application letter for fellowship training

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

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.

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.

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.

Explore All Write A Good Reference Articles

Writing a character reference letter: an effective guide.

Writing a reference letter for someone’s character can be a huge responsibility.  Vouching for a person’s character is more than just…

• Write A Good Reference

A Guide to Writing an Effective Adoption Reference

An adoption reference letter is one of the vital requirements when it comes to home study documentation for adoption. The…

Essential Tips for Writing Better Visa Reference Letters

One of the most challenging aspects of global travel process is getting a well-written visa reference letter. You must be…

Guide on Writing Standard Textbook References

Academic writing draws on the knowledge and experience of multiple authors, not just one. It incorporates concepts and analysis from…

A Guide to Writing an Effective Employee Reference

When an employee leaves your company, providing them with a reference letter might help them land their next job. A…

The Key to Effective College Recommendation Letters

Writing a college reference letter is a prime example of how words have the power to affect someone’s life. Recommendation letters…

A Compelling Cover Letter for a Fellowship Position

Winning a fellowship is a huge accomplishment, whether from your university or from an outside source. Because they are so highly competitive, students can place such an achievement on their resumes/CVs, later on, will always have an edge.

Applying for a fellowship is much like applying for a job. You will need a strong resume that is accompanied by a cover letter. That cover letter for a fellowship is a critical piece of your application packet because it is your personal introduction and encapsulation of your major achievements during your academic career thus far. 

As well, you want to show that you have clear career goals and how this fellowship will help in their achievement. To help with this, we have included a sample letter and some writing tips.

Cover Letter Sample For Fellowship in .docx Format

Here is a sample cover letter from a student who is seeking a fellowship to undertake a special project through an academic department at their university.

Download example (Word version)

Cover Letter Example For Fellowship – Plain Text

Dear Selection Committee Members,

My name is Elaine Ninja and I am writing to apply for a research fellowship from The Social Justice Foundation. I learned about this fellowship opportunity from Dr. Grant Mason, as he and I were discussing my upcoming sabbatical. It is my hope that you will find the project I am planning valuable enough to provide me with the fellowship that I am requesting. 

I am currently taking a sabbatical from my positions as a civil rights attorney and instructor at Wellburgh university in order to pursue a year-long social justice project. During this time, I will be partnering with Dr. Mason to create a legal advocacy program for at-risk populations who are unfairly targeted for punitive civil and other non-criminal legal actions. We will specifically focus on eviction actions and unfair employment actions. 

I am pursuing this, because my final research project as a law student at Wellburgh showed that minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, single parents, and the disabled are often targeted by punitive and retaliatory legal action by employers, landlords, and other entities. These actions are often taken after the target has taken some action to report illegal behavior or protect their rights. This project will establish a legal advocacy program to help those who are impacted respond to such actions.

My intention is to use the funds provided to cover my expenses during this undertaking. However, I will supplement any rewards received with a small monthly stipend I receive for teaching two undergraduate courses.

I have attached my CV, two letters of recommendation, and a more detailed description of this project. Please contact me with any questions. 

Thank you for considering me for this tremendous opportunity.

Regards, Elaine Ninja

Fellowship Cover Letter Writing Tips

It’s no secret that academic jobs and fellowships in particular are highly competitive. Nature Magazine reports that most early-career researchers need to file at least 15 applications to land a single offer. Moreover, job seekers who submit more applications end up getting a higher number of on-site interviews. What this data means for you is that you’d have to get a good dozen of customized cover letters ready. Below are several actionable tips to help you churn out those sample fellowship cover letters with high confidence! 

Review The Requirements

While many grants and scholarships are intended for a wide range of students, that’s not the case with a fellowship. These are often rewarded to students or other academic professionals who are pursuing very specific academic or research goals. In the case of the example above, the applicant is conducting a project with the support of their university and employer. 

The best way to be sure you qualify is to read the materials associated with the fellowship and get to know the purpose of the organization offering the award. This way you only go after options that you have a high chance of receiving.

Be Detailed-Oriented

Your CV and transcripts will only show what you have done so far. You are pursuing the fellowship to achieve future goals. This is your chance to introduce these goals and explain your intentions. Thus your letter should contain enough detail to help the reader fully understand your plans and concrete steps you intend to take to lead the project to successful completion. 

Write as a Colleague, Not a Student

If you are applying for a fellowship, you are a degreed professional. Chances are you work in the field and may be in charge of undergraduate students in your department even if you are just a postdoctoral employee . You have established your competence in your academic discipline and should write your cover letter accordingly. Be confident in the value of your research and academic pursuits. Refer to yourself using proper titles. Show respect and gratitude for consideration, but don’t fawn. Avoid seeming as if you are asking for permission to pursue your planned course of action.

Final Tip: Show a Community Benefit

While there is nothing wrong with pursuing graduate education for career purposes, consider the perspective of the selection committee. In many cases, this group consists of individuals with a stake in your field, the university, and the community at large. They want to know that funding you is something that will be worthwhile to them and their goals. Use your letter to show how your education or research will be helpful to your school, local community, or your colleagues.

Other Cover Letter Samples

Convincing cover letter example for part time job, a serious security guard cover letter example, cover letter for preschool teacher: example + tips, a professional biotech cover letter example.

A huge collection of cover letters created by a ninja team of writers and career advisors. Learn how to write, style and file cover letters that employers actually enjoy reading.

