the area you are applying for. Make sure you have at least one rotation during the course of the year that will give you time with a subspecialty faculty member who can serve as your letter of recommendation writer.

What is a fellowship letter?

SHARE. Individuals in a variety of fields who have attained a certain level of education and training and wish to begin a program of further studies in a specific specialty are intended for fellowship recommendation letters.

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Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation are critical and essential for strong fellowship, scholarship, and graduate school applications. Letters of recommendation stem from a relationship established with a research mentor or a professor during a semester or over a longer period of time, and it is important to start building these relationships early in your college career. It can often times seem difficult to "get to know" faculty or other mentors due to busy schedules and competing priorities, however, it can be done if students make the effort. Developing a relationship that can lead to a useful letter of recommendation is up to the student.

When asking for a letter of recommendation, be sure you are asking someone who can speak to your specific skills and abilities. It is also crucial that the letter writer is familiar with the scholarship/fellowship opportunity that you are applying for and that you have provided letter writers with any information suggested by the Scholarship Foundation. Be sure that their insight is pertinent to the opportunity for which you are applying (for example, if applying for the Goldwater Scholarship, you would want to seek out letter writers who have seen or worked with you on research projects).

You should ask the writer for a letter of recommendation three to four weeks before the deadline, if possible. Two weeks before the deadline should be considered the minimum advance notice.  Here is some advice on whom to ask and how to:

Before you approach anyone for a letter of reference, identify the number of people that you will need. Use the application material to help you choose the best letter writers. What aspects of your background do you want each letter of recommendation to comment on? Seek a mix of letter writers and identify their roles for them. Collectively, your letters should present a balanced picture of you. It is helpful to the letter writer if you tell them you hope they will comment on you from a certain angle in their letter.

Do not hesitate to stay in touch with letter writers occasionally in the weeks approaching the deadline for the letter. Ask the writer if they need any more documents or have questions about a two weeks from the deadline, and gently remind the letter writer about a week from the deadline of the details for letter submission and deadline. This can be exceptionally helpful if they are writing multiple letters for you that have different deadlines and submission requirements. 

Thank your letter writers and keep them informed on your progress. Regardless of whether you receive the fellowship or not, initiating and maintaining follow-up contact with your references is both courteous and professionally smart.

CFSA Lockup

Asking for Letters of Recommendation

Each scholarship or fellowship application has different parameters for the required letters of recommendation. Before requesting a recommendation from a faculty member, familiarize yourself with these parameters and read the guidelines below.

Choosing a Recommender

To ensure strong recommendations, it's important to pick recommenders who really know you and your work. You could seek recommendations from faculty from whom you have taken multiple courses, faculty who have advised you on a project, etc. Make sure these are people who know you, remember your work, and can describe your contributions in concrete ways!

Pay close attention to the scholarship's requirements and suggestions for recommendations.  Some scholarships ask for a faculty reference from within your discipline; some require information from a recommender who has worked with you in a specific capacity (research, service project, etc.); some may require assessments from experts who can speak to your language skills.

In most cases your recommenders should be faculty members, though sometimes staff members or individuals who have supervised you or worked with you in professional or volunteer settings may provide strong references.  Friends or family members are not appropriate recommenders.

If you’re early in your academic career, start cultivating connections with faculty now. Go to office hours to discuss material. Attend lectures and participate in optional departmental events. Get involved in research or creative work in your field. A professor who knows you will not only want to help you but will be able to write you a better letter. Read more about how to work and collaborate with faculty here .

Have at least one or two back-up recommenders in mind. Your referees are under no obligation to write you a letter, and you need to make sure you have options in the event that someone is unable to write a recommendation.

Requesting a Recommendation

You might feel anxious or uncertain about asking for a letter of recommendation, but remember that fielding these kinds of requests from students is likely a part of your recommender’s normal job.  You are not strange or pushy for asking.

Ask for the letter of recommendation at least six weeks in advance of the deadline . You want your recommender to have time to craft a glowing letter. Requesting a professor’s help too close to the deadline does not reflect well on your character, judgement, or professionalism. Although some professors are generous about these protocols, remember that your recommenders are doing you a favor, often at a considerable expense of time and energy. You want to make sure that you seem like someone they would like to take the time and effort to help.

When requesting a recommendation over email, write a more formal request, even if your normal interactions with the professor are very casual. If asking in person, dress nicely. It is not necessary to dress as if you are going to a job interview, but wear presentable clothing. Don't put your professor on the spot by making your request right before or after class; instead, attend office hours or make an appointment.

Make your request specific, and be clear about the reasons you think the recommender can write you a compelling letter. For example:

- “Your course on ____ really helped me solidify my research interests.” - “Your advising has led me to develop my interest in ______.” - “I was really grateful for the opportunity to work with you on ____.” - “I remember our conversation about ____.”

Always make sure you give your referee an “out” -- a way to gracefully turn down your request if they are unable to write a recommendation. Present the recommendation as something that would help you as you progress, rather than something that could make or break your future career. We suggest using the follow phrasing:

Do you feel that you are able to provide a good letter of recommendation for me for this scholarship?

If a Recommender Agrees

Thank your recommender promptly and provide all the relevant information and details about the application process, including the specific type of fellowship, scholarship or program to which you are applying (for example: if you are applying for a Marshall, include the specific degree, department and university); links to relevant parts of the scholarship website (not just the main page); and contact information for CFSA. If you need to register the recommender on the scholarship website, do so.  Make sure your recommender knows how recommendations will be delivered and processed. Confirm that your referee knows the scholarship's deadlines (both official and internal Syracuse University deadlines, if applicable). We recommend providing your recommender with a filled out Student Recommendation Request Form that includes the above information.

Provide your CV or resume, your transcript, and any application materials you’re preparing. It is okay to share your application essay drafts! If your application materials are at draft stage, make sure your recommender knows that. Offer to meet in person or chat over the phone. Provide any other material you think may be relevant and could help your referee write a strong recommendation.

Always consider signing the waiver of the right to read your letters. Some students do not waive their rights to read letters and the letters written for them, no matter how glowing, are often heavily discounted by readers.  Some recommenders will not write for students who do not waive their rights to read letters.

Remember to send your recommender a thank you note or email after the letter has been submitted, and be sure to follow up to let them know the results of your application (whether or not you win the scholarship).

If a Recommender Cannot Write You a Letter

Turning down your request for a letter of recommendation is rarely a rejection of you or your work. There are many different reasons a faculty member may say no: they may be very busy and unable to find the time to give your letter the time it requires; they may feel they do not know you or your work very well; they may have another deadline around the same time that would prevent them from completing your letter; they may not feel qualified to write a recommendation for the particular fellowship or program to which you are applying.

Sometimes a "no" from a recommender you have approached can actually be a good thing. You need the strongest letters possible, and a recommendation from a faculty member who is unable to take the time to write an excellent letter, or who does not know you very well, is unlikely to help you.

Make sure you respond graciously and gratefully. A faculty member turning you down now may be happy and willing to recommend you in the future.

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Save the date: fulbright day march 20th, ryan st. jean named 2024 pickering fellow, iona volynets named a 2024 marshall scholar, recorded remembrance scholarship information session.

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Recommendation Information for Referees

  • Additional Resources for US and International Students
  • Resources for Graduate Students
  • Applicant Responsibilities and Penn Policies
  • Draft Review
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  • Past Penn Recipients

Instructions for Applicants

Selecting appropriate referees is among the most important aspects of any application. Failure to adhere to the guidelines of a specific fellowship will disqualify you from consideration for that fellowship.

When fellowships require faculty referees, at least some of your referees should be Standing Faculty (Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor).  Lecturers and Adjunct Faculty can be valuable referees, but Standing Faculty can add particular weight and support for your application.  That said, it is inadvisable to solicit letters from Standing Faculty who do not know you well enough to comment in detail on your academic performance and intellectual abilities, so choose wisely.

In any case, the most important question you should ask any potential referee ( in person , if possible) is:

"Can you write a  strong  recommendation letter  for me  for  this fellowship  by  this deadline ?"

If you receive anything less than an affirmative response to each aspect of this important question, then you should probably ask someone else to write on your behalf.

In your initial request it is important for recommenders to understand how studying or working with them has been important to your academic and/or professional development. It is always wise to thank them for their mentorship and to note how their guidance and inspiration has been important in your development. Asking faculty and other mentors with whom you have not studied or worked recently is quite common (and often necessary). In this case, it is particularly important to remind them of a paper or project you completed under their guidance, the project's findings or impacts, and in some cases the other individuals with whom you collaborated (e.g., post-docs, other organizations, etc.).

After your recommenders agree to write for you and you are about to generate an online recommendation request, you should provide your recommenders with a concise email that includes all of the following:

  • your reason(s) for doing the program(s), with specifics about what you hope to study, and who you wish to study with and why
  • an explanation of your long-term goals, how the program fits into them, and why the program will be helpful to you
  • a discussion about how your academic coursework, research, and other relevant activities have qualified you for this program
  • an up-to-date CV or resume

Keep in mind that faculty and other recommenders are extremely busy, especially during the summer when faculty are focused on their research and all recommenders are trying to squeeze in vacation time.  NOTE:  Penn online recommendation requests for Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell applicants should be submitted to faculty recommenders  no later than June 30  (over one year before you intend to commence graduate study).

Applicants are responsible for providing referees with as much information as possible about themselves, their goals, and the fellowship(s) for which they are applying at least six weeks before the date their letter is due to CURF (or to the fellowship, if there is no CURF deadline), including:

  • a resume or CV
  • to whom each letter should be addressed
  • materials (such as academic papers) the applicant previously submitted to the referee
  • Most importantly,  the applicant must inform the referee  of the submission deadline(s) !

Since each referee will serve a specific purpose in your application, you should help each referee understand the role s/he is being asked to play by emphasizing what aspect of your abilities you hope they can speak to in their letter. While it is extremely helpful for referees to receive a copy of your resume, you need them to write about specific instances in which they saw you working effectively.  It can be very helpful to a referee, for example, to know why you are asking them to write on your behalf by reminding them of a project or situation in which you excelled during their class, internship, or workplace, and how your work exemplifies one or more of the qualities the fellowship seeks.

See below for details specific to each fellowship . Please consult CURF advisors for questions on other fellowship recommendations or questions not addressed here.

Multiple applications

It is common for applicants to apply for multiple fellowships simultaneously, and it often makes sense to have the same referee write letters for all applications. For the prestigious fellowships CURF supports, a standard or generic letter – especially handled through a credentials service – makes a poor impression and is often logistically impossible. Instead, the referees can write one basic letter for an applicant applying to similar programs and produce one variant for each application – taking special care to refer correctly in each letter to the specific school and degree program and the specific fellowship. If the applicant is applying for dissimilar programs, the letters might vary slightly – but the essential points of the recommendation will remain much the same.

Applicants register referees with online application sites that will send an automated notice to the referees allowing them to log in and upload their letters. In some cases, these automated notices get caught in spam filters; applicants should remind referees to check their spam or junk mail folders. Many online application forms also include a space to list referees’ information; applicants should not confuse this with the actual referee registration process.

Applicants will need to register referees with each application they are requesting a recommendation for, and referees will need to upload/submit one letter for each application.  There is no mechanism to submit one letter to multiple application sites.

Academic vs non-academic

An “academic” letter of recommendation comes from someone who has supervised the applicant in coursework or research (ideally in a graded setting). All other letters are “personal” and do not need to be academic (but can be). All letters should come from someone who has supervised your work of some sort, whether academic, paid, unpaid, or community service. While mentors and informal advisors can be crucial in helping applicants think through their goals and plan accordingly, letters from these individuals often do not carry as much weight as letters from individuals who have worked closely with or supervised an applicant on a specific project(s).

Applicants must provide the exact number and type of recommendations required. Additional letters are not permitted, except in rare cases in which the number of recommendations is flexible.

