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If you are applying to a PhD program, then congratulations! You’ve worked hard to get here, and you are taking a big step in your academic career. PhD candidates have many responsibilities, including participating in research, publishing their results, engaging in professional development, and occasionally attending conferences.
The first step in admission to a PhD program is to write an excellent cover letter for your PhD application. Your PhD cover letter will help you stand out to the admission committee and increase your visibility. Keep reading to find out how to enhance a cover letter for a PhD position and maximize your chances of being accepted.
If you’re trying to write a cover letter for a PhD admission, it can be tough to get started. Try looking at a PhD cover letter sample like this one to help inspire you.
Daniel Fima
765-765-7655
dan_fima@email.com
Angela Carmela
Head of Admissions
Department of Psychology
University of New Town
Dear Ms. Carmela,
I’m writing to express my interest in the doctoral program for the Department of Psychology. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and I’m interested in exploring the effects of intergenerational trauma. My combination of education and experience makes me a strong candidate for this role.
While completing my degree at Best City University, I discovered my enthusiasm for trauma and its prevalence in certain populations. It is my intention to pursue this subject at University of New Town. This research is valuable in helping us understand how genetic vulnerabilities are triggered across communities.
In my previous position as a research assistant, I was responsible for recording and analyzing data from clinical research on PTSD patients. During my time there, I was able to co-author several papers on the link between PTSD and amygdala activity. These experiences directly transfer to the PhD program.
I’m interested in pursuing my research at University of New Town because your Psychology department is world-renowned and highly respected. I’m confident my skills and enthusiasm will make me a strong addition to the department.
I’m happy to discuss my qualifications in further detail. I can be reached by email, and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Daniel Fima
You might be wondering what elements to include in a cover letter for a PhD program. A PhD cover letter has many of the same components of a standard application letter, but the content should be specific to your academic program. Follow these guidelines to help you write a strong cover letter for your PhD application.
Like any application letter, a cover letter for PhD a position should have a polite and professional greeting. It’s best to address your PhD cover letter to a specific person, such as the head of the department or the admission team.
The body paragraphs of your PhD cover letter should include some key information about your academic history and motivation. Use these prompts to help you write the body of your PhD cover letter.
The body of the PhD cover letter can be hard to write if you don’t know where to begin, but looking over some PhD cover letter example paragraphs can help you get started. The following PhD cover letter samples are effective because the applicants show their enthusiasm and give specific examples of their research and goals.
Sample cover letter for PhD application in biological sciences:
I graduated summa cum laude at Science and Tech University, where I developed my passion for chemistry. During my research internship, I was part of a team that tested microbot technology to deliver cancer treatment to targeted cells. I intend to further this research by exploring the relationship between targeted treatment and symptom experience. This could significantly impact treatment outcomes for future cancer patients and has far-reaching benefits.
I’m passionate about this PhD program because the research facilities at Intellect University are second to none, and I’m confident that your Chemistry Department is the best place to undertake my research.
Sample cover letter for PhD application in engineering:
In my previous position as a research assistant for the geological engineering department at South Science Institute, I was responsible for analyzing our team’s data on the impact of agriculture on water systems. Together with my associate, we submitted our research for publication to the Journal of Geotechnical Engineering. The research I’m interested in pursuing at Aspire University concerns the effect of agriculture runoff in nearby ecosystems. Since factory farming has global impacts, I believe my research could affect future agricultural practices. I’m interested in the PhD program at Aspire University largely due to your commitment to environmental research, which is something I value as a long-time volunteer for environmental initiatives in my community.
Use the closing of your PhD cover letter to state how you can be contacted and to reiterate your gratitude. Include a call to action by letting the admissions team know you’re ready for the next step. This closing paragraph example can give you an idea of how to write the final paragraph of your PhD cover letter.
I would be happy to discuss my qualifications in more detail. Thank you very much for your time and consideration of my application. I can be contacted by email, and I look forward to meeting with you in person.
The signoff of your PhD cover letter should be polite, professional, and not casual. Here are some reliable signoffs you can use to end your cover letter for a PhD application.
After you signoff your PhD cover letter, include your contact details, like phone number and email. This will help the admissions committee contact you easily upon reading your PhD cover letter.
Before you write a cover letter for a PhD position, review the program and institution information. If you can better understand what the program needs, you can look for ways to include their values in your PhD cover letter. A little research will help you demonstrate how you are a good fit and nail the cover letter for your PhD application.
Many people apply to PhD programs, so you want your PhD cover letter to shine. A cover letter for a PhD application is your opportunity to talk about what makes you unique! Take some time to talk about why this program and your research matter to you, and what you’re passionate about.
When you’re writing your PhD cover letter, avoid being vague by giving specific examples of your academic achievements and passions. Follow the rule of “show, don’t tell” by providing evidence of your strengths or enthusiasm in action in your PhD cover letter.
Don’t forget to thank the admission committee in your cover letter for a PhD position. A little gratitude can go a long way as it helps you appear gracious and professional. Thank the reader for their time and for considering your PhD cover letter.
An easy way to augment the cover letter for your PhD application is to proofread it. You can do this yourself or ask a colleague to proofread your PhD cover letter for you. This final step can help you discover mistakes and improve the quality of your PhD cover letter, which will ultimately help your chances of advancing.
To help you write the best possible cover letter for a PhD position, try using a pre-written template. You can substitute your own information and experience into the following PhD cover letter template.
[Date]
[Your Name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]
[Department Head’s Name]
[Department Head’s Title]
[Department Name]
[Institution Address]
Dear [Department Head’s Name]
I’m writing to express my interest in the doctoral program for the [Department Name]. I have a degree in [Subject Name] and I’m interested in [describe research goals]. My combination of education and experience makes me a strong candidate for this role.
While completing my degree at [University Name], I discovered my enthusiasm for [research subject] because [reason for interest]. It is my intention to pursue this subject by [describe research goals]. This research is vital because [explain the significance of research].
In my position as [Previous Position Title], I was responsible for [describe relevant responsibilities]. During my time there, I [list relevant accomplishments]. These experiences directly transfer to the PhD program in [Department Name].
I’m interested in pursuing my research at [University Name] because [describe something that excites you about the school or program]. I’m confident my commitment to [describe a shared value] will make me a strong addition to your team.
I’m happy to discuss my qualifications in further detail. I can be reached by [preferred contact method]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]
🔑 Key Takeaways
One of your first steps in applying to PhD programs is to craft a well-written PhD cover letter. If you’re struggling to begin, try looking at some PhD cover letter samples and templates to guide you. When you write your PhD cover letter, be specific about your experience and explain your research goals in detail.
Don’t be afraid to show some enthusiasm when you write a cover letter for a PhD position, since the admission team will want to see what motivates you. With a strong PhD cover letter, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding academic career.
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--- Originally written by Tiffany Quinn ---