Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation (LOR) are an important part of the fellowship application.  Your recommenders should know you well and be enthusiastically supportive of your application.  Professors are often the best choices for these letters because they are familiar with your academics, study habits, and research abilities.   Previous employers and other supervisors can attest to your work ethic, character and creativity, and thus can also be good sources for a letter.   If you are uncertain about whom to ask for an LOR, visit the CRC or ask the grant/fellowship contact for advisement.

Help your recommenders write as effective letters as possible by providing them with supporting information, such as your proposal, outside work and activities (your resume), transcript, and possible career plans.

Be sure to request letters from your professors early enough to allow them to write a carefully considered evaluation.  Review information about the CRC's Credential Service for storing letters of recommendation.