Please see the Recommendation Information for Referees page to learn more about how to best support students who have asked you to write a letter of recommendation.

For information about specific recommendation letter requirements for specific fellowships, please visit that fellowship's page in the Fellowships Directory. Please consult CURF advisors for questions on other fellowship recommendations or questions not addressed here.

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How to Apply for a Fellowship

Residents & fellows.

Find useful tips and learn more about applying for fellowship positions. View a list of fellowship opportunities on the Fellowship Directory .

Inform Your Decision

  • Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship FAQ
  • Epilepsy Fellowship FAQ
  • Headache Fellowship FAQ
  • Movement Disorders Fellowship FAQ
  • Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship FAQ
  • Stroke/Vascular Neurology Fellowship FAQ
  • Neuroimaging Fellowship FAQ

View Sample CV and Cover Letter

  • Cover Letter
  • CV Version 1
  • CV Version 2
  • CV Version 3

FROM ONE TRAINEE TO ANOTHER: HOW TO APPLY FOR FELLOWSHIP

  • Start Early:  Check program websites for vacancies and requirements for the application process. Make contact with programs toward the end of your PGY2 year, and no later than October/November of your PGY3 year. Look on the AAN Fellowships Page, individual program websites, such as FREIDA and other websites. Remember, since fellowship positions and availability are constantly changing, do not rely on information on these sites alone. Always contact the program you are interested in.
  • Think About Your Career Goals:  Why a fellowship? What specialty? Is this the right area and/or lifestyle for me? Compare specialties. Speak to people across multiple specialties. Keep your options open. Make time to reflect and decide your priorities.
  • Get Informed:  Consider the job market of your specialty, check out geographical areas, talk to other applicants or previous fellows, speak to your mentors (very important!), obtain input from professors. Where is the field going and where will it be when you are done training? In general, the application process varies widely based on the fellowship to which you're applying (e.g., neurocritical care now follows a match system).
  • Draft a Timeline:  Create a timeline of when to submit applications and prepare for interviews. The budget for travel. If you are going to need to arrange for time off work or clinical coverage while you are at interviews, do this early.
  • Relax:  Don't panic. The vast majority of program graduates have found fellowships that have suited their needs well.
  • Organize:  Prepare a list of questions, organize your certificates with all dates, be prepared for the application process in advance, have a portfolio available, use one email address for all applications. (Tip: Use your university address rather than personal email.)
  • Draft Your Personal Statement:  Personal statements should be one page or less. Be enthusiastic, communicate through your words. Get help with proofreading (by at least two people), especially if English is not your first language.
  • Recommendation Letters:  Obtain strong letters that are well-written. You need to sell yourself and be competitive.
  • Research Experience:  Whether publications or presentations, be able to demonstrate the significance of your work, be knowledgeable on your research topic, how your research will make an impact. Get excited about your research and think about how you want to continue research through Fellowship and beyond.
  • Application:  List community service projects, write clearly and demonstrate the spectrum of your academic record. List all pertinent accomplishments.
  • Interview/Selection Process:  Clinical performance, rotation evaluations, and interpersonal skills are important, as well as the reputation of your program, involvement in research, and medical knowledge (e.g., USMLE). Be prepared for questions (why are you different, why this field, this particular program, your weaknesses, where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?). Be confident. Ask your own questions. Eye contact and professionalism are important. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, plan your route the day before and allow time for travel delays and mishaps.
  • Keep in Contact:  Send thank you notes, maintain follow-up, listen for vacancies or announcements, consistently check and re-check websites.
  • Maintain Perspective:  Stressful situations can blur your goals and/or perspective. Strategize early - you may have to make difficult decisions to make when the offers start rolling in!

MyERAS® Documents for Fellowship Applicants

New section.

  • Sign In to MyERAS
  • ERAS® Fellowship Application Timeline
  • ERAS® Participating Specialties and Programs

Within your MyERAS ® account, you may create personal statement(s); identify the people who will write your letters of recommendation (LoRs); and release your Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) and/or United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) transcripts. You will also assign most documents to the programs, track the status of these and any additional ERAS documents. Applicants should research programs individually to determine those requirements before making document assignments.

The ERAS Fellowship Documents Office ( EFDO) is the Designated Dean's Office for all fellowship applicants whether a U.S. medical school graduate or an international medical school graduate. Applicants should visit the EFDO website for information about submitting their documents for upload or obtaining contact information when additional information is needed. The EFDO no longer accepts paper documents for fellowship applications. Documents sent via mail or courier to their offices will not be processed.

EFDO Online Services allows applicants to upload certain document types themselves, as well as send requests to your medical school to upload their MSPE and medical school transcript. A unique link to the EFDO Online Services account for each applicant is only available within the MyERAS portal on the Additional Documents page under Documents.

Below you will find an overview of each of the main documents used in ERAS. For detailed information, please see the Documents section of the MyERAS user guide.

Tracking Documents

Uploaded but Unassigned LoRs - Count of LoRs that have been uploaded but are not assigned to any programs, highlighting that assignments may need to be made.

Unassigned Personal Statements - Count of Personal Statements that have been saved but are not assigned to any programs, highlighting that assignments may need to be made.

Latest USMLE Request Status - Current status of the latest request made to the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates ( ECFMG) (for IMG Residency) after at least one program has been applied to with the USMLE transcript assigned.

Latest COMLEX-USA Request Status - Current status of the latest request made to the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) after at least one program has been applied to with the COMLEX-USA transcript assigned.

Status of Additional Documents - Status of all other applicable documents as either Not Uploaded or Uploaded.

Dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.

File Size: 100kb

Personal Statement

Special Note About Formatting

Creating LoR Entries - You must create a LoR entry for each LoR you intend to use during the application season.

Confirming LoR Entries - You must confirm a LoR entry before an associated Letter ID can be generated.

Uploading LoRs - The Letter ID contained in the LoR Request form must be used to upload the associated LoR through the Letter of Recommendation Portal (LoRP) .

Assigning LoRs - Applicants may assign of up to four (4) LoRs to each program.

