Reference Letter Requirements
A reference letter is requested for applications to the UND IRES programs. Instructions vary between undergraduate and graduate applications.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Reference Letter Requirements
Reference letter is requested to support students in an international chemistry research opportunity in the Czech Republic, funded by the US National Science Foundation. Letters are limited to 2 pages.
In your letter, please address the following issues:
- Name of your institution
- How long you have known the applicant, and in what capacity.
- Using your knowledge of the applicant's past and current experiences and activities,
please comment as appropriate about his/her:
- Ability to pursue research
- Interest toward the academic major pursued
- Willingness to work cooperatively with peers and supervisors
- Current GPA
- Potential to succeed in college and his/her career ambitions.
Though you may not have to address all of these items specifically, please comment on what you observed about the applicant.
If you have known other students pursuing Chemistry majors in college, please compare this applicant to them. Otherwise, please compare this applicant to other successful students that you have known at this institution.
Please note that the more specific (as opposed to generic) a letter you can provide, the better it is for the candidate.
Graduate Students
Graduate Reference Letter Instructions
Reference letter is requested to support students in a international chemistry research opportunity in the Czech Republic, funded by the US National Science Foundation.
At least one letter should be provided by a research advisor and/or director of graduate studies. We recommend for the advisor to review the applicant’s personal statement, which should include plans on his/her path to a degree with regards to the participation in this program. Letters are limited to 2 pages.
In your letter, please address the following issues explicitly:
- Name of your institution
- How long you have known the applicant, and in what capacity
- Comment on applicant's ability to pursue research
- The potential impact of the IRES internship on student's academic progress (timeline and dissertation completion)
- Willingness to work cooperatively with peers and supervisors
- Current GPA and recent accomplishments
- Potential to succeed in graduate studies
If you have known other graduate students pursuing Chemistry majors in college, please compare this applicant to them.
Please note that the more specific (as opposed to generic) a letter you can provide, the better it is for the candidate.