• Resume Writing
  • Resume Examples
  • Cover Letter
  • Remote Work
  • Famous Resumes
  • Try Kickresume

Cover Letter for PhD Application: Guide for Writing One & Example From a Real PhD Student

  • Klara Cervenanska , 
  • Updated March 27, 2023 9 min read

When applying for a PhD research position, you usually need to submit certain documents, including an academic CV and a cover letter for PhD application .

A PhD cover letter, also referred to as an academic cover letter, should be carefully crafted, well-formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to do exactly that, along with a sample of an academic cover letter from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

And if you're not sure how to go about writing your PhD CV, check out this article: CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example) .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is an academic cover letter?

What to include in a cover letter for phd application, how to write a cover letter for phd application, how to format an academic cover letter, phd cover letter sample.

An academic cover letter is a document that PhD candidates submit alongside their academic CV when applying for a PhD. 

Essentially, it's a cover letter for a PhD application.

It's not exactly the same as your regular business cover letter. Nor is it the same as a personal statement or a motivation letter .

The purpose of a cover letter for PhD application is to explain to the reader, who's likely a researcher or a professor, what you can contribute to their institution and/or field.

Moreover, in a PhD application cover letter, you should explain why you're a good match for the research position on the program.

Differences between academic cover letter and business cover letter

Both these documents serve different purposes and people use them in different settings:

  • Academic cover letter is used when applying for positions in academia — most often for a PhD. More emphasis should be on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Moreover, it should explain what your contribution to the institution or field could be. It should also point the reader to your academic CV.
  • Regular (business) cover letter is normally used when applying for any kind of job . Hence, more emphasis should be on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. You should also explain why you're a good fit for the position at the given company. It should point the reader to your resume.

There are also other documents people often mistake for an academic cover letter. These include:

  • Motivation letter is especially relevant for fresh graduates when applying to a university, a non-profit organization, or voluntary work. A motivation letter focuses more on your interests and motives for applying.
  • Personal statement. Also used in an academic setting. It's always written by an applicant, often a prospective student, applying to college, university, or graduate school. You explain why you've chosen a particular course and why you'd be good at it. Other names include a statement of purpose or a letter of intent .

Like every cover letter, an academic one also needs to include specific elements and content sections. These are:

  • Header. Here, provide your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email in the header of the document.
  • Formal salutation. In an official letter like this one, you should address the reader in a professional and formal way. If you know who'll be reading your cover letter, go with Dear Dr. [Surname] or Dear Professor [Surname] . If you don't, go with Dear Sir/Madam .
  • The specific PhD program or position. Clearly state in your letter which research position you're applying for or the name of the PhD program. A cover letter is usually read before a CV, so you need to make sure everything is clear.
  • Your motivation. Explain why you're interested in the specific PhD position — it's one of the key elements you should include.
  • Your academic background. Now, we don't mean you should list in detail every single university course you ever took. Instead, focus on the most relevant course for the PhD and describe in detail what you learned, any projects you worked on, why it was interesting (and optionally, what knowledge gap you identified). In this way, you also show a certain level of understanding of the field.
  • Your ambition. Briefly mention what your ambitions, intentions, and plans are regarding your contribution to the field when securing your PhD position. How is your research going to enrich the field? How will the institution benefit from it?
  • Conclusion. Keep the conclusion short. Contrary to a regular cover letter ending , there's no place for reiterating everything here. Simply thank the reader for your consideration and prompt them to read your academic CV.
  • Formal sign-off. Just pick from the usual: Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards... Then throw in your full name in the following line.

And that's all you need to include!

Now, let's take a look at how to write your cover letter step-by-step.

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow these tips on how to write a cover letter for a research position:

Consider researching the background of the organization, department, ongoing research projects, and their past and current projects. All that before you start writing your cover letter. Knowing these things will help you tailor your letter to the specific PhD opening.

Before you actually start writing, try to sit down and take a moment to think first. Assess how your past experiences helped you prepare for the PhD position and scribble down those that are most relevant and significant for the specific program. These include any research experiences, research projects, courses, or internships.

In the first few sentences of your letter, you need to convey some basic information about yourself and what specific position you're applying for. The opening should also state firmly why you're a strong candidate for the position/program, by using a persuasive and convincing wording. Here's an example: "As an MChem Chemistry graduate with a narrow focus on the sustainable synthesis of biologically active molecules from the University of Dundee, I am excited to apply to a "Synthesis Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Using Enzymes" PhD programme at an institution with such a strong foundation and numerous research groups in this field."

