8+ Sample Request Letter Graduate School Application
A request letter for graduate school application is a crucial document that can make or break your chances of getting accepted into your dream program. It’s essential to craft a well-written, persuasive letter that showcases your academic achievements, research interests, and career goals. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of a request letter, provide user experience stories, and offer key considerations and anatomy of a professional letter. We’ll also provide eight sample request letters to help you get started.
From Doubt to Success: A User’s Story
Ashley had always dreamed of pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. However, she was struggling to write a compelling request letter that would stand out from the competition. After weeks of frustration, she stumbled upon a sample request letter online that inspired her to write her own. With renewed confidence, Ashley crafted a personalized letter that highlighted her research experience and passion for sustainability. To her delight, she received an acceptance letter from her top-choice university.
According to Ashley, “The request letter was the turning point in my application process. It helped me to articulate my goals and showcase my strengths, which ultimately led to my acceptance.”
Key Considerations Before You Write
- Clearly state the purpose of your letter and the program you’re applying to.
- Research the university and faculty members to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.
- Showcase your academic achievements, research experience, and relevant skills.
- Highlight your career goals and how the graduate program will help you achieve them.
- Edit and proofread your letter multiple times to ensure error-free and polished writing.
Anatomy of a Professional Letter
- Header (Name, Address): Include your name and address in the top-left corner of the page.
- Date: Write the date you’re submitting the application.
- Recipient’s Details: Address the letter to the admission committee or a specific faculty member.
- Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself, state the purpose of the letter, and express your interest in the program.
- Main Body: Provide detailed information about your academic background, research experience, and career goals.
- Closing Paragraph: Express your enthusiasm for the program and thank the reader for their time.
- Signature: End the letter with a professional closing and your signature.
Embracing Your Next Chapter
Writing a request letter for graduate school application is a significant step towards achieving your academic and professional goals. It’s essential to stay focused, motivated, and committed to your objectives. Remember, this letter is your chance to tell your story, showcase your strengths, and demonstrate your passion for the program.
As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that rejection is not the end. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. So, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and let your request letter be a testament to your dedication and perseverance.
Sample 1: Request Letter for Master’s in Business Administration
John Doe
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
February 10, 2023
Admission Committee
Master’s in Business Administration
Harvard University
Dear Admission Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at Harvard University. With over five years of experience in marketing and a passion for entrepreneurship, I am confident that this program will equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to take my career to the next level.
In my current role at XYZ Corporation, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I believe will be valuable assets in the MBA program. I am particularly drawn to Harvard’s emphasis on innovation and leadership, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a diverse community of scholars.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Takeaway: This letter effectively highlights the applicant’s relevant work experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the program’s emphasis on innovation and leadership.
Sample 2: Request Letter for Ph.D. in Computer Science
Jane Smith
456 Elm Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
March 15, 2023
Professor John Lee
Department of Computer Science
Stanford University
Dear Professor Lee,
I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Stanford University under your guidance. As a researcher with a passion for artificial intelligence and machine learning, I am impressed by the department’s cutting-edge research in these areas and believe that this program will provide me with the ideal environment to explore my research interests.
My undergraduate thesis on natural language processing was published in a reputable journal and presented at a conference, which demonstrates my ability to conduct original research and communicate complex ideas effectively. I am confident that my strong academic background and research experience make me a strong candidate for this program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my research interests and qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Takeaway: This letter effectively showcases the applicant’s research experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the department’s research areas.
Sample 3: Request Letter for Master’s in Public Health
Michael Johnson
789 Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60611
April 20, 2023
Admission Committee
Master’s in Public Health
University of Illinois at Chicago
Dear Admission Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a healthcare professional with a passion for health education and promotion, I am drawn to this program’s emphasis on social determinants of health and health disparities.
In my current role at a community health organization, I have developed strong skills in program management and community outreach, which I believe will be valuable assets in this program. I am particularly interested in the program’s focus on evidence-based practice and policy development, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a diverse community of scholars.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
Takeaway: This letter effectively highlights the applicant’s relevant work experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the program’s emphasis on social determinants of health.
Sample 4: Request Letter for Master’s in Environmental Science
Emily Chen
321 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
May 10, 2023
Admission Committee
Master’s in Environmental Science
University of Washington
Dear Admission Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Science at the University of Washington. As an environmental scientist with a passion for climate change and sustainability, I am drawn to this program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving.
In my current role at a government agency, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I believe will be valuable assets in this program. I am particularly interested in the program’s focus on environmental policy and governance, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a diverse community of scholars.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Emily Chen
Takeaway: This letter effectively highlights the applicant’s relevant work experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving.
Sample 5: Request Letter for Ph.D. in Psychology
David Lee
901 Maple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
June 15, 2023
Professor Sarah Taylor
Department of Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles
Dear Professor Taylor,
I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles under your guidance. As a researcher with a passion for cognitive psychology and neuroscience, I am impressed by the department’s cutting-edge research in these areas and believe that this program will provide me with the ideal environment to explore my research interests.
My undergraduate thesis on attention and perception was published in a reputable journal and presented at a conference, which demonstrates my ability to conduct original research and communicate complex ideas effectively. I am confident that my strong academic background and research experience make me a strong candidate for this program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my research interests and qualifications further.
Sincerely,
David Lee
Takeaway: This letter effectively showcases the applicant’s research experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the department’s research areas.
Sample 6: Request Letter for Master’s in Education
Rachel Brown
234 Elm Street
Boston, MA 02115
July 20, 2023
Admission Committee
Master’s in Education
Harvard University
Dear Admission Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a Master’s in Education at Harvard University. As an educator with a passion for curriculum development and instructional design, I am drawn to this program’s emphasis on educational leadership and innovation.
In my current role as a high school teacher, I have developed strong skills in classroom management and lesson planning, which I believe will be valuable assets in this program. I am particularly interested in the program’s focus on education policy and reform, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a diverse community of scholars.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Rachel Brown
Takeaway: This letter effectively highlights the applicant’s relevant work experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the program’s emphasis on educational leadership and innovation.
Sample 7: Request Letter for Master’s in Engineering
Kevin White
567 Oak Street
Atlanta, GA 30314
August 25, 2023
Admission Committee
Master’s in Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
Dear Admission Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a Master’s in Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. As an engineer with a passion for robotics and artificial intelligence, I am drawn to this program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to engineering problem-solving.
In my current role at a technology firm, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I believe will be valuable assets in this program. I am particularly interested in the program’s focus on engineering design and development, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from a diverse community of scholars.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Kevin White
Takeaway: This letter effectively highlights the applicant’s relevant work experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to engineering problem-solving.
Sample 8: Request Letter for Ph.D. in Economics
Lisa Nguyen
890 Pine Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
September 10, 2023
Professor James Johnson
Department of Economics
University of Maryland
Dear Professor Johnson,
I am writing to express my interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Maryland under your guidance. As a researcher with a passion for macroeconomics and international trade, I am impressed by the department’s cutting-edge research in these areas and believe that this program will provide me with the ideal environment to explore my research interests.
My undergraduate thesis on economic development was published in a reputable journal and presented at a conference, which demonstrates my ability to conduct original research and communicate complex ideas effectively. I am confident that my strong academic background and research experience make me a strong candidate for this program.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my research interests and qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Lisa Nguyen
Takeaway: This letter effectively showcases the applicant’s research experience and demonstrates their knowledge of the department’s research areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-crafted request letter for graduate school application is essential for showcasing your academic achievements, research interests, and career goals. By following the guidelines and samples provided in this article, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream program. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and committed to your objectives, and don’t be afraid to showcase your unique strengths and experiences.