Prepare Application Information and Materials

Use the following list to help you gather and draft the information that you and your recommendation writers will be prompted to enter into the application portal.

Experience

• Update your CV. Use your updated CV to complete the application forms:
  • Work and volunteer experience section.  
  • Publications and presentations section. Include citations for all publications (first author and coauthor). For presentation citations, highlight those for which you are the presenting author.
  • Training and skills section. Include all research experience and training (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral) and be sure to describe key research skills, projects, and relevant accomplishments. Include other technical or professional development trainings but avoid including those required for routine laboratory work (e.g., bloodborne pathogens training).

Personal Statement

• Prepare for the application’s personal statement responses by considering these questions:
  • What has inspired you to pursue a career in public health?
  • How will the LLS fellowship will help you achieve your career goals?

Recommendations

• Identify two people who can provide recommendations on your behalf using our standardized online form.
• Select two individuals who have served in a supervisory or mentoring role and are familiar with your academic achievements, aspirations, personal qualities, and professional attributes.  Recommendations should speak to your suitability for the LLS fellowship program.
  • Request/confirm their email addresses.
  • Tell recommendation writers to expect a system-generated email from LLS@cdc.gov with instructions for electronically submitting their responses to questions in a standardized recommendation form.

Transcripts

• Obtain copies of transcripts for all earned degrees. Your application requires copies of unofficial transcripts for all earned degrees or qualifying degrees in progress .
  • You will be prompted in the online application form's education section to select your college or university from a school listing and attach a PDF version of your unofficial transcripts.
  • Transcripts must state your degree of study, courses taken, earned grades, and graduation date if the degree has been conferred.
  • If your degree requires a completed thesis or dissertation, you must have defended your thesis or dissertation by March 31 of the year you enter LLS. You will need to submit your transcripts with conferred degree as soon as they become available (no later than June 1 of the year you enter LLS).
  • When a transcript is issued by a non-U.S. institution:
    • A foreign credential evaluation is required at the time the application is submitted for all degrees for which English-language transcripts are not available. A credential evaluation service is not the same as a translation service.
    • If any academic institutions you attended are unable to issue your transcripts, contact the LLS program via email at LLS@cdc.gov for further instructions.
    • All documents must be in English.
  • Transcripts and other proof of degree completion documents will not be returned to you.
  • Do not send high school transcripts.
  • For applicants accepted into the LLS program, you are required to send official transcripts by mail or email. Official transcripts must be received by June 1 of the year your fellowship begins. Applicants with degrees in-progress should be certain their degree will be conferred and be able to provide a final transcript by the June 1 deadline. Selected applicants will receive instructions for submitting official transcripts by email and/or mail.