This is the place where you may explore more extensively on the educational journey that brought you here. Set the foundation for demonstrating how your Master's degree and research experience seamlessly translate into the next phase — the PhD program. Emphasize how your thesis contributes to the field's body of knowledge. Mention any other publications that support your thesis. And, if you can, identify any knowledge gaps or topics that can be explored further.

This paragraph provides the opportunity to neatly tie in together everything the reader has learned about you so far. You can show how your previous experience, coupled with what you'll learn during the PhD program, will come together to produce something novel to enrich the field. First, identify the courses or topics within the PhD program that interest you the most and how they relate to you developing your research further. Second, introduce your future research aspirations and goals. Third, point out how this future work will enrich the field and what will the intellectual merit be.

When ending your PhD cover letter, briefly refer your reader to your academic CV and encourage them to examine all of the remaining projects, courses, publications, or references . Finally, thank the reader for their time and consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off.

Put the letter in a drawer and don't think about it for a day or two. Then, when you read it again, you'll have a fresh pair of eyes to see the cover letter in a new light. Maybe you decide some things are redundant, or you think of something that's more relevant. Or you know, find a typo here and there.

Just like an academic cover letter needs to contain certain content components, the formatting should also align with the structural expectations for this type of document.

How long should a cover letter be? How to finish a cover letter? And what about the cover letter font and spacing?

Here's a recommended academic cover letter format:

  • Length. While STEM PhD candidates should aim for half a page to one page, humanities candidates can do 1–2 pages.
  • Font. Use one of the classics: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Just no Comic Sans, we beg you. Keep the size between 10–12 points. Also remember to keep the text clean — no underlining, no bolding, and no color. However, you can use italics if appropriate.
  • Spacing. Cover letter spacing isn't complicated. Just single-space your text, make sure there's a space between each paragraph, and leave a space between the concluding paragraph and your formal sign-off.
  • Margins. The only rule here is that the margins on your cover letter should match those on your CV.
  • Consistence with your CV. Your academic cover letter should match your academic CV in all formatting aspects — including the cover letter font and spacing. For example, Kickresume lets you choose a matching template for your CV and your cover letter, so no need to worry about this.

If the institution provided any instructions for formatting your academic cover letter, don’t get creative and follow their guidelines.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, here's a cover letter sample from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

These things ensured Herrera's cover letter was successful:

  • She clearly states her motivation in the opening. In the first two paragraphs, Herrera introduces herself and her motivation to apply for the given PhD program.
  • She describes educational and research background thoroughly. The main body of the letter is dedicated to describing Herrera's educational background, research projects, internships, and skills acquired throughout the way.
  • She presents research aspirations in the letter. Herrera writes: "I have a history of proven results and profound findings. Given opportunity, I’m confident in my abilities to earn similar ground-breaking results while being part of your team."

Even though this example lacks some of the key elements, such as mentioning the specific PhD program or identifying the topics within the PhD program that interest her the most, this PhD cover letter still managed to impress the University of Lyon.

Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

Related Posts

Cover letter vs resume: 7 key differences and the art of writing them (+examples), how to address a cover letter without a name use these 5 salutations, share this article, join our newsletter.

Every month, we’ll send you resume advice, job search tips, career hacks and more in pithy, bite-sized chunks. Sounds good?

Tips for Writing a Successful Motivation Letter for Ph.D. [+Sample]

Background Image

How To Write a Motivation Letter For Ph.D. Application [+Sample]

Ph.D. applications are not just sorted out in the same way as any other random application. There are processes involved without which your chances of getting in might be truncated.

If you’ve been considering applying for a Ph.D. then this post is especially directed at you. A motivation letter as used in the case of a Ph.D. application can be much likened to a Personal statement.

There is a need to know if you’re truly qualified to do a Ph.D. while writing an application to a school, so the motivation letter is the perfect insight into who you really are and they expect you to do it justice.   

  • An introduction which should state in clear terms which program you are applying for.
  • A Summary of your Academic Background.
  • Why do you want to do a Ph.D.?
  • The significance of your research on society.
  • Your career plans.

Avoid Making Spurious Claims

It is quite easy to get lost while writing a motivation letter and forget that motivation cannot be achieved without the necessary evidence to back it up.

Nobody’s really interested in how awesome you are while writing a motivation letter, no offense but anybody can look good on paper but without the proper evidence to back it up, they wouldn’t be any motivation.

