Solid letters of recommendation contain a number of common traits. Committees that review JSD Summer Research Fellowship Applications have developed the following guidelines for faculty mentors that write letters in support of Student Research Applicants.

Comments from the Review Committee include:

"I like when I come away feeling that the writer really knows the student. One or two anecdotes about the person's strengths really helps with my decision."

Specific personal knowledge is much better than just "this student is a nice person." A great letter often describes a particular experience or relationship with the writer; it means the writer really cares about and knows the candidate well. Remember, the committee is trying to project how this student performs. A good letter should address that.

• Begin the letter by briefly stating your position, where you work, your relationship to the applicant, and how long you have known and/or worked with the applicant.
• Describe the candidate's personality and work ethic, using concrete examples that demonstrate a strong relationship.
• Be vivid and specific, including memories of the candidate, anecdotes, something to indicate that you know this candidate very well and think highly of him or her. Letters that matter to the review committee bring the candidate to life on the page.
• If the applicant will use any complex techniques or need any specific instrumentation or facilities, the letter should indicate the availability of the equipment and training in its use.
• We prefer that all or most of the funds awarded to the student researcher be used to cover student salary. If non-salary items (e.g., consumables, equipment, software, or travel) are required for the project, please tell us whether you have, or will have, funds to cover such items.
• If the applicant's work falls within the constraints of an ongoing project, clearly state how the applicant's work meshes with the larger project and is a unique contribution.
• Describe and evaluate in detail the student's scholarly work, especially work related to the proposed research project, if possible. The letter should help the review committee understand the significance of this research, and the potential for contribution that it has.
• Address the scholarship criteria specifically in ways that demonstrate your abundant confidence in the student and your knowledge of the candidate beyond grades and classroom performance.
• When possible, please provide evidence of the candidate's leadership and teamwork skills. The most effective letters use narrative technique to highlight the student in action; as a group leader in classes, lab assistant, researcher, volunteer, employee, innovator, etc.
• Reflect, refer to, and elaborate on themes in the candidate's proposal. The student should provide a copy of this proposal for you. Request one from him or her if the student hasn't already provided it for you.
• Rank the candidate in relation to other students you have mentored/taught/worked with, if possible.
• The length of letters of recommendation varies greatly, but one page is generally enough. The most effective letters consist of wisely chosen content. Remember that a concise letter is usually more useful than an overly verbose one.

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