© Copyright 2023 Cover Letter Ninjas

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Disclosure Policy

Expert Consult

Applying for Fellowship: What You Need to Know

By Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc

Published July 21, 2017

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!

• Get the Job
• Resumes and CVs
• Applications
• Cover Letters
• Professional References

Professional Licenses and Exams

• Get a Promotion
• Negotiation
• Professional Ethics
• Professionalism
• Dealing with Coworkers
• Dealing with Bosses

Communication Skills

Managing the office, disabilities, harassment and discrimination, unemployment.

• Career Paths
• Compare Careers
• Switching Careers
• Training and Certifications
• Start a Company
• Internships and Apprenticeships
• Entry Level Jobs
• College Degrees

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

How to write a cover letter for a fellowship.

Graduate and postgraduate students often must pursue a fellowship for financial support to conduct their research or to complete training or internships necessary for school and their career. A cover letter is typically the first thing the recipient reads in your fellowship application, so it needs to be convincing and well-written.

Start a new document on your computer and choose a cover letter template if one is available. Make a header that includes your name (in larger and bolder font), followed by your address, phone number, email address and website (if applicable).

Type a formal salutation that addresses the recipient by name. This may mean you have to do extra research to find out who will be considering your letter and application. It is considered bad form to open a cover letter with a generic salutation, and your goal is to establish a personal connection with the individual who will be deciding on whether or not to grant your fellowship.

Type two to three sentences for the first paragraph to explain who you are, which university or organization you are a student or member of and what type of fellowship you are applying for.

Type five to seven sentences as your middle paragraph. This section should explain the work your or your organization is performing, its purpose and its benefits, and a short history of the work you have accomplished so far. In a polite but direct tone, provide a budget estimate of how much you will need granted in your fellowship to cover program costs as well as living expenses. Also provide information about your living situation, including housing, transportation and location. Explain that a more thorough summary of your project is contained in your fellowship proposal.

Type two to four sentences as your closing paragraph. Indicate that your resume (if required) and fellowship proposal are enclosed, and specify the method with which you would prefer to be contacted to discuss the opportunity further. Thank the recipient for his consideration and time.

• Be clear in explaining your needs, but in a polite tone that cannot be taken as desperate. It is important that your fellowship cover letter convince the recipient of your responsibility and professionalism.

Related Articles

The average salary of a grant writer →.

How to Write a Letter for an Externship →

Types of Letters of Intent →

Preparing a Curriculum Vitae for Teaching Nursing →

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Research →

How to become a plastic surgeon →.

• OWL: Purdue Online Writing Lab: Introduction to Resumes

Kara Page has been a freelance writer and editor since 2007. She maintains several blogs on travel, music, food and more. She is also a contributing writer for Suite101 and has articles published on eHow and Answerbag. Page holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas.

princigalli/iStock/GettyImages

• Job Descriptions
• Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
• Administrative Job Descriptions
• Healthcare Job Descriptions
• Sales Job Descriptions
• Fashion Job Descriptions
• Education Job Descriptions
• Salary Insights
• Journalism Salaries
• Healthcare Salaries
• Military Salaries
• Engineering Salaries
• Teaching Salaries
• Accessibility
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Copyright Policy
• Contact Us
• Find a Job
• Manage Preferences
• California Notice of Collection
• Terms of Use

Explore prestigious scientific journals and award and funding opportunities to advance your research.

Access practice-improvement tools, including guidelines, measures, and practice management resources.

Learn to effectively advocate on behalf of neurologists and their patients, and access AAN position and policy statements.

Loading... please wait

We’re experiencing unusually high levels of traffic. Thank you for your patience.

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!

ProFellow’s Step-by-Step Guide For a Competitive Fellowship Application

Whether you have 6 months or just a few weeks to prepare your fellowship application, our step-by-step guide will help you prepare a competitive fellowship application. The tips provided here have been compiled from insights from hundreds of fellowship winners in ProFellow’s International Fellows Network . For more tips on applying to specific fellowships, check out our interviews with former fellows .

Step 1.  Create a plan

Step 2.  Project proposal ideas

Step 3.  Talk to current / former fellows

Step 4.  Prepare an effective resumé

Step 5.  Find a host institution

Step 6.  Write a compelling personal statement

Step 7.  Prepare a strong project proposal

Step 8.  Get great recommendation letters (P1)

Step 9.  Get great recommendation letters (P2)

Step 10.  Nail the individual and group interviews

© Victoria Johnson 2014, all rights reserved.

Fellowship Resources

• Calls for Applications
• Upcoming Fellowship Deadlines
• Fellowships Database
• Interviews with Fellows
• International Fellows Network
• Graduate Funding Directory

Fellowship Tips

• What is a Fellowship?
• Fully Funded Course
• Graduate School Funding
• Fellowship Application Tips
• Fulbright Application Tips
• Fellowship Application Guide
• Our Mission, History & Values
• ProFellow Winner Testimonials
• Fully Funded Course Testimonials
• Fellowship Industry Report
• Advertise With Us
• Terms & Privacy

ProFellow is the go-to source for information on professional and academic fellowships, created by fellows for aspiring fellows.