For Example, it is very common to see people write; “I work well with other people, or I am an expert at working under pressure”. Well, it is not a cover letter , it’s a motivation letter and you need to give realistic scenarios such as; “my leadership ability was demonstrated when I had to be in charge of a group of colleagues during my internship which required intense marketing management skills.”

Try As Much As Possible to Be Specific

It is equally very important to avoid being vague while writing your motivation letter. The reason why you’re required to write a motivation letter is that someone or some people have to know, if not you wouldn’t have to attempt one.

Saying that your undergraduate days in Marketing was very interesting is too vague to fit into a motivational letter, it sounds like something that should rather be written to a pen friend. You should be more specific about the courses you took as an undergraduate, why you love them and what you learned from them.

Show How Much Skill or Work Experience You Have

While writing a motivational letter, it is very important to concisely include how much skill and/or working experience you possess. A Ph.D. is about more than just a sequel to your past academic endeavors, it is a true test of education and education is more than just owning degrees.

They will be interested in the skills and/or work experience you’ve gathered over the years, skills which are strong enough to make you qualified to bag a Ph.D. That research, data analysis, etc. skills you thought you’d never have to flaunt, well I think this would be a perfect opportunity to talk about them.

Be Professional

It is equally quite important that you are very professional while writing a motivation letter for a Ph.D. application . It will be in your own best interest to ensure that you present your motivation letter with professional grammar, font and the appropriate writing style in which you’d rather prefer to be accepted.

Your professionalism sends a good message about your personality and would go a long way into helping you get accepted. 

Sample Motivation Letter for a Ph.D. Application

motivation letter phd application

Suggested Reading:

  • Cover Letter Examples
  • 2024 Letter of Interest - Example & Writing Guide
  • Students and Graduates Resume Example

cookies image

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

  • Graduate School

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

PhD Motivation Letter Sample

Reading over some PhD motivation letter samples will give you an idea of how to make yours a strong, central component of your application to get into grad school . In addition to your grad school CV , a PhD motivation letter is a chance for you to demonstrate objectively why you are an excellent candidate for the faculty to which you are applying. Unlike a personal statement, a PhD motivation letter is distinct in its unique focus on your academic and research background with little mention of your personal story. This article will take you through the significance of the PhD motivation letter, describe what makes a stellar motivation letter, and provide examples. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

Do you need to write a phd motivation letter .

Yes, you must write a PhD motivation letter. It is mandatory for most, if not all, PhD programs, regardless of your field of study. Disciplines ranging from arts and humanities to physics and computer science all consider motivation letters (aka “statement of purpose” in some countries) a major component of your application.

Of course, you will also have to fulfill the other documentation requirements, like submitting your transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, but a motivation letter has a specific intent: to summarize your academic achievements up to the present and what you plan to achieve in the future at this particular school.

The faculty who ultimately consider your application look for how you and your PhD topic match with the mission and values of their program. Personal details and other motivations are best left to your personal statement or letter of intent because the motivation letter is strictly an academic summary.

A great PhD motivation letter should highlight how and why you are prepared for the rigors of PhD-level work. It should include the details of your academic career that have propelled you further into your field of study, like an inspiring professor or undergraduate course that sparked interest in your field.

The following list will provide more insights, but you should remember that whatever you write must be backed up by a concrete, real-world demonstration. It is not enough to say, “I am interested in XYZ because of XYZ.” You must include specific events in your undergraduate and graduate studies where you excelled.

If you are applying for a PhD, that in itself suggests you have a bevy of academic and extracurricular experience to glean from, be it co-authoring a published paper, your time as a TA, or some type of academic recognition. Many stand-out motivation letters single out specific instances when you showed an outsized passion for your studies.

Dos and Don’ts in a PhD Motivation Letter

1. Gain Skills and Experiences

The track to obtaining a PhD degree is a long one, which is why anyone who wants to become a PhD should commit early on to what it entails. All PhD candidates must have both an undergraduate and a master's degree to even apply, so that means structuring your studies around those requirements.

You should gain as much experience in your field, learn new skills related to your studies (a new language, for example, or technical skills), and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Gathering the necessary skills and experiences to enter a PhD program should be the first step, since they are a reflection of your commitment.

2. Start Writing Early

You should begin drafting your PhD motivation letter at least a few months before the deadline. Because it is one of the most important parts of your application, you want to give yourself time to refine it. Refining means going through multiple drafts, soliciting and receiving feedback from other candidates, getting professional grad school application help, and making changes as you go along.

3. Consider Your Audience

The people who will read your motivation letter are renowned academics who have devoted their lives to one particular subject. Your letter needs to reflect your respect not only for them, but for the field of study that you both share. You should write with genuine verve when talking about your topic. Remind them of why they committed so full-heartedly to their career by demonstrating how enthralled you are with your studies.

4. Use Active Voice

You should put “you” in your story. Avoid using the passive voice and hiding behind your achievements as if they spoke for themselves. The admissions committee members want to read about how you approached your studies and learn about your insights into the future of your field of interest. They do not want a cold recitation of your CV but a spirited defense or explanation of what you value most about your topic.

1. Don’t Forget About the Formatting

PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length. A rambling, incoherent letter is the last thing you want to submit, so make sure to keep it within the guidelines.

2. Don’t Include Personal Stories

A personal statement is the place for formative stories from the past, not your motivation letter. You can include personal thoughts and opinions about your field of study, even unfavorable ones, to show you have a unique perspective, but steer clear of using personal elements like early childhood experiences or anything unrelated to your program.

3. Don’t Ramble

Keep in mind that your writing and organizational skills are also on display when you submit your motivation letter, along with everything else about you (grades, college letter of intent , transcripts). Again, remember who you are writing for: professors with years of experience researching and writing. They, more than anyone, know what good writing looks like, so be concise and clear in your writing.

4. Don’t Shy Away from Failures

The collected experience of those reading your essay guarantees that they know a thing or two about failure. Whether it was an unpublished paper, or a failed experiment, showing your determination in the face of adversity paints a complete picture of who you are as a researcher and academic.

But, again, setbacks in your personal life should not be mentioned. Limit your story to problems you encountered during your undergrad, graduate, or research fellowships and how you sought to overcome them. Mention a class or subject you struggled with or a drop in your grades and how you improved them.

Structure of Your PhD Motivation Letter

The structure of a great motivation letter is easy to follow because its focus is so narrow. The body of your letter should only mention highlights from your academic career, in a very specific chronology starting with your undergrad and progressing from there. But the structure should also cover three main points:

You can adjust the structure based on the requirements of the PhD program you are applying to, but it should cover the reasons you want to commit yourself to this program, what you plan on achieving, and how you have prepared yourself to accomplish those goals. If you already went to grad school, then you can rework your college statement of purpose to use as a template.

PhD Motivation Letter Sample #1

Dear Members of the PhD Selection Committee,

My name is David White, and I am writing to you to express my interest in pursuing a PhD in the Migration Studies program at X University. I recently completed a Master of Ethnography at Y University with an emphasis on the cultural exchange between migrant communities and their adopted homelands viewed through the lens of shared trauma and memory.

In the media, migration is often described as a “crisis,” a designation that has always made me bristle. I assert that migration is one of the most fundamental aspects of our species, yet it has been flagrantly mislabeled to serve the political and socioeconomic interests of a few.

My research is centered around the ways that migrants form new identities based on their experiences. Conversely, I have also explored how an innate identity based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation impacts a migrant’s journey and how those markers expose them to further exploitation or, at the other end, fortify their resolve and inspire perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

The need for further investigation into identity and the interplay of migration and culture came into focus for me during my second-year undergrad Political Science degree at XYZ University. I was influenced by the work of writers like Franz Fanon and Edward Said, who questioned the foundations of a post-colonial identity and whether it was ever possible for colonized people to form an identity separate from their colonizers. I took an anthropology course, The Nature of Humans, that impacted me greatly. It prompted a Cartesian examination of my own beliefs around identity, as it firmly associated the emergence of human societies with factors such as migration, evolution, adaptability, and diversity.

During my time as a graduate student, I secured a place on a research project headed by Prof. Mohamed Al-Nasseri, a diaspora studies expert. Professor Al-Nasseri's thesis was that policymakers were ignoring the psychological profiles of migrants when assessing their material needs and financial assistance levels.

Our four-person investigative team liaised with a local, non-profit resettlement agency who connected us with volunteer migrant families based in University Town. Under the supervision of Professor Al-Nasseri, we formulated a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V for traumatic events, while taking into account the newly revised definitions.

Mindful of the possible triggering effect our questions could have, we invited a peer, fellow survivor/migrant, and, in some cases, a religious leader before we conducted the interviews or to sit-in on our interviews.

During the interviews, I felt both inspired and indignant. I maintained my composure and objectivity, but the fire within raged. Unfortunately, our findings were inconclusive and what we discovered in our interviews did not wholly support Dr. Al-Nasseri’s thesis. But the experience and motivation I took from the project were enough to fuel my desire to explore the topic of identity formation in migrant communities who have undergone severe trauma.

The Migration Studies program at your institution will provide what I consider the perfect research and support network to further my investigation of these topics. I have followed the work of the esteemed Dr. Ellerman whose research into the treatment of post-traumatic stress has informed the direction of my own research. Dr. Ellerman has opened new pathways for thinking about trauma that I wish to incorporate into my thesis project when the time comes.

Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this institution and am ready to discuss my future with you should my candidacy prove successful.

David White

My name is Melanie Hicks, and I am writing this letter to fulfill the admission requirements of the Visual Arts PhD Program at Z University. I have already submitted my audiovisual portfolio, CV, and transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from, respectively, my master’s degree supervisor, Dr. Dana Redmond, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Allan Lee, and my research colleague, Mark Fowler.

I would like to take this opportunity to expand further on the conceptual themes I have focused on in my artistic output over the past decade, contextualize the pieces I have submitted, and elaborate on the goals I have should my application to this program be successful.

My artistic career, from very early on, has been defined by modes of observation, the interplay of observation and reflection between subjects and objects within a sociopolitical realm, and the harnessing of Blackness as a form of radical self-interpretation – all of it couched within the media of still and moving images.

During my undergrad as a Fine Arts student at X University, I was lucky enough to be showcased at the Kepler Gallery for my series, Painted Faces, a collection of photographs I took while working as a freelance photographer for an independent newspaper in Chicago. My focus in that series was the effort and preparation female congregants of an all-Black church put into readying themselves for Sunday services.

After my undergrad, I traveled to Boston to volunteer in local after-school programs with children from minority backgrounds who had an interest in photography. All of them had grown up with easy access to a phone capable of taking crisp, digital images and had never taken film photographs, so it fell to me to show them how to develop prints in a darkroom.

As part of my portfolio, I have submitted photos I took during that time, along with selections from my Painted Faces series. I never constructed a specific narrative with the photos I took during my volunteer work, but they were informed by the social realist photographers and photojournalists who captured the Civil Rights Movement by participating in protests and documenting the unrest.

Gordon Parks is a major influence and part of the reason I am pursuing my PhD studies at this institution. Prof. Alys is a foremost expert on Parks’ work and curated the Parks Retrospective at the Local Museum. Parks himself said that the subject was always more important than the photographer, and I agreed with that statement for a long time, until I began reading Arthur Danto and his artist-centered philosophy of art. While many disagree with Danto’s definition of art as an elitist utopia, I would argue that he opens the gates to everyone, and that anyone can gain entry to the “artworld.”

There is no better exemplar, I think, of the democratization of the “artworld” first posited by Danto than Basquiat, who was not only “allowed” access to the “artworld” but redefined it, in his indomitable way. Basquiat’s quality of outsider-turned-insider and Danto’s liberating of the parameters of what defined art are central themes of my project to understand whether “outsider” artists still exist, given how new technologies and platforms have pushed Danto’s definitions beyond their logical boundaries, if not obliterated them completely.

I hope this program can help me refine my project while matching my urgency to further expand the definition of art and artists to be more inclusive of not only racial minorities, but non-binary and trans people, who are at the forefront of questioning the validity of assigned identities through the curation of their very genders or lack thereof.

I am grateful to this esteemed panel for considering my application, and I would like to close by expressing my profound admiration for the achievements in art, art theory, and the philosophy of art each of you has contributed to a long, continuing train of thought.

I would be honored to accept a place beside you as a PhD candidate.

Melanie Hicks

Motivation letters are used in areas other than academia, but a PhD motivation letter is different for several reasons. Regardless of your particular field of research, the letter should include important points about your academic achievements, research interests, and why you want to continue your research at the faculty to which you are applying.

Even though PhD motivation letters tend to be short – between 500 and 700 words – their length is often the most vexing thing about them. Because students have a hard time condensing their years of study and research into a few words, we hope this article will help you focus your writing and give you insight into what to include.

No, they are not the same. A motivation letter has many different applications but is primarily a summary of your academic and professional achievements. A personal statement is an essay explaining your personal reasons for wanting to enter a specific profession or academic institution.

