Biophysical Society: “What to Expect in a Letter of Recommendation”

This article from the Biophysical Society lists some of the information that might be found in a thoughtfully crafted letter of recommendation. This might include a brief description of the writer’s relationship with the letter’s subject, a statement on their accomplishments and strengths, or specific examples of excellence, such as demonstrated leadership abilities. Having a sense of what constitutes a high-quality recommendation enables students to provide their mentors with the additional details and background information they might need. The author also explains the importance of professionalism in requesting letters of recommendation.