©2011-2024 ProFellow, LLC. All rights reserved.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Fellowship Applicant

jackmac34/Pixabay

• Recommendation Letters
• Choosing a Graduate Program
• Tips & Advice
• Admissions Essays
• Medical School Admissions
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Business School
• Distance Learning

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

• Sample Recommendation Letter From Teacher
• Sample Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
• 3 Types of Recommendation Letters
• The Timing of Requesting Graduate School Recommendation Letters
• Should You Get a Recommendation for Grad School from Your Therapist?
• Sample Graduate School Recommendation Letters
• Grad School Recommendation Letter by a Professor Sample Template
• Sample Poor Letter of Recommendation
• Sample Graduate School Recommendation by a Professor
• Don'ts for Getting Letters of Recommendation for Grad School
• Graduate School Recommendation Letter From Professor
• Recommendation Letter Etiquette
• How to Get a Letter of Recommendation After Graduation
• Should You Write Your Own Recommendation Letter for Graduate School?
• Thanking a Professor for Writing a Letter of Recommendation
• Characteristics of Effective Grad School Recommendation Letters

• History, Facts & Figures
• YSM Dean & Deputy Deans
• YSM Administration
• Department Chairs
• YSM Executive Group
• YSM Board of Permanent Officers
• FAC Documents
• Current FAC Members
• Appointments & Promotions Committees
• Ad Hoc Committees and Working Groups
• Chair Searches
• Leadership Searches
• Organization Charts
• Faculty Demographic Data
• Professionalism Reporting Data
• 2022 Diversity Engagement Survey
• State of the School Archive
• Faculty Climate Survey: YSM Results
• Strategic Planning
• Mission Statement & Process
• Beyond Sterling Hall
• COVID-19 Series Workshops
• Previous Workshops
• Departments & Centers
• Find People
• Biomedical Data Science
• Health Equity
• Inflammation
• Neuroscience
• Global Health
• Diabetes and Metabolism
• Policies & Procedures
• Media Relations
• A to Z YSM Lab Websites
• A-Z Faculty List
• A-Z Staff List
• A to Z Abbreviations
• Terms, Privacy & Notices
• Dept. Diversity Vice Chairs & Champions
• Dean’s Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Affairs Website
• Minority Organization for Retention and Expansion Website
• Office for Women in Medicine and Science
• Committee on the Status of Women in Medicine Website
• Director of Scientist Diversity and Inclusion
• Diversity Supplements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recruitment
• By Department & Program
• News & Events
• Executive Committee
• Aperture: Women in Medicine
• Self-Reflection
• Portraits of Strength
• Mindful: Mental Health Through Art
• Event Photo Galleries
• Additional Support
• MD-PhD Program
• PA Online Program
• Joint MD Programs
• Advanced Health Sciences Research
• Clinical Informatics & Data Science
• Clinical Investigation
• Medical Education
• Visiting Student Programs
• Special Programs & Student Opportunities
• Residency & Fellowship Programs
• Center for Med Ed
• Organizational Chart
• Leadership & Staff
• Committee Procedural Info (Login Required)
• Faculty Affairs Department Teams
• Recent Appointments & Promotions
• Academic Clinician Track
• Clinician Educator-Scholar Track
• Clinican-Scientist Track
• Investigator Track
• Traditional Track
• Research Ranks
• Instructor/Lecturer
• Social Work Ranks
• Voluntary Ranks
• Adjunct Ranks
• Other Appt Types
• Appointments
• Reappointments
• Transfer of Track
• Term Extensions
• Timeline for A&P Processes
• Interfolio Faculty Search
• Interfolio A&P Processes
• Yale CV Part 1 (CV1)
• Yale CV Part 2 (CV2)
• Samples of Scholarship
• Teaching Evaluations
• Letters of Evaluation
• Dept A&P Narrative
• A&P Voting
• Faculty Affairs Staff Pages
• OAPD Faculty Workshops
• Leadership & Development Seminars
• List of Faculty Mentors
• Incoming Faculty Orientation
• Faculty Onboarding
• Past YSM Award Recipients
• Past PA Award Recipients
• Past YM Award Recipients
• International Award Recipients
• Nominations Calendar
• OAPD Newsletter
• Fostering a Shared Vision of Professionalism
• Academic Integrity
• Addressing Professionalism Concerns
• Consultation Support for Chairs & Section Chiefs
• Policies & Codes of Conduct
• First Fridays
• Faculty Facing Caregiving Need
• Fund for Physician-Scientist Mentorship
• Grant Library
• Grant Writing Course
• Mock Study Section
• Research Paper Writing
• Establishing a Thriving Research Program
• Funding Opportunities
• Join Our Voluntary Faculty
• Child Mental Health: Fostering Wellness in Children
• Faculty Resources
• Research by Keyword
• Research by Department
• Research by Global Location
• Translational Research
• Research Cores & Services
• Program for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Team Science (POINTS)
• CEnR Steering Committee
• Experiential Learning Subcommittee
• Goals & Objectives
• Faculty & Staff
• Issues List
• Print Magazine PDFs
• Print Newsletter PDFs
• YSM Events Newsletter
• Social Media
• Patient Care

INFORMATION FOR

• Residents & Fellows
• Researchers

Fellowship Application FAQs

Hi Everyone,

Fellowship application season is here, so this morning I’m going to tackle FAQs for current and future candidates.

