8+ Sample Request Letter Graduate School: A Guide to Crafting Compelling Applications
When applying to graduate school, a well-crafted request letter can make all the difference in securing admission. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges of writing a request letter and provide 8+ sample request letters for graduate school to inspire your own application.
The Core Challenge
One of the biggest challenges students face when applying to graduate school is writing a request letter that stands out from the competition. A request letter graduate school must effectively communicate your academic background, research interests, and career goals, while also demonstrating your passion and motivation for pursuing advanced studies. However, many students struggle to convey their unique strengths and qualifications in a concise and compelling manner.
The Solution: Key Elements of a Winning Letter
A winning request letter graduate school should have the following key elements:
- A clear and concise introduction that grabs the reader’s attention
- A strong academic background and research experience
- A well-defined research interest and career goals
- A compelling motivation for pursuing advanced studies
- A professional and respectful tone
Case Studies in Action
Case Study: Seeking Admission to a Top-Tier University
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking admission to a top-tier university for a Master’s program in Computer Science.
Ms. Jane Smith
Admissions Committee
Department of Computer Science
Top-Tier University
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
February 10, 2023
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science at Top-Tier University. With a solid academic background in computer science and a passion for artificial intelligence, I am confident that your esteemed program will provide me with the ideal environment to explore my research interests and achieve my career goals.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively communicates the student’s academic background and research interests, while also demonstrating their passion and motivation for pursuing advanced studies.
Case Study: Requesting a Recommendation from a Professor
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking a recommendation from a professor for a graduate program.
Professor John Smith
Department of Electrical Engineering
Anytown University
456 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
March 15, 2023
Dear Professor Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Electrical Engineering at Anytown University. I had the privilege of taking your course on Electromagnetic Theory, and I was impressed by your teaching style and expertise in the field.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively conveys the student’s respect and admiration for the professor’s expertise, while also highlighting their academic achievements and potential.
Case Study: Applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student applying for a graduate teaching assistantship.
Dr. Jane Smith
Department of Biology
Anytown University
789 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
April 20, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the graduate teaching assistantship offered by the Department of Biology at Anytown University. As a recent graduate in biology, I am confident that my teaching experience and research skills make me an ideal candidate for this position.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively highlights the student’s teaching experience and research skills, while also demonstrating their enthusiasm and motivation for pursuing a graduate teaching assistantship.
Case Study: Requesting a Waiver of the GRE Requirement
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking a waiver of the GRE requirement for a graduate program.
Ms. Jane Smith
Admissions Committee
Department of Psychology
Anytown University
901 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
May 10, 2023
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to request a waiver of the GRE requirement for admission to the Master’s program in Psychology at Anytown University. As a working professional with over 5 years of experience in the field, I believe that my work experience and academic background make me an ideal candidate for this program.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively communicates the student’s work experience and academic background, while also demonstrating their confidence and motivation for pursuing a graduate program.
Case Study: Seeking Admission to a Ph.D. Program
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking admission to a Ph.D. program.
Dr. John Smith
Department of Physics
Anytown University
111 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
June 15, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at Anytown University. With a solid academic background in physics and a passion for theoretical physics, I am confident that your esteemed program will provide me with the ideal environment to explore my research interests and achieve my career goals.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively communicates the student’s academic background and research interests, while also demonstrating their passion and motivation for pursuing advanced studies.
Case Study: Requesting a Deferral of Admission
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking a deferral of admission to a graduate program.
Ms. Jane Smith
Admissions Committee
Department of Computer Science
Anytown University
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
July 20, 2023
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to request a deferral of admission to the Master’s program in Computer Science at Anytown University. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to start the program in the fall semester and would like to defer my admission to the spring semester.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively communicates the student’s circumstances and provides a clear reason for requesting a deferral of admission.
Case Study: Seeking Financial Aid
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking financial aid for a graduate program.
Ms. Jane Smith
Financial Aid Office
Anytown University
456 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
August 10, 2023
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to request financial aid to support my education in the Master’s program in Electrical Engineering at Anytown University. As a international student, I am facing financial constraints and would like to request consideration for a scholarship or teaching assistantship.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively communicates the student’s financial constraints and provides a clear reason for requesting financial aid.
Case Study: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from a Supervisor
In this case study, we’ll explore a request letter from a student seeking a letter of recommendation from a supervisor for a graduate program.
Mr. John Smith
ABC Corporation
789 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
September 15, 2023
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Business Administration at Anytown University. As my supervisor at ABC Corporation, I believe that you are well-positioned to speak to my skills and abilities.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Case Study Analysis: This letter effectively conveys the student’s respect and admiration for the supervisor’s opinion, while also highlighting their skills and abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a request letter graduate school requires careful consideration of the key elements that make a winning letter. By studying these 8 sample request letters, you can gain valuable insights into the art of crafting a compelling and effective request letter that will help you stand out from the competition.