You should focus only on concrete, real-world examples of how you performed, learned, or grew as the result of an event in your trajectory toward a PhD and how you plan on contributing something new to your field of study. You should also make sure to have enough material, in the form of experience or academic goals, to write a compelling letter.

PhD motivation letters are important because they let prospective PhD candidates distill their background and experience succinctly, so that selection committees can more easily judge their character, commitment, and potential. 

Some people do find it challenging to write a letter about themselves without rambling or sounding incoherent. But if you prepare ahead of time, think honestly about your answer, and write several drafts, you should be able to write an above-average letter. If you are still struggling you can also get application help from professionals. 

Programs tend to ask for either a one or two-page letter, between 700 and 900 words. 

You can talk about anything that has do to with your past work to get to the PhD level, including aspects of your academic career, internships, independent or supervised research, fieldwork in a specific context, and any work experience you have related to your field of study. 

You should not mention any personal motivations for wanting to pursue a PhD. You can write about your intrinsic motivations to become a doctor of philosophy in your personal statement, if you are asked to submit one with your application. 

PhD programs around the world have various entry requirements that differ among schools. Some institutions ask for a motivation letter, while others ask for a personal statement or letter of recommendation and letter of intent, which has elements of a motivation letter but is not the same. 

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your grad school application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get into grad school or you don't pay.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

how to write a phd request letter

Academia Insider

Sample email asking for a letter of recommendation from a professor

Navigating the world of academic requests can be daunting, particularly when it comes to securing a strong letter of recommendation.

It’s crucial to approach this task with the right preparation and understanding.

In this blog post, we’ll:

  • break down the structure of a well-crafted email request for a recommendation letter,
  • provide sample sentence starters,
  • compelling subject line options,
  • and examples to guide you.

We will also share valuable tips to ensure your recommendation letter stands out, enhancing your scholarship or university application. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned academic or just embarking on your academic journey, read on to arm yourself with essential tools to secure that impactful letter of recommendation.

What to include in an email to a professor when asking for a recommendation letter

When you ask a professor via email for a letter of recommendation you must ensure that your request is obvious and not seen as too much of a burden for a busy academic. 

Make your request by following these sections. I have provided some sample sentence starters for you too – just to get you off in the right direction. 

The importance of the subject line via email

If you don’t have a strong email subject line your email for a request to write a recommendation for graduate school could be completely ignored . 

Here are some strong options for you to choose from if you need inspiration:

  • “Seeking Your Expertise for Scholarship Recommendation Letter”
  • “[Your Name]’s Request for Your Valuable Recommendation”
  • “Your Insight Needed for [Your Name]’s Scholarship Application”
  • “Recommendation Request: Helping [Your Name] Achieve [Specific Goal]”
  • Invitation to Contribute to [Your Name]’s Future Success with Your Recommendation”
  • “[Your Name]’s Request for Your Invaluable Perspective in a Letter of Recommendation”
  • “Your Assistance Required for [Your Name]’s Academic Journey: Letter of Recommendation”

Examples of emails asking for a letter of recommendation

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am currently preparing my application for [the program’s name] at [university’s name]. As part of the application process, I am required to submit a letter of recommendation and I was hoping you might consider writing this for me.

Throughout my time in your [specific course’s name], I have had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of [mention skills or topics learned], and your guidance and advice have been invaluable. I believe that the knowledge and skills I have received under your mentorship would be best attested by you.

The letter should cover my academic performance, class activities, and my ability to [mention the skills relevant to the program you are applying for]. I would be happy to meet and discuss these points in more detail, or provide you with any other information you may find useful when writing the letter.

The deadline for submission is [date], ideally from your professional email address to increase the credibility of the letter. Most universities now require the recommendation to be uploaded online, so I will include detailed instructions in a subsequent email.

Should you decide to agree to my request, I would be profoundly grateful. Your recommendation would significantly enhance my application and increase my chances of being admitted to my desired university. However, if you are not able to fulfill this request for any reason, I completely understand and appreciate your time.

Best regards,

[Your full name] [Your university and course name] [Your contact information]

Dear Professor Smith,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I have had the privilege of being a student in your [specific class] during the [specific term].

I am writing to respectfully request your assistance. I am applying for the [Name of Scholarship] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for the scholarship application, and subsequently the recommendation letter, is [Deadline Date].

The recommendation letter should focus on my academic achievements, particularly those related to [specific course or field]. If possible, kindly incorporate instances that exhibit my dedication and the hard work I put into [specific course or field].