What do fellowships look for? Programs want candidates who will work hard and contribute to their program. They seek fellows with the potential to become faculty. Selection committees look for evidence of clinical excellence, scholarship, citizenship, and interpersonal skills- emotional intelligence, professionalism, willingness to work hard, reliability, and kindness.

Am I competitive? You’re all competitive, but you need to match your interests with the right program. Some programs seek physician scientists, so if your focus is education, you may need to look elsewhere. Some specialties are especially competitive—particularly GI, cardiology, and heme-Onc—and the most sought after programs seek candidates with deep research and leadership portfolios. Faculty and residency leadership are here to guide you.

Where should I apply? Focus on programs that meet your professional and personal needs. Compared to residencies, which generally offer strong, broad education, fellowships often vary in their specific strengths. For example, some PCCSM programs are leaders in asthma or global health, while others are known for excellence in critical care, ILD, or sleep.* For more information, you should tap into the expertise of Yale faculty as well as alumni, who have trained throughout the country. Be sure to consider geography, particularly if you have a partner with work restrictions or you wish to train near family.

How many programs should I apply to? The answer varies by applicant and specialty, but considerations include specialty competitiveness, geographic restrictions, and whether you’re applying as a couple. You should only apply to programs that you’re sincerely considering. If your application has glitches (e.g., lower USMLEs, less scholarship, clinical struggles), you should include less competitive programs on your list. Many applicants get more interview invitations than they can accept. For candidates applying to competitive fields, 10-12 interviews should be enough.

Do I need to plan for coverage during interview season? Yes. By now, you should already have requested a non-backup elective and/or vacation during late summer or early fall. We will provide you with backup for one day during interview season if you have to interview while on a clinical rotation. For additional coverage, you will need to arrange swaps with colleagues.

How many letter writers do I need? Check fellowship websites for instructions, but most programs want four: a program director’s letter, a clinical letter in your specialty, a scholarship letter (e.g., from Research-in-Residency, a Quality Improvement Project, or a Distinction Project), and a wildcard. The latter will usually be a second clinical letter, for example from a longitudinal outpatient experience to complement an inpatient letter. You may also consider a second research letter if you’re applying to research-focused programs.

Who should I ask to write a letter: Ask faculty who know you well. Although letters are confidential, your MedHub evaluations will give you a sense of what would go into your recommendation. If you haven’t asked for letters yet, do it now. Once a faculty member agrees to write a letter, send them your CV, a draft of your personal statement, and an offer to meet with them to discuss your plans (not all letter writers need to meet with you, but it doesn’t hurt to ask). Get letter writers the information they need from ERAS to upload letters and let them know the deadlines.

What’s included in the program director’s letter? My letters are written according to APDIM guidelines (see the attached template). The letter provides information about our residency; assesses your clinical performance, medical knowledge, teaching ability, professionalism, and communication skills; highlights your scholarship and extracurricular contributions; and ends with an assessment of your fellowship potential.

How important is the personal statement? Very (see my prior Program Director’s Notes on this topic). Aim to excite fellowship directors about your candidacy: What drew you to the specialty? How do your past experiences show your potential? What do you hope to gain from training? What do you seek in a program? How do you hope to contribute to the field? What do you see yourself doing after training?

Should I apply this year? Hmm. Many residents apply at the end of their PGY2 year, but there are no rules. A Chief year can offer clinical and leadership experience and bolster any application. Experience as a hospitalist or primary care physician can add to your clinical maturity (I spent a year as an emergency medicine physician before fellowship). Waiting a year or two can give you more research and leadership opportunities as well as more time to decide which field to pursue. After spending time as a hospitalist or primary care physician, many graduates learn that general internal medicine is their true calling. The bottom line is you can apply now if you’re ready, but there’s no rush.

What do I do now? Good question. If you’re applying this year:

• Tell me, so I can start working on your letter. With 30+ letters to write, I need to start.
• Send me your CV and “talking points” to highlight in your PD letter.
• Send me a draft of your personal statement, which I’ll gladly review.
• Attend Fellowship Application Night this Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30P in Fitkin Amphitheater, hosted by Dr. Gupta. Fellowship Directors will be sharing their advice and I’ll be zooming in from Nova Scotia.
• Identify and confirm letter writers.
• Check ERAS’s website for deadlines. Note: it can take up to five business days to process uploaded materials, so don’t wait for the last minute!

If you have more questions, ask away. You’re a talented group and we’re going to have another successful year.

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone. Today, I’ll be driving to Nova Scotia for one more week of retreat.

*IMHO, Yale PCCSM is strong in all these areas... 😊

P.S. What I’m reading:

• As Bird Flu Looms, the Lessons of Past Pandemics Take On New Urgency
• How to Create a Society That Prizes Decency
• From the Embers of an Old Genocide, a New One May Be Emerging
• God’s Doctors

P.P.S. Acadia Pics:

Featured in this article

• Mark David Siegel, MD Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary); Program Director, Internal Medicine Traditional Residency Program

