Faculty of Biological Sciences
Graduate School
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
T +44 (0) 113 343 3022/1418
E fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk
Request for letter of recommendation
Dear
REFERENCE ON BEHALF OF:
The applicant named above is applying to study for a research degree in the Faculty of Biological
Sciences and I should be grateful if you would provide us with a reference on the applicant’s
academic and general suitability for research study. Please consider the following points:
Professional/academic qualities
 Is this person a leader?
 Is this person a strong team player?
 Is this person a keen analytical thinker?
 Is this person capable of conducting sophisticated research?
Specific Skills
 Strong communication skills?
 Fluency in verbal and written English?
Personal qualities
 Does this person get along with peers?
Previous academic performance
 How has this person performed in their previous academic studies?
Weaknesses
 What are some points this person must address to advance his/her career?
 How well does this person learn from past mistakes?
Future potential
 What do you believe this person is capable of achieving?
Please complete the attached evaluation form (page 2) and write a letter of recommendation
(either on page 3 or on a separate sheet) and return it directly to us as soon as possible either by
fax, email or regular mail. Please sign the documents and return to the address below.
Please return completed forms to:
Graduate School
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Room 7.51a, Garstang Building
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
United Kingdom
Thank you in advance for your help.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Karin Delin
Graduate School Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 113 3438186
Fax: +44 (0) 113 3431407
Email: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk
Web: http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/gradschool
Faculty of Biological Sciences Graduate School, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
Evaluation Form
Name of Applicant:
Name of Referee:
Phone:
Title/Position:
Email:
Institution:
Address:
Period of time worked with applicant and relation to applicant (thesis supervisor, tutor, etc):
1. Please provide information on the applicant’s ranking in his/her class, and in relation to overall
size of class/cohort (for example, 5/80 or Top 5%/10%):
Description of class/cohort:
2. Please rate the candidate’s overall scientific ability and promise relative to a representative
group of students with a comparable level of education:
(using a scale from 0 – 6, where 0 is below average and 6 is truly exceptional of all students)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
below
average
average
above
average
good
very good
outstanding
truly
exceptional
3. Please rate the candidate according to the following criteria using the same scale:
Scale (see above)
0
1
2
3
4
Experimental ability
Theoretical knowledge
Creativity / originality
Analytical ability
Ability to work independently
Ability to work in a team
Motivation / Commitment
Maturity
Use of English
Please sign document
Signature:
Date:
5
6
Unable to assess
Faculty of Biological Sciences Graduate School, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
Letter of Recommendation
Name of Applicant:
Please use the space below for your letter of recommendation or attach a separate sheet.
Please sign document.
Signature:
Date: