Information for:

Future Dentists
Future Dental Hygienists
Nontraditional Applicants
Health Professions Advisors

Tips for Writing an Effective Letter of Evaluation

  1. Assess suitability rather than advocate for the applicant.

  2. Focus on the applicant’s qualifications rather than details about coursework, assignments, a job or an institution.

  3. Focus on behaviors you have observed directly.

  4. Provide information on an applicant’s personal characteristics and critical thinking and reasoning abilities, including:
    • Maturity
    • Academic potential
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Quantitative reasoning
    • Scientific inquiry
    • Ability to handle stress
    • Adaptability
    • Communication skills (verbal and written)
    • Ability to exercise good judgement
    • Self-confidence
    • Resourcefulness
    • Compassion
    • Work ethic
    • Overcoming challenges
    • Capacity for empathy
    • Motivation for learning
    • Knowledge of the profession
    • Motivation for the profession
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Integrity