• National Institute of General Medical Sciences

• Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences
• Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
• Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry
• Research Capacity Building
• Training and Workforce Development
• Contacts by Research Area
• Funding Opportunities and Notices
• Post Award Information
• Submitting an Application
• NIH RePORTER
• Dashboard of TWD Funded Programs
• High School and Undergraduate
• Postbaccalaureate and Graduate Students
• Postdoctoral, Early Career, and Faculty
• Workforce Development
• Contact Information
• Division Structure and Programs
• Enhancing Diversity in Training Programs
• Evaluation Resources
• Laboratory Safety and Guidelines
• Training Resources
• Institutional Development Award (IDeA)
• Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH)
• Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA)
• Support for Research Excellence (SuRE)
• DRCB Staff Contacts
• Current NIGMS Funding Opportunities
• Parent Announcements for Investigator-Initiated Applications
• Research Project Grants (NIH Parent R01)
• Research With Activities Related to Diversity (ReWARD)
• Maximizing Investigators' Research Awards (MIRA)
• Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions (RLI-S10)
• Undergraduate-Focused Institutions
• Small Business Research
• Multidisciplinary Teams/Collaborative Research
• Technology Development
• Research Resources
• Clinical Studies and Trials
• Conferences and Scientific Meetings
• Administrative Supplements
• All Funding Opportunities
• Which Research Grant Is Right for Me?
• How to Apply
• Grant Application and Review Process
• NIGMS Funding Policies
• Post-Award Information
• Talking to NIH Staff About Your Application and Grant
• Considerations for Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI) Applications
• Attribution of NIH/NIGMS Support
• Message to NIGMS Investigators
• Research Using Human Subjects or Specimens
• Data Management and Sharing Plan Expectations for NIGMS Grantees
• xTrain Quick Reference Guide
• STEM Teaching Resources
• Coloring Pages
• Educator's Corner
• Image & Video Gallery
• NIGMS-Supported Resources
• Protein Alphabet
• Biomedical Beat Blog
• Featured Topics
• Past Campaigns
• Past Releases and Announcements
• Media Coverage
• Feedback Loop Blog
• NIGMS Events
• Judith H. Greenberg Early Career Investigator Lectures
• DeWitt Stetten Jr. Lectures
• Webinars for the NIGMS Training Community
• Face to Face with Program Directors
• Grant Writing Webinar Series for Institutions Building Research and Research Training Capacity
• Image and Video Gallery
• Director's Corner
• Organization and Staff
• Staff Directory
• Budget, Financial Management, and Congressional Material
• Strategic Plans
• Data Integration, Modeling, and Analytics
• Advisory Council
• Communications and Public Liaison Branch
• Job Vacancies
• Visitor Information

Highlight Header ​​​

Highlight Body

Related Information

Tips to prepare a fellowship application.

Prepare to apply

• Do your homework. Find others in your program who have earned a fellowship using NIH RePORTER , ask peers and mentors to share strategies, consider eligibility and the intent of fellowships. Search links to "prepare effective graduate fellowship application" for detailed tips. Read, and re-read the NIH program announcement.
• Communicate with your research sponsor, mentors and institutional officials. NIH applications are submitted electronically by the institution, and your grants or sponsored research office can help you with the eRA Commons account you must use. Consider who will provide your letters of recommendation and the process for submission. Talk with your research sponsor(s) about what you each will do for the application, and for the proposed fellowship.
• Contact the program officer at NIH if you have any questions about the application process.
• Plan your time. It will take a couple of months, part-time, to prep are an effective application. Do you have the time and focus to prepare an application? Remember to give all the others who will help you enough time, as well.

Draft a proposal

• The fellowship requires both a research plan and a career development plan, and both are important.
• Spend time developing the specific aims, and then seek input on the aims before preparing the whole proposal.
• Develop the proposal. Address hypotheses, rationale, experimental design, measurable results and interpretation, the impact if your ideas are right and alternative approaches if something doesn't work. Consider how your proposal develops skills you need—new techniques to the sponsor lab, new collaborators, experience presenting your ideas, etc.
• Draft a career development plan. What are your short term and longer term goals, and how will completing this fellowship develop the skills and knowledge you need? Who will teach you, when and how? Do you need local or national courses or workshops? How will you demonstrate your progress?
• Seek advice from your sponsor(s) and internal reviewers. Look for faculty who have served on fellowship panels who might provide advice.
• If personal or professional issues negatively affected your academic route (e.g., poor grades, semester off, etc.)  take the time to explain it in your personnel statement.

Submit (and Resubmit?)

• Following instructions from your grants or sponsored research office, your application will be submitted. Follow its status in eRA Commons, and eventually, you will get a priority score, a percentile score and summary comments.
• Contact the program officer indicated on your summary statement to discuss the review comments and next steps.
• If awarded, your grants or sponsored research office will need to follow the NIH policies for allowable expenses, and you will need to provide a report on your progress every year. See the relevant fellowship NOFOs and NIH'​s NRSA Policy for additional guidance on terms and conditions of the individual fellowship awards.

Connect With Us: Instagram Linkedin Subscriptions YouTube

• Your Privacy
• Accessibility
• Disclaimers
• HHS Vulnerability Disclosure
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health: NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®
• 45 Center Drive MSC 6200
• Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
• 301-496-7301

Fellowship Application Cover Letter

Save, fill-In The Blanks, Print, Done!

Download Fellowship Application Cover Letter

• This Document Has Been Certified by a Professional
• 100% customizable
• This is a digital download (26.12 kB)
• Language: English
• We recommend downloading this file onto your computer.

