Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required for each applicant. Applicants should select recommenders who have a good understanding of the applicant’s academic history, goals, and direction, and who can speak to the applicant’s abilities and potential. To provide reviewers adequate time to write a strong letter, applicants should notify the individuals from whom they are requesting letters of recommendation as soon as possible through the online application system.

Recommenders selected by the applicant will receive an automatic email notification from the DOE SCGF online application system.  The email notification will include a link to access the online recommendation system and instructions for submitting the recommendation.  A template will be provided to assist recommenders in developing the requested letter. You may view a sample of the letter of recommendation.  This file is provided for your reference only.  

The letter of recommendation should provide information that supports and confirms information provided in the online application questions and the essays. An applicant may wish to share a copy of his/her essays with the recommenders to provide further background on his/her interest in the DOE SCGF.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the letters of recommendation are submitted prior to the application deadline.  Applications with fewer than the required number of letters of recommendation will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.

Tips for managing Letters of Recommendation:

  • Request your letters of recommendation early! You may request letters of recommendation as soon as you begin the online application. You do not need to wait until your application is complete or submitted.
  • Check your application Summary page frequently prior to the due date and send reminders to your recommenders, if needed.  Reminders can be sent directly from the DOE SCGF online application system.
  • Have a back-up (fourth recommender) if you think one of your original three recommenders will not be able to submit his/her letter on time.
  • Choose recommenders that will be able to assess your academic performance and preparedness for graduate research.