Authorizing the Release for the USMLE Transcript - Applicants must authorize the release of their USMLE transcript in order to make assignments of the USMLE transcript to the programs they designate.

Paying for the USMLE Transcript - The NBME or ECFMG (for IMG Residency) charges a one time fee of $80 for transmitting USMLE transcripts to the programs designated by applicants.

Viewing the USMLE Requests Status Report - Applicants can view the USMLE Requests Status Report to track the status of their USMLE requests by program.

Authorizing the Release for the COMLEX-USA Transcript - Applicants must authorize the release of their COMLEX-USA transcript in order to make assignments of the COMLEX-USA transcript to the programs they designate.

Paying for the COMLEX-USA Transcript - The NBOME or ECFMG (for IMG Residency) charges a one time fee of $80 for transmitting COMLEX-USA transcripts to the programs designated by applicants.

Viewing the COMLEX-USA Requests Status Report - Applicants can view the COMLEX-USA Requests Status Report to track the status of their COMLEX-USA requests by program.

Medical School (MS) Transcript

American board of surgery in-training examination (absite), img-only documents.

ECFMG Status Report: The ECFMG Status Report confirms the ECFMG certification status for an IMG residency applicant. This report contains the month and year that examinations were passed for ECFMG Certification, but does not contain your USMLE transcript.

Please contact the AAMC Support Center (ASC) .

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET

Closed Thursday, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. ET

Please visit ERAS ®  Fellowships Documents Office (EFDO) website.

Please visit this page to stay up to date on ERAS news and announcements.

The MyERAS User Guide, ERAS timeline, FAQs and more are available to provide helpful information to fellowship applicants about the MyERAS application and ERAS process.

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Fellowship Applications: You Are Doing More Than You Think You Are Doing

This is a slower season for fellowship applications as there are few big deadlines right around the corner. Not actively working on an application could add to the common desperate grad school feeling of “I should be doing more”; however, we want to encourage you to see that you’re doing more than you think you’re doing . The projects that you’re chipping away at now—whether your dissertation, a journal article, a conference presentation, or your teaching—are all valuable contributions to your future self and future fellowship applications. 

Graduate students are sometimes urged to manage their time by distinguishing the urgent tasks from the important tasks. However, in his lovely book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals , Oliver Burkeman counters that humans often struggle to distinguish between urgent and important tasks because there are simply too many important activities to fit into a human life of approximately four thousand weeks. Fellowship applications are often urgent but can also be important; the required letter(s) of recommendation are a good example of how you are working on multiple important tasks at one time. 

Getting great letters of recommendation is important and depends on building and actively maintaining productive relationships with those who will write the letters. In order to write a letter that truly reflects your strength as a candidate, writers should know you well and be invested in your work. This investment can be earned through proactive communication with them over a period of time, as well as a genuine interest in their work. Tasks not directly related to your fellowship application still serve you as a fellowship applicant. For example, if your advisor recruits you to help organize a departmental symposium, your efforts will give them a more well-rounded sense of your academic service abilities and your collegiality. This will strengthen the letter of recommendation you will ask them for in the medium- or long-term. 

We hope remembering that you are doing multiple important tasks at once is helpful, and we in the  Graduate Center Office of Fellowships and  Graduate Writing Lab are always here to help you with both the urgent and the important. 

GEM Fellowship

  • Universities

fellowship application letter of recommendation

Application Instructions

  • application process

Fellow Selection

fellowship application letter of recommendation

Access the Application

Thank you for your interest in The National GEM Consortium’s graduate engineering and science fellowship programs.

You may register and begin the application process via eGEM , GEM’s online application system.

If you have started an application, log in to retrieve it.

  • eGEM APPLICATION PORTAL

Application Process

Registering with eGEM creates an account that allows you to work on your application securely, to save draft work, and return later to complete and submit online. After registering, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with information for later use.

After registering, you will be taken to the application form. Answer the questions carefully and accurately and include your resume and unofficial transcript. You will need to have your employment and educational history (and if applicable information on research experiences) handy to complete the questionnaire. If you cannot answer all the required questions, you can save your draft application and return to the application later to complete.

Note on GRE Scores: You are not required to submit your official GRE Score Report by the application deadline. However you are required to answer all of the questions as prompted about the GRE in your eGEM application. If you have taken the GRE you can self report your scores and scan and upload your score report. If selected for the fellowship, GEM will request to have an official GRE score report on file. If you choose to have your official report sent to GEM (not required), our code is 1305 (listed under the state of Indiana).

Remember, GEM applicants are required to apply to at least 3 GEM Member Universities. GEM wants to ensure that you have all necessary requirements to meet all 3 University’s application requirements. Although not required, we strongly recommend that you take the GRE.

GEM waives the requirement to apply to 3 GEM universities only if you are currently ENROLLED and MATRICULATING in a Master/PhD engineering or applied science program at a current GEM member university. To ultimately be confirmed as a GEM Fellow, your current matriculating university MUST provide confirmation of their willingness to sponsor you as a GEM Fellow. If you are selected by a GEM employer sponsor for GEM Fellow support, the university will be notified that confirmation of full sponsorship up to 2 years for MS Fellows and 5 years for PhD Fellows is required to confirm an applicant as a GEM Fellow.

Requires you to submit supplemental material:

  • Statement of Purpose – You must submit at least a one page statement of purpose that outlines your academic, research and/or career goals by 11:59 PM Eastern on the second Friday in November. For tips go to www.statementofpurpose.com.
  • Letters of Recommendation – Request three letters of recommendation and ensure that you have entered in your recommender’s email addresses to ensure submission by the second Friday in November. Please make sure at least one recommendation is from a faculty member. When you hit “submit” on your on-line application, your recommenders will receive an automatic email from the GEM application system. We will not accept letters via email or via postal mail. At least two of your recommenders must submit their recommendations on-line by 11:59 PM Eastern on the second Friday in November.

Review your application and submit online. At time of application, you will be asked to upload unofficial transcript(s) only. Official transcripts are not required until you are selected, effective August 17, 2012.