• Can-do, Will-do mentality;
• Leadership skills;
• Ability to multi-task;
• Ability to communicate;
• Hard work ethics;
• Creativity;
• Problem-solving ability;
• Structured and written to highlight your strengths;
• Brief, preferably one page in length;
• Clean, error-free, and easy to read;
• Immediately clear about your name and the position you are seeking.

DISCLAIMER Nothing on this site shall be considered legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is established.

Leave a Reply. If you have any questions or remarks, feel free to post them below.

Google Docs Templates

Related templates.

• Application Programmer Cover Letter Template
• Academic Reference Letter Librarian
• Academic Coordinator Recommendation Letter
• Recommendation Letter for Job Promotion

Latest templates

• Employment Candidate Rejection Letter
• Shoprite job application
• Doctor Job Application Letter response to advertisement
• Internship Student Email Letter

Latest topics

• Google Docs Templates How to create documents in Google Docs? We provide Google Docs compatible template and these are the reasons why it's useful to work with Google Docs...
• IT Security Standards Kit What are IT Security Standards? Check out our collection of this newly updated IT Security Kit Standard templates, including policies, controls, processes, checklists, procedures and other documents.
• Influencer Marketing Templates What makes a good influencer? Check out our effective and useful Influencer Marketing Templates here!
• GDPR Compliance Templates What do you need to become GDPR compliant? Are you looking for useful GDPR document templates to make you compliant? All these compliance documents will be available to download instantly...
• House Cleaning Schedule Daily Weekly Monthly Cleanliness is not just about what’s outside; it reflects what’s inside." Check out our House Cleaning Schedule Daily Weekly Monthly templates here.

A calm sea does not make a skilled sailor. | Unknown

ONLY TODAY!

Letter of Recommendation for a Fellowship (Template)

Want to crush your interview.

Learn how to ace your interview with superior confidence.

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.

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

More recommendation letter resources.

• College Student
• Eagle Scout
• Graduate School
• Scholarship
• How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
• How to Ask Someone to be a Professional Reference

Letter Resources

• Letter of Recommendation
• Reference Letter
• Character Reference Letter
• Business Letter
• Letter of Interest
• Employment Verification Letter
• Termination Letter

About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes , Glassdoor , American Express , Reader's Digest , LiveCareer , Zety , Yahoo , Recruiter.com , SparkHire , SHRM.org , Process.st , FairyGodBoss , HRCI.org , St. Edwards University , NC State University , IBTimes.com , Thrive Global , TMCnet.com , Work It Daily , Workology , Career Guide , MyPerfectResume , College Career Life , The HR Digest , WorkWise , Career Cast , Elite Staffing , Women in HR , All About Careers , Upstart HR , The Street , Monster , The Ladders , Introvert Whisperer , and many more. Find him on LinkedIn .

Fact checked: Our small and dedicated team rigorously evaluates every article, guide, and reference to ensure the information is accurate and factual. Learn more .

Popular Resources

35+ Phone Interview Questions & Best Sample Answers

Phone interviews have become a core part of the process when attempting to find a secured placement for an open position. Companies receive massive responses from potential candidates for any..

12+ Best Questions To Ask A Recruiter

Concerning a job search, you might receive numerous offers from your recruiters. Before you choose one, you need to assess all the conditions, for which it is vital that you know everything associated with the offered position..

Answering "What Makes You Unique" In A Job Interview

Answering this question during a job interview requires more than knowing why you are unique as an individual. Yes, the true scientific answer is made up of two main components: your..

250+ Ice Breaker Questions for Life

An ice breaker question is a question that’s asked from one person to another person in order to act as a conversation starter. It brings a connection...

10 Best Answers to "What Motivates You?"

Open-ended questions like “What motivates you?” can elicit a deer-in-the-headlights reaction from job candidates if they are unprepared. It’s a broad question and can leave the interviewer..

Answering "How Did You Hear About This Position" In An Interview

A lot of interviewers ask this question - how did you hear about this position? This way they can judge you if you are a passive or an active job seeker..

8 Best Thank You Emails After an Interview (Samples, Free Templates)

Writing a thank you note after an interview says a lot about you as a potential employee. Most notably, it says that you care about the opportunities presented..

Writing a Resignation Letter (How To Write It, Samples)

Writing the perfect letter of resignation is more of an art than it is a science. And we’re going to cover how to master that art form in this full guide..

How to End a Letter (Example Salutations, Sign Off's)

Knowing how to end a business note or email is an important skill to develop. It helps portray a sense of confidence, respect and tone to your message..

Help us by spreading the word

• Internships
• All Resources
• Cover Letters
• Job Descriptions
• Interview Questions
• Most popular
• Trivia Questions
• Trivia Questions for Kids
• 555 Meaning
• 333 Angel Number Meaning
• Most Likely To Questions
• Good Pick Up Lines
• Cute Names to Call Your Boyfriend
• Funny Insults
• Paranoia Questions
• 777 Angel Number Meaning
• Bad Pick Up Lines
• Funny Names

© Copyright 2024, algrim.co - Terms & Conditions - Privacy Policy - Illustrations

Gastroenterology Fellowship Program

How to apply, applicant information.

The Gastroenterology three-year training program participates in the National Matching Program to determine fellow selection.

• Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, and to provide a narrative personal statement, letter from their residency program director, dean's letter, and two additional letters in support of their candidacy. This is done only through ERAS.
• Applications that are complete are viewed by the Program Director. Applicants are then identified for an interview here at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
• Interviews are conducted by the Program Director, Division Chief and three other faculty in the Division.

