Formatting Lists

Lists are useful for breaking up large blocks of content, but there are some guidelines to keep in mind.

List Best Practices

Length

When using lists to break content up, keep the list items short. Ideally a list item won’t be more than a single sentence.

Punctuation

You should also capitalize the first word after the bullet or number and end list item with a period if the bulleted item is a complete sentence or if the bulleted items are meant to complete the sentence preceding it.

Do not use semicolons or commas at the end of list items. You should also avoid using colons within the list items.

Examples of Good Lists

Good example #1

Include the following items with your application:

• Two recommendation letters

• Most recent exam scores

• Scholarship applications

Good example #2

We've compiled a list of Interview do's and don'ts to help you prepare

• Do bring a copy of your CV.

• Do send a follow-up email to thank the interviewer.

• Don't be late for your scheduled time.

• Don't bring a friend with you.

Examples of List Mistakes

Bad example #1 - commas or semicolons

Include the following items with your application:

• Two recommendation letters,

• Most recent exam scores,

• and scholarship applications.

Bad example #2 - multiple sentences

We've compiled a list of Interview do's and don'ts to help you prepare

• Do bring a copy of your CV. You never know when you might need it.

• Do send a follow-up email to thank the interviewer.

• Don't be late for your scheduled time. Avoid being too early as well.

• Don't bring a friend with you.

Bad example #3 - list items too long and colons

Program Structure

• Size: We are one of 48 “large” (>100 residents) internal medicine residencies in the country with 114 residents in the Categorical and Preliminary Programs, plus 16 Medicine/Pediatrics, and 15 Internal Medicine/Emergency Medicine residents for a total of 145 trainees. This number of housestaff allows us great flexibility in scheduling requested rotations, vacations, family leave, and wellness days.

• Program Leadership: There is a deep bench of dedicated and experienced clinicians, educators and researchers leading the program, including our Department Chair, Department Vice Chair, Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Senior Associate Program Director, ten additional Associate Program Directors, and five Chief Residents.

• Chief Residents: We annually recruit five residents who have completed training in our program to stay on for an additional year as faculty and administrative leaders. They each are dedicated to distinct aspects of the program: University of Illinois Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Hospital, Research and Education, Ambulatory training, and Quality and Patient Safety.

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