Prepare and Submit Fellowship Application

Prepare application information and materials

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

Experience

Update your CV to reflect your education, training, and experience. You won't upload your CV but should use it to complete the application forms, including:

• Work and volunteer experience section.
• Publications and presentations section. Include citations for all publications (first author and coauthor). For presentation citations, include only 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 inspired you to pursue a career in public health?
• How will the LLS fellowship help you achieve your career goals?

Recommendations

Identify two people who can provide recommendations on your behalf. Recommenders are people who have served in a supervisory or mentoring role and who are familiar with your academic achievements, aspirations, personal qualities, and professional attributes. Only one of the two recommendations can be provided by a CDC employee.

Recommenders will receive a system-generated email from LLS@cdc.gov with instructions for electronically submitting their responses to questions in a standardized recommendation form. Be sure to confirm your recommenders' email addresses.

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'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. Copies of diplomas or certificates will not be accepted instead of transcripts.
  • 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.
  • Do not send high school transcripts.
• 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).
• A foreign credential evaluation is required for transcripts issued by non-US institutions. A credential evaluation service is not the same as a translation service.
• Transcripts and other proof of degree completion documents will not be returned to you.
• Candidates selected for the LLS program 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 candidates will receive instructions for submitting official transcripts by email and/or mail.

Complete online application

Submit your application and supporting materials by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Access the online application.
  • You may enter information in the online application before or at the same time as uploading supporting materials. Be sure to save your application if you do these steps separately.
• Enter email addresses for two people who will write letters of recommendation.
  • Confirm that recommendation writers receive the system-generated email.
  • Follow up to ensure they submit their letters by the deadline.
• Enter the required information for each college/university to upload unofficial transcripts.
  • If accepted into the LLS program, official transcripts must be received by June 1 of the year entering LLS.
• Submit your application after completing the online application and uploading all required materials. You cannot make changes after submitting your application except to update your contact information.

You will receive emails confirming receipt of your application and status updates.

Steps to take

These are the steps to apply to be an officer.

1. Check eligibility
2. Review salary and benefits information
3. View informational webinars for fellowship applicants
4. Prepare application information and materials
5. Complete online application