Application Process

Our GI Fellowship program is enrolled through NRMP in the Medical Specialties Matching Program. Our listing has been University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital – NY. Our website is: www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/gastroenterology . We will be offering positions in the Clinical Track only at this time. Our program is registered to participate in ERAS and this is the only way we will receive applications. Our application deadline is August 4, 2024 .

Consistent with the ERAS Application Form, we do require the following additional documentation:

• Official Medical School Transcripts
• Copy of USMLE score reports
• Curriculum Vitae: Be sure that your honors are clearly detailed with attention to honor society memberships and awards, and also your research and scholarship experience with respect to abstracts, presentations, articles, lab experience and any advanced degrees.
• A personal statement of projected career plans, and a description of yourself, your background and what you perceive to be your strengths as a fellowship applicant
• A Dean’s letter from your medical school
• A letter of reference from your Medicine Residency program director
• Two letters of professional reference in addition to the Dean’s letter and program director’s letter (total of 4 letters)
• A personal photograph is requested to facilitate the interview process
• Legal Status: US Citizen, permanent resident or J-1 visa holder

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently asked Questions regarding the University of Rochester Gastroenterology fellowship Program.

• Our first-year positions with a start date of July 1, 2024 are full. We are participating in the Summer/Fall ERAS application system for the 2025-26 recruitment season for 3 positions with a start date of July 1, 2025. Interviews will be conducted between September and October and in accordance with AAMC recommendations, all interviews this season will be held virtually.
• If you are selected for an interview you will be notified by e-mail and/or phone call.
• We require four letters of reference, with one of these letters from the applicant's current program director.
• Applicant Eligibility Requirements
• Malpractice Cover Sheet

Contact Person

Fellowship Program Administrator: Anne Groth

[email protected] Gastroenterology Fellowship Strong Memorial Hospital Box 646 Fax: (585) 276-2246

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• About The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS)
• What Fellows Do
• Publications
• Promotion and Recruitment Tools
• Apply to Host a Fellow
• Request LLS Service

Applying to Be a Fellow

At a glance.

• The Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) program is unique, comprehensive fellowship that bridges technical laboratory training with applied public health practice.
• The fellowship selection process is highly competitive.
• Learn how to apply and stand out in the selection process.

Opportunities & Updates

Fellow application.

The application period for the LLS class of 2024 is now closed. Check back in 2025 for the next application period.

Steps to Apply to the Laboratory Leadership Service Program

• Check eligibility
• Review salary and benefits information
• Informational webinars for fellowship applicants
• Prepare application information and materials
• Complete online application

The LLS program is a one-of-a-kind fellowship opportunity that bridges lab science and public health and delivers expert training in the competencies required to lead a public health laboratory or program. It provides unparalleled opportunities for career growth and progression.

LLS fellows are selected from highly qualified, eligible applicants drawn to public health service who are interested in practical application of laboratory methods to a wide range of contemporary public health problems. To apply for LLS, you must:

• Be willing to commit to a 2-year, full-time program that begins in July with a month-long training in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Be willing to relocate to your assignment. Assignments may be at a CDC headquarters laboratory in Atlanta; another CDC laboratory throughout the country; or a state, local, territorial, or tribal public health laboratory.
• Meet the specified eligibility requirements .

The LLS application process is competitive. Successful applications include:

• A compelling explanation of the candidate's interest in a public health career
• Professional experience communicating technical laboratory skill, initiative, and leadership potential
• Volunteer experience that demonstrates a service-oriented mindset
• Personal statement responses that explain how LLS will help the candidate reach their goals

Applicants are encouraged to consult Frequently Asked Questions about Laboratory Leadership Service.

For LLS application questions, see our Program Information page or contact us at [email protected] .

Class of 2024 deadlines & decision dates

• Application period opens at 9:00 a.m. (ET) .
• Application period closes at 11:59 p.m. (ET) . All applications and supporting materials must be received by the deadline.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• LLS program reviews applications and selects applicants for interviews. Invitations to interview will be sent via email by the end of July.
• LLS program and potential host laboratories interview applicants virtually and successful candidates are matched with an LLS assignment.
• LLS program notifies final pool of candidates of matched or wait-listed status.
• Two-year fellowship begins. New LLS fellows start one-month orientation and summer course in Atlanta.
• New LLS fellows will report to their host site assignments immediately following summer course.

LLS matches candidates with partnering laboratory host sites to select its final class. The LLS Match process allows LLS candidates to interview with CDC and state, and local public health laboratories serving as LLS host sites.

Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS)

Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) program is a 2-year postdoctoral service learning program that combines core public health laboratory competency-based training with practical, applied investigations and service.