To aid in your writing, I have attached my resume and a document highlighting key accomplishments and skills that I believe make me a strong candidate for the scholarship. Additionally, if it would be helpful, I would be glad to draft a preliminary version of the recommendation letter to provide a baseline for your final version.

Please feel free to let me know if you need any further information. I understand the time and effort it takes to write these letters and deeply appreciate your consideration.

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Email] [Your Contact Number]

Top tips for getting the best letter of recommendation possible:

To ensure a compelling reference letter from your professor, approach them with a well-updated CV highlighting skills relevant to your PhD ambitions.

Ask them politely and provide them with concepts to focus on that synergize with the program you’re applying for. 

I use to like to draft a reference letter myself to ease their burden and make sure that they actually say the things I want them to say! This draft helps them with structure and relevancy but can be edited as they see fit.

Request for more reference letters than your program requires, providing a backup. Subsequently, ask them to send the letter from a professional email and provide their copy too. This helps in future applications and ensures transparency.

Afterwards, reciprocate their effort with a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ note, providing a personal touch and fostering a strong rapport.

Here are the top tips for getting a stellar recommendation:

1. Choosing the Right Recommender Ensure you choose a person who knows you well, can tell real-life anecdotes and stories about you, and who has worked closely with you. Avoid reaching out to someone famous or someone who barely knows you.

2. Effective Communication with Your Recommender Sit down with your recommender and discuss the points you want them to mention in the recommendation letter. This could include highlights of your academic performance, active social life, extracurricular activities, or volunteer experiences.

3. Using Corporate Email Addresses Always ask your professor or boss to use a corporate email address. Using email addresses such as Gmail or Hotmail can ruin the credibility of the recommendation letter. The recommendation letter should come from an email that can be linked back to your university or company.

4. Structuring the Recommendation Letter An ideal recommendation letter should start off with a formal greeting like ‘To whom it may concern’, followed by anecdotes and accomplishments related to the student. It should finish by formally recommending the student to the University.

5. Length of the Recommendation Letter Ensure that the recommendation letter is within the word limit set by the university. Some universities allow only up to 250 words.

6. Including Anecdotes Any compliment in the recommendation letter should be followed by an anecdote. These anecdotes serve to validate the qualities or achievements you’re asking the professor to highlight.

7. Ensuring a Strong Endorsement The letter should conclude with a strong endorsement, essentially ‘selling’ the student to the university they’re applying to. You want your recommender to explicitly state their recommendation of you for the university you’re applying to.

Wrapping up – Your email request

As we wrap up this comprehensive guide on asking a professor for a letter of recommendation via email, we hope the tips, samples, and strategies shared have demystified the process.

As you craft your email request, remember to ensure clarity, politeness, and professionalism in your communication.

Approach someone who knows you well and can provide a credible, detailed account of your abilities, experiences, and personal attributes. 

Most importantly, provide all necessary information to your professor, giving them ample time to draft a strong, well-thought-out recommendation.

Your effort in this stage can make a significant difference in securing that coveted spot in your desired program or scholarship. Equipped with this guide, you’re now ready to confidently request and secure impactful letters of recommendation.

All the best in your academic journey!

how to write a phd request letter

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

how to write a phd request letter

2024 © Academia Insider

how to write a phd request letter

how to write a phd request letter

  • How to Email a Potential Supervisor
  • Applying to a PhD

It’s well known that contacting a potential PhD supervisor before applying to their position can greatly increase your chances of success. Unfortunately, it also works the opposite way.

The good news is that leaving a great impression is much simpler than you would think; it simply comes down to how you structure your first email.

To learn how to email a potential supervisor the correct way, follow our guidelines below.

Guidelines for Your First Email

1. do your research.

Before contacting a supervisor, you need to have researched them. Hopefully, you would have already have done this before deciding that they would be suitable for your project. However, if you haven’t, read up and learn about their research.

This is important to confirm that your project is relevant to the supervisor and that they have suitable expertise to support you.

As well as information about their research and recent publications, you can find their email address on their University’s academic profile page. Their email address should also be available in the PhD listing you originally saw the position.

2. Use a Clear Subject Line

Use a short subject line which clearly shows your intention. Supervisors receive countless emails a day from students, other professors, external collaborators and research bodies. Therefore, an unclear subject line will probably go unnoticed in their busy inbox.