If you are selected for a GEM Fellowship, you will be required to submit an official transcript from all universities and colleges attended. This includes a copy of current transcripts reflecting your most recent grades. Grade reports and monitor screen printouts are not acceptable as official transcripts.

If submitting official transcripts please send via postal mail or email to [email protected] :

The National GEM Consortium 1430 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Official transcripts are sent directly from the university or institution: Please do not email GEM your transcript.

fellowship application letter of recommendation

Process and Schedule

We continue to develop the GEM application process to make it as manageable and efficient for all parties involved. We appreciate your interest in GEM and will do our best to make your relationship with us be a positive one. We have a number of people involved in the application process. GEM Recruiters, Alumni, Minority Engineering Program Administrators, and Employer and University Members assist in recruiting students. This page has several types of information regarding the application process.

If you have other questions about this process, please contact us.

Schedule for Cycle

Additional information.

The GEM Office is responsible for soliciting, screening, and processing applications. Applications received by the submission deadline are screened and certified for eligibility. Those approved for fellowship consideration are forwarded to the GEM Selection Committee. Applications and application materials received after the submission date are not eligible for consideration. Students are matched to Employer members based on compatibility. The GEM Office notifies all applicants of their award status.

Award Notification

Selected applicants are sent a notification of GEM Employer sponsorship and are asked to complete three forms: Student Acceptance Agreement, Code of Conduct, and University Support Confirmation Agreement. The Student Acceptance Agreement is a contract between GEM and the student that specifies the Fellow will pursue and complete their degree under the terms and conditions as outlined in this Agreement. The applicant becomes a GEM Fellow once all forms are signed and submitted to the GEM National Office along with an OFFICIAL transcript from their current or last university attended.

GEM Consortium Members place applicants not selected on a list for possible later selection. All GEM Consortium Members receive lists of certified applicants not selected initially for GEM Fellowship awards. These applicants may be contacted directly by GEM Consortium Members for a future GEM Fellowship, to be named a GEM University or Associate Fellow, or possibly other educational or employment opportunities.

Graduate Admission

GEM Fellowship awards are only valid at GEM Member Universities, and each GEM University exercises its own admission requirements and standards which are independent of the GEM Fellowship requirements and standards. Applicants who are seniors or who have baccalaureate degrees must apply for graduate admission to GEM Universities at the same time they submit their application materials to the GEM Office.

Graduate Enrollment

The MS Engineering Fellowship requires a student to pursue a master’s degree in the same or related discipline in which they complete their undergraduate degree. Minor variations are permitted if specified on the fellowship application and approved by the GEM Employer Member; however, the length and level of funding associated with the award remains the same. Note, if a change in major requires a lengthier academic program to satisfy deficiencies or prerequisites, this is not a sufficient condition or justification for extending a fellow’s funding or granting a waiver of summer internship requirements.

Academic Requirements

Ms engineering program applicants:.

  • must be a senior, or graduate of an accredited engineering or computer science program at the time of application, and
  • must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8/4.0.

PhD Program Applicants:

  • must be a senior, masters student, or graduate of an accredited engineering or applied science program at the time of application, and
  • must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0/4.0.

Internship Requirements

  • MS Fellows are required to intern for a GEM Employer Member the summer immediately following selection, up until the MS requirements are completed.
  • PhD fellows are required to intern once for a GEM Employer Member, the summer immediately following selection. Applicants who are unable to intern are highly unlikely to be selected for the GEM Fellowship.

Knowingly providing false information may result in termination of the GEM fellowship.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the White House Fellows Program. The application period for the 2024-2025 fellowship year is now closed.

The selection process is very competitive. The White House Fellows Program office processes the applications, and former Fellows screen the applications, to identify the most promising candidates. Approximately one hundred of the most qualified applicants are selected to be Regional Finalists and are interviewed by eight to ten regional panels, which are composed of prominent local citizens. Chosen candidates then proceed to Selection Weekend for the final round of interviews.

The President’s Commission on White House Fellowships awards Fellowships on a strictly non-partisan basis, and encourages balance and diversity in all aspects of the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
  • Employees of the Federal government are not eligible unless they are career military personnel.
  • Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the time they begin the application process.
  • If you have additional questions about the program, please contact our program office at  [email protected]  or (202) 395-4522. If you encounter technical difficulties with your application, please contact  [email protected] .

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection as a White House Fellow is based on a combination of the following criteria:

  • A record of remarkable professional achievement early in one’s career.
  • Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth.
  • A demonstrated commitment to public service.
  • The skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal government, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

All these qualities combined with the strength of one’s character, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with others are taken into consideration when selecting a class of White House Fellows.

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Applicants will be asked to submit the names and email addresses of three recommenders (and one alternate recommender) within the application portal. We encourage you to complete this section of the application as early as possible to ensure that recommenders have ample time to submit letters of recommendation.

We also strongly encourage you to provide diverse letters of recommendation (i.e. academia, professional, community service). It is best to have recommendations from individuals who know you well and can fully answer the questions that are asked in the application. For example, a recommendation letter from a prominent person is not helpful if that individual cannot speak about your background and character.

At least one recommendation should be from an individual that can speak to your professional competence and accomplishments in your field. At least one recommendation should come from someone with knowledge of your community and civic activities. In addition, one recommendation should be from your current supervisor, if applicable. A recommendation from a prior supervisor is acceptable, but a current supervisor is preferred.

Please take caution when submitting your recommenders’ information to avoid mistakes, as this section of the application will be locked once you submit the information and the only way to make changes is through Technical Services at  [email protected] .

Your recommender will receive automated instructions on how to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf within 24 hours. If they do not receive this email, please contact Technical Services at  [email protected] ; please be sure to provide the name and email of the recommender who did not receive the instructions.

Please contact the program office at  [email protected]  or (202) 395-4522 if you have additional questions.

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How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter and Why You Need One

Posted: April 18, 2023 | Author: Clare-Estelle Perkins | Read Time: 3 minutes

How to ask for a recommendation letter

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is essentially someone's assessment of you and your potential. A writer lists your strengths and weaknesses so a potential employer or college/institution can have an idea of you and whether or not they want to admit you to their team.

Why are Letters of Recommendation Important?

Letters of recommendation are used for all sorts of professional advancement. Whether you are applying to a school, a new job, or a career position, letters of recommendation provide valuable information that may not be obvious from your application alone. That is why getting quality letters of recommendation is so important.

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Requesting a letter of recommendation can be an uncomfortable thing. You are asking a person of authority to write a good review of you. You want to ask someone who you have a positive relationship with, someone who may also be invested in your success. This ensures that you will more likely be painted in a good light. You can request a letter of recommendation from a teacher, a coach, a previous employer, or an ecclesiastical endorser. Here are some tips for requesting a letter of recommendation:

  • Be straightforward. This is not a time to beat around the bush; that may only make it more uncomfortable. Tell them you need a professional letter of recommendation for your application and that you would be grateful if they wrote you one.
  • Let the person know why you are requesting this recommendation from them. For example, maybe you look up to them or you value their professional opinion.
  • Provide all the information. Explain the details of the application and be sure to clarify the deadlines to your writer. That being said, make sure to give them a generous amount of time before the deadline. Sometimes professionals are extremely busy so you may have to remind them. It is also a good idea to reach out to more recommenders just in case someone does not respond in time.
  • Try to include mentionable instances or talking points. Make an example of a work experience/career highlight or one of your positive personality traits to help get the ball rolling.
  • Offer to write a simple letter yourself. This sounds especially strange but happens more often than you’d think. These people of authority in your life are most often very busy. You could suggest that you write the letter, send it to them, and if they agree with what you wrote, they could sign it. If they agree with the things you wrote and decide to sign off on it, send it with your application.

A letter of recommendation can really help you in your job search and in your academic applications. Employers and admissions officers know what kind of person they want for their institution and a letter of recommendation sheds light on who you are. The more recommendations you can get, the better!

Learn more about recommendation letters, writing your resume, and other professional resources from the SUU Career and Professional Development Center .

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Home » Campus Life » Office of Nationally Competitive Awards » Awards » Priority Awards » Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times — poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism – the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and reflect the American people's compassion and support of human dignity. The Payne Fellowship, which provides up to $104,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, is a unique pathway to the USAID Foreign Service.

The Payne Fellowship Program awards up to thirty fellowships valued at up to $52,000 annually for a two-year program. At the conclusion of two years of study, the Payne Fellow is expected to obtain a degree in international development or another area of relevance to the work of the USAID Foreign Service at a U.S. graduate or professional school approved by the Payne Program.

Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

National Deadline: October 26, 2023

Fellowships for Graduate Studies   The award includes up to $24,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master’s degree at a U.S. institution; a $18,000 stipend for each academic year for room, board, books and other education-related expenses; and up to $10,000 per year in stipend, housing, transportation, and related expenses for summer placements.

Orientation  New Payne Fellows will participate in an orientation at Howard University in May, shortly after their selection. The purposes of this orientation are to familiarize the Fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and to enhance their understanding of, and skills for, international development careers.

Two Summer Placements  Payne Fellows will participate in two internships. The first, an internship working on international issues in Washington, DC, will occur in the summer after being selected and before the first year of graduate study. The second will be an overseas internship in a USAID Mission that takes place during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study.  The program will provide stipends, housing, and transportation.

Mentoring  Each Fellow will receive mentoring throughout the duration of the fellowship as well as during his/her early employment at USAID.

Curriculum  Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as development, economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration foreign languages, agriculture, environmental sciences, or urban planning at a graduate or professional school approved by the Payne Program. Studies in law do not satisfy this requirement.  Applicants apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S. universities simultaneously with their application to the Payne Program.

Employment/Contractual Obligations  Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as USAID Foreign Service Officers.  Each Payne Fellow who obtains a master’s degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Payne Program and the subsequent five year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens.
  • Be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2023 for a two-year program at a U.S. university.  They can be in the senior year of their undergraduate studies, graduating by June 2023, or they can be college graduates.
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
  • Completed online application
  • Personal Statement (600 word limit)
  • Statement discussing financial need (400 word limit)
  • Payne's sample recommendation form here
  • Proof of US Citizenship
  • Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
  • Official Financial Aid Statement from applicant's senior year
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended for credit
  • Intake form
  • Records Release Form  and submit to  [email protected]
  • Launch your online application
  • Complete and submit application by National Deadline on October 26, 2023
  • Candidates selected for final consideration will be invited to Washington, D.C. for interviews in  mid-January
  • Information on this page is intended to supplement, not supplant, your own careful review of the official Payne website. If you find any discrepancy between the two, the Payne website takes precedence.
  • Though you should seek out others’ advice and feedback on your application, the essays should be your original work (no one should be writing your essays for you). UC’s  Student Code of Conduct  applies.

If you're interested in a career in international affairs, you may want to explore these other options, too:

  • The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program
  • The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program

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Service Fellow (Health Communications and Marketing)

Location: Atlanta, GA Apply by: February 29, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency Americans trust with their lives. As a global leader in public health, CDC is the nation’s premier health promotion, prevention, and preparedness agency. Whether we are protecting the American people from public health threats, researching emerging diseases, or mobilizing public health programs with our domestic and international partners, we rely on our employees to make a real difference in the health and well-being of our people here and around the world.

The National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities is seeking an individual who possesses the energy, passion, and commitment to Health Communications and marketing practices. The Health Communications Fellowship program at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides opportunities for talented individuals to engage in public health communications.

This position is in the Health Communications and Science Branch, Office of the Director, located at the CDC Chamblee campus in Atlanta, GA. This full-time Health Communications Fellowship is a temporary appointment that is 1 year in duration and may be renewable for up to 3 years with satisfactory performance. The fellowship appointments are eligible for benefits and is based on OPM requirements.

  • Relocation expenses are not provided.
  • The position is telework eligible as determined by CDC policy.
  • This position is not remote eligible.

Job Description

  • Knowledge of basic communication and marketing principles, methods, theories, practices, and techniques. Knowledge of basic social media practices and principles. Ability to help identify information gaps/needs and opportunities to: define and describe target audiences; to collaborate with staff and partners in formulating communication and marketing strategies; and to plan and implement health communication and marketing strategies and partnership efforts.
  • Knowledge of basic audience research and evaluation methods, and their use in the development of health communication and marketing messages, strategies, programs, and policies.
  • Knowledge of basic principles and practices for building interpersonal relationships, especially the skills for working with internal and external teams; for establishing contacts; and for maintaining relationships with internal and external partners.
  • Skill in oral communication techniques to participate on teams and work groups, make internal presentations, and serve as a liaison to other agency staff.
  • Skills in written communication techniques to write a variety of documents, for the general public, reports on programs and activities, and communication and marketing plans.

The incumbent for this position will perform the following duties:

Under supervision of senior staff, consults with experts (e.g., organizational, community, mass media) and media outlets to research appropriate formats (e.g., pamphlets, Web, curricula) for channels and messages, coordinates efforts with public affairs specialists.

  • Supports social media efforts by drafting and publishing social media content, managing and engaging with CDC’s social media community, supporting social media events (e.g., X (formerly Twitter) Q&As and chats, Facebook Live events), supporting the social media council and triaging requests and activities.
  • Works with other communicators on specific projects and programs.
  • Manages social media calendar and health observances.
  • Coordinates external meetings and social media video production.
  • Ensures that documents conform to agency policies, branding, and style.
  • Tracks communication projects and supports internal meeting management.
  • Provides administrative support the to the team.
  • Prepares presentation materials (e.g., talking points, Power Point slides) for meetings, site visits, etc.

Basic Qualifications

Degree: This position requires master’s degree in a subject area related to public health, community health, health education, communications, marketing, digital media, or journalism. Candidates must have a Master’s degree within the last year or will receive it by May 2024. Bilingual skills are preferred, but not required.

Note: Degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education  at the time the degree was obtained.

Basic Requirements

  • Note: Non-US citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized experience requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. Citizens of countries on the Non-Aligned list (including China, India, and Switzerland) are eligible for this appointment. Citizens of countries that have been determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be State Sponsors of Terrorism will not be able to obtain a security clearance to work at CDC and should not be considered for this appointing authority. Countries currently on this list include: North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Syria.
  • Successful completion of a background investigation

This position has an education requirement: Upon request, you must submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. Failure to submit transcripts or indicated college courses information will cause loss of consideration for this position.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information, review the new hire information  page.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Application (CV or resume)
  • Official transcripts/diplomas for highest degree earned that qualified applicant for the position. Foreign degrees must be translated to English and have an equivalency letter of certification.
  • Copy of DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable.
  • Two letters of professional recommendations from outside of CDC, dated within one year of appointment.
  • If non-U.S. citizen, copy of visa or complete visa package to be sent to the CDC Immigration Office, (NOTE: Appointment dates will not exceed the official work authorization dates).

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

How to Apply

Email all required documentation listed above to: [email protected]  by 11:59 PM EST February 29, 2024.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and there will be interviews. If selected, the following documentation will be required:

  • Official transcripts issued directly to the CDC (these may be sent to the program or to HR by the school).
  • Two letters of recommendation from outside CDC (dated within one year).
  • Human Resources, in coordination with the program office, will notify the selectee and negotiate the effective date of the position.

Visit our pathways page to learn more about public health training and fellowships at CDC.

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
  • Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
  • You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
  • CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

IMAGES

  1. FREE 11+ Sample Recommendation Letter Templates in PDF

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  2. Recommendation Letter for Scholarship

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  3. 30 Recommendation Letter for Fellowship

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  4. 40 Amazing Scholarship Recommendation Letter Samples

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  5. Best Sample Letter of Recommendation for Fellowship Program

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  6. Gratis aanbevelingsbrief voor medische fellowship

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Fellowship Letter of Recommendation in 6 Steps

    The body paragraphs in the letter may include descriptions of the applicant's past work, why you think they're a good fit for the fellowship program or an explanation of their character traits that contribute to their strength as a student. The body paragraphs contain the bulk of your recommendation. 5. Write a conclusion.

  2. Sample Recommendation Letter for Fellowship Applicant

    Sample Recommendation Letter for a Fellowship. I am proud to recommend a beloved student, Kaya Stone, for your fellowship program. I was asked to write as one who has functioned in the capacity of an employer of Kaya, but I would first like to say a few words about him as a student. Kaya is a highly intelligent, perceptive young man.

  3. Professional Letters to Support a Fellowship Application

    A letter of recommendation is an integral part of any fellowship application. It provides the selection committee insight into an applicant's character and qualifications. And this can be a deciding factor in whether or not the applicant is awarded the fellowship.

  4. Writing Letters of Recommendation

    Letters of recommendation for major fellowships are typically one-and-a-half to two pages single-spaced. If you are writing multiple letters for the same candidates, check your final copies to make sure the letter references correspond to the fellowship. A wonderful Luce recommendation that reads "John is a most deserving candidate for a Starr ...

  5. Letter of Recommendation for a Fellowship (Template)

    Letter Resources. A letter of recommendation for fellowship is a letter written to a fellowship committee on behalf of a candidate. The letter should highlight the candidate's strengths and why they would be a good fit for the fellowship. It is important to tailor the letter to the specific fellowship for which the candidate is applying.

  6. Letters of Recommendation

    Bryan Keller, Recipient of over $100,000 in Fellowships and Awards. "Letters of Recommendation are important, and you should not ask someone to write you a letter if they do not know you well. Most reviewers would rather hear from your manager of a couple years vs. a department chair who has only interacted with you a few times. Additionally ...

  7. Writing Letters of Recommendation

    Be honest with yourself. Consider whether you can dedicate the time and energy to writing a detailed letter. If not, say no (see below.) Avoiding Racial Bias in Letter of Reference Writing. Avoiding Gender Bias in Letter of Reference Writing. Think about how your letter of recommendation might help shape an interview with the fellowship committee.

  8. Recommendation Letters

    Recommendation Letters. Recommendation letters are a critical element of every application. They validate the claims you've made as an applicant, providing specific examples and details of your academic accomplishments, personal endeavors, and character. Selection committees rely on them to impartially evaluate your performance and potential to ...

  9. Requesting Letters

    A copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine) The official description of the criteria the recommender's letter should address. The timeline you are working to and the deadline of the fellowship application. Write your recommenders and language evaluators a note of thanks—and don't forget to let them know what happens.

  10. Writing Letters of Recommendation

    Make sure your final letter appears on official letterhead and is signed. Address your letter to the selection committee for the scholarship or fellowship (e.g. "Dear Truman Scholarship Selection Committee,"). Leave out information about yourself and your academic background unless it is directly pertinent to your assessment of the student ...

  11. Recommendation Letter For Fellowship

    Dedicate a paragraph explaining why the applicant is an ideal candidate for the institute. Justify your statements about the candidate using practical examples. Open the letter with a strong introduction and close it with a convincing conclusion. Follow the sample recommendation letter for fellowship program closely.

  12. Writing Letters of Recommendation for Fellowships

    Tips and Suggestions. Address your letter to the selection committee for the scholarship or fellowship they are applying for. (For example, "Dear Goldwater Scholarship Selection Committee.") Discuss how long you have known the applicant and in what context. Wherever possible, provide specific and detailed examples of what the applicant has done ...

  13. Advising and Letters of Recommendation

    The fellowship application process is of great educational value and can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Advisors play a key role in helping students through the fellowship journey. ... Tip: Think about how your letter of recommendation might help shape an interview with the fellowship committee. What Hurts. On the ...

  14. Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

    As the application submission deadlines loom closer (within 6 months), start collecting all the documents that you need to create your application. Some components depend only on you (e.g., the personal statement and resume) while other parts require input from busy people (e.g., letters of recommendation).

  15. Letter of Recommendation for a Fellowship (Template)

    A sample recommendation letter for a fellowship application is provided below: [ Date] Dear [ admissions counselors name], Introduction: Im writing this letter on behalf of [applicants name]. Theyre applying for admission to [name of fellowship program]. I had a working relationship with the applicant for [period of time] and was [type of ...

  16. Letters of Recommendation

    Phone: 508-831-5381. Fax: 508-831-5846. [email protected]. Think Through the Application Process First. Follow Up with Your Letter Writers. Strong letters of recommendation are critical and essential for strong fellowship, scholarship, and graduate school applications. Letters of recommendation stem from a relationship established with ...

  17. #8: Get a Great Recommendation Letter, Part 1

    By ProFellow Founder, Dr. Vicki Johnson. Most fellowships require one to three recommendation letters from people who can speak to your intellectual and professional accomplishments, as well as your personality. Many applicants simply take the instructions for the recommendation letter and flit them off to their chosen referees via email.

  18. Asking for Letters of Recommendation

    Ask for the letter of recommendation at least six weeks in advance of the deadline. You want your recommender to have time to craft a glowing letter. Requesting a professor's help too close to the deadline does not reflect well on your character, judgement, or professionalism. Although some professors are generous about these protocols ...

  19. Letters of Recommendation

    An "academic" letter of recommendation comes from someone who has supervised the applicant in coursework or research (ideally in a graded setting). All other letters are "personal" and do not need to be academic (but can be). All letters should come from someone who has supervised your work of some sort, whether academic, paid, unpaid ...

  20. How to Apply for a Fellowship: Tips and Resources

    Recommendation Letters: Obtain strong letters that are well-written. You need to sell yourself and be competitive. ... Get excited about your research and think about how you want to continue research through Fellowship and beyond. Application: List community service projects, write clearly and demonstrate the spectrum of your academic record ...

  21. MyERAS® Documents for Fellowship Applicants

    The ERAS Fellowship Documents Office ( EFDO) is the Designated Dean's Office for all fellowship applicants whether a U.S. medical school graduate or an international medical school graduate. Applicants should visit the EFDO website for information about submitting their documents for upload or obtaining contact information when additional ...

  22. Fellowship Applications: You Are Doing More Than You Think You Are

    Fellowship applications are often urgent but can also be important; the required letter(s) of recommendation are a good example of how you are working on multiple important tasks at one time. ... Tasks not directly related to your fellowship application still serve you as a fellowship applicant. For example, if your advisor recruits you to help ...

  23. Application Process

    Letters of Recommendation - Request three letters of recommendation and ensure that you have entered in your recommender's email addresses to ensure submission by the second Friday in November. ... Minor variations are permitted if specified on the fellowship application and approved by the GEM Employer Member; however, the length and level ...

  24. Apply

    The application period for the 2024-2025 fellowship year is now closed. ... a recommendation letter from a prominent person is not helpful if that individual cannot speak about your background and ...

  25. How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter and Why You Need One

    Here are some tips for requesting a letter of recommendation: Be straightforward. This is not a time to beat around the bush; that may only make it more uncomfortable. Tell them you need a professional letter of recommendation for your application and that you would be grateful if they wrote you one. Let the person know why you are requesting ...

  26. Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program

    Fellowships for Graduate Studies The award includes up to $24,000 per year toward tuition and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master's degree at a U.S. institution; a $18,000 stipend for each academic year for room, board, books and other education-related expenses; and up to $10,000 per year in stipend, housing, transportation, and related expenses for summer placements.

  27. Service Fellow (Health Communications and Marketing)

    Two letters of recommendation from outside CDC (dated within one year). Human Resources, in coordination with the program office, will notify the selectee and negotiate the effective date of the position. Visit our pathways page to learn more about public health training and fellowships at CDC.

  28. Press release: Application opens for Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation

    Arlington, Texas— The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation opened its application today for the 2024 Charley Pride Fellowship Program. In its fourth year, the program will again see five college students from diverse backgrounds spend their summer working in the World Series Champion Texas Rangers front office for this unique internship program.