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Graduate Medical Education (GME): Rheumatology

Fellowship Program Director: Paul J DeMarco, M.D., FACP RACR RhMSUS

Overview The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases strives to mentor individuals wishing to pursue careers in academic medicine. While those participating in our program will fulfill all requirements for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) after two years of matriculation, we strongly encourage additional years of focused training. Applicants seriously wishing to pursue academic careers are expected to engage in three or more years of study. Offers to continue beyond the second year of study are based on merit. There are many opportunities for intensive clinical and basic science research training. The Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Program Structure The first year is mainly devoted towards ensuring clinical competence in the practice of rheumatology. Clinical rotations in the consultative practice of rheumatology, pediatric rheumatology, and the community based practice of rheumatology provide opportunities to hone one's clinical skills. Exposure to research activities ongoing within the institute is provided regularly. Limited participation in research activities is encouraged. In the second year, there is more direct involvement in research endeavors. The third year is designed towards more focused research study with the specifics determined by the particular projects selected. Clinical conferences, core rheumatology lectures, and clinical and basic science journal clubs are held weekly throughout the entire year. Fellows are encouraged to request clinical electives that are available at several locations throughout the metropolitan area. Attendance at local and national scientific meetings is highly encouraged to assist with the development of insight into clinical research and scientific investigation.

Both basic and clinical research training is available. Trainees work under the direct supervision of one of the M.D. or Ph.D. NIAMS senior staff. The research experience is characterized by close daily interaction with a preceptor and individual instruction. Ambulatory patient care is expected throughout the training period. During the first year, a fellow will select a research mentor (see Faculty) with approximately 20% of their time made available for the initiation of research projects. In the second and third years, approximately 80% of one's time is devoted to research training. All first-year fellows are required to enroll in the research course, Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, offered by the NIH Clinical Center. Fellows interested in advanced training in clinical research may apply for selection in the Duke-NIH Master's Course in Clinical Research during the third year of fellowship training. Those with interest in laboratory-based investigation are able to pursue endeavors in the laboratory primarily after the first year of training.

Additional Information For more information, please visit NIH NIAMS Rheumatology Training Program .

Application Information To apply, please visit ERAS . Applicants must have completed two or more years of internal medicine residency training. Residents in the American Board of Internal Medicine Clinical Investigator Pathway and those with advanced research preparation are strongly encouraged to apply. Residents in the American Board of Internal Medicine Clinical Investigator Pathway are eligible to apply. Successful completion of two years of study fulfills all requirements for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Rheumatology. We strongly encourage those serious in their academic pursuits to undergo additional years of focused training. Two positions are available each academic year. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Candidates will be selected for interview approximately 20 months prior to the desired appointment. The majority of interviews will be conducted approximately 15 to 20 months prior to matriculation.

• Our Training Programs
• What Makes Us Different
• Life in Washington, DC
• Federal Employment and Benefits
• GME Salaries, Benefits, Terms, and Conditions
• NIH Loan Repayment Program
• FAQ's - ACGME Programs
• FAQ's - Other Clinical and Translational Programs (non-ACGME)
• Our GME Office

Apply to Programs

• NIH Graduate Medical Education Application
• Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)

For further information, contact:

Paul J DeMarco, M.D., FACP RACR RhMSUS National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 10N311 Bethesda, MD 20892-1616 E-mail: [email protected]

2025 ERAS® Fellowship Application Timeline

New section.

ERAS timeline for the 2025 fellowship application season. 

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

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.

Google Chrome 

Mozilla Firefox 

Microsoft Edge 

Safari* 

*While most AAMC services  support certain browsers , the PDWS does not fully support Safari. We recommend Mac users use Firefox or Chrome.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

An agency of the European Union

• Media centre

Interested in a career in field epidemiology or public health microbiology? Apply now for the ECDC Fellowship Programme (EPIET/EUPHEM) Cohort 2025

Embark on a two-year hands-on training that enables fellows to support prevention, preparedness, and surveillance activities, outbreak investigation, and control of communicable disease threats across the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) – and beyond.

The programme includes practical experience and training activities in intervention epidemiology, public health microbiology, public health management, applied research, communication and teaching. 

The fellows in the EU-track are placed in one of the acknowledged EPIET or EUPHEM training sites outside their country/ies of nationality or citizenship. The list of available training sites for Cohort 2025 will be available before the selection interviews take place.

Which of the two tracks is suitable for you?

Field epidemiology (European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training, EPIET ): with a focus on intervention epidemiology at the national and regional centres for surveillance and control of communicable diseases in the European Union. This path is for you as European health professional with previous experience in public health or epidemiology, who want to pursue a career in field epidemiology.

Public health microbiology (European Public Health Microbiology Training Programme, EUPHEM ): you will work in laboratories with public health functions or training sites with a consortium of different laboratories in Europe. This path is for you as a microbiologist with a medical, veterinary or environmental microbiology background and a keen interest in applying epidemiological principles and methods to microbiological data used in the prevention and control of diseases in the human population.

For both EPIET and EUPHEM, the new cohort members will start their two years of training on 15 September 2025. Applicants must be nationals of an EU/EEA country and should have experience in public health, epidemiology, or microbiology.

Interested?  Deadline for the submission of applications is 22 October 2024, at 24.00 CEST.

Detailed information on how to apply and eligibility requirements can be found here:  

Call for application for ECDC Fellowship Programme EPIET and EUPHEM paths, EU-track, Cohort 2025

More on this topic.

Fellowship programme: EPIET/EUPHEM

The two-year ECDC Fellowship programme has two alternative paths: field epidemiology (EPIET) or public health microbiology (EUPHEM).

Fellowship experience

Each cohort follows a structured training path. Find out about the training programme in more detail, including the introductory course, pathway specific modules, field placements and supervision.

Talking about my fellowship - Marta and Sebastian

Meet Sebastian and Marta and discover what motivated them to join the fellowships and what their expectations for the future are!