UMKC School of Biological Sciences: Graduate Programs

Instructions for Letters of Reference

The Graduate Admissions Committee uses references as one means to obtain an independent; assessment of your capabilities, experience, and your determination for the chosen degree program. As a courtesy, print out the Reference Form and provide your writer with a pre-addressed envelope (address below). Inform your reference that they should mail the letter directly and not return it to you.

You are required to tell your letter writer whether you have retained the right to read their letter once it has been entered into your student file or whether you have waived the right to access their letter. This choice is your free choice but it may affect the information or style of the letter submitted.

Who are appropriate references?
Likely candidates are your professors and faculty advisors. You may also consider others, such as employers, that can assess your qualities in ways that your professors can not. Letters from family members are not appropriate.

Instructions for References

The writer may chose how a Letter of Reference will be submitted:

using the Reference form
using a letter designed by the writer

If the writer choses to send a letter, please include:

the name and address of the applicant;
whether the applicant retains or waives the right to read the letter
the full name and address of the writer including phone number
for purposes of comparative assessment of applicants, we ask that the writer address the questions raised in the Letter of Reference form.

Note that the Letter of Reference form offers the opportunity to insert any personal Letter, recommendation or extended statement.

Mail address:
Graduate Programs
School of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5007 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499, USA

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Message from the Dean

School of Biological Sciences

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Instructions for Letters of Reference

Instructions for References

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