Good examples of subject lines include:

  • Enquiry for NERC-funded PhD in Climate Change
  • Prospective Applicant – EPSRC – Material Science PhD

If the University provides a reference number in the PhD listing you found the position, ensure you include it at the end of your subject line.

3. Address Them

Always start your email with “Dear” followed by the supervisor’s surname.

Make sure you use the supervisor’s correct title. Starting an email to a professor with “Dear Dr” rather than “Dear Professor” won’t only annoy them but will imply you have poor attention to detail. Therefore, using the wrong title will immediately set a poor impression and sometimes may even be enough for the supervisor to stop reading your email.

4. Introduce Yourself and State Your Intentions

First, introduce yourself by providing the following information:

  • Your academic qualifications
  • Your level of experience

Second, indicate that you are interested in undertaking a doctoral research project. If you’re emailing regarding a specific project, then provide its title.

If the University isn’t offering projects with pre-defined titles, then instead indicate which specific areas of the research field you are interested in. When expressing your research interests, also discuss why you are interested in having them as your supervisor. In your explanation, include relevant examples of their recent work and relate it back to your research topic. This will show the supervisor that you have thought about the direction of your research and have undertaken detailed research around the topic. It will also show that you’re familiar with their work. This won’t only help build rapport but will also show the supervisor that you believe he will be a good match for you.

After discussing your interests, confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements and move on to discuss your funding situation. If you intend to apply for funding or a scholarship on acceptance into your programme, mention this and list the names of the funding bodies and scholarships you will be applying to.

5. Conclude

Conclude your email by reinforcing your enthusiasm for the position and summarising why you think you’d make a great research student.

In addition to this, you could also suggest a meeting as a way for the two of you to discuss the contents of your email. This isn’t required but does sometimes make it easier for the supervisor if they have a lot to discuss.

6. Thank Them

Thank the supervisor for their time and end your email with “Kind regards” followed by your first and last name in full.

Email Etiquette

Sample email and etiquette for meeting request with supervisor

Attach Supporting Information

Your goal should be to make the exchange as simple as possible for the supervisor. Therefore, attach any supporting information such as your CV if you expect they may ask for it or find it useful. This will save them having to email you back asking for further information should they need it.

Keep It Brief

As mentioned above, supervisors won’t have time to keep going back and forth, therefore, avoid vague statements or being too broad about your interests.

Whilst it’s OK to email several potential supervisors offering similar positions, ensure you tailor each one so it’s relevant to the specific supervisor you’re emailing. If your email is too generic, they’ll likely think you repurposed it from one of your earlier emails to another supervisor and so choose to ignore it.

Lastly, before you hit send, read over your email and confirm it’s free from any grammatical mistakes. As a postgraduate student applying to a PhD position, your email needs to be error-free.

Be Patient With Follow-Ups

Supervisors are extremely busy people. They have classes to teach, research students to supervise and several independent projects to lead. Therefore, don’t be too disheartened if you don’t hear back from them right away.

If you don’t receive a reply after a week, send them a polite follow up. If they still don’t get in contact after another week, they’ve likely either stopped accepting applicants are too overwhelmed to process their inbox. In these cases, it’s best to start looking for alternative supervisors.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Home » Application » Application for Extension of Time for PhD – Sample Application for Requesting Extension of Time

Application for Extension of Time for PhD – Sample Application for Requesting Extension of Time

how to write a phd request letter

Table of Contents:

  • Sample Letter

Live Editing Assistance

How to use live assistant, additional template options, download options, share via email, share via whatsapp, copy to clipboard, print letter, sample letter for extension of time for phd.

To, __________ (Receiver’s Name), __________ (Name of the University) __________ (Address)

Date: __/__/____ (Date)

Subject: Request for extension of time

Dear Sir/Madam,

With due respect, my name is __________ (Your Name) studying in department __________ (mention your department) holding roll number __________ (Mention roll number).

I am writing this letter to request for extension for __________ (Mention time duration). The reason for extension is __________ (Mention reason). I hope you accept this application. I will be highly obliged.

Yours Sincerely/ Faithfully, _________ (Signature), _________ (Name), _________ (Roll Number)

Live Preview

The Live Assistant feature is represented by a real-time preview functionality. Here’s how to use it:

  • Start Typing: Enter your letter content in the "Letter Input" textarea.
  • Live Preview: As you type, the content of your letter will be displayed in the "Live Preview" section below the textarea. This feature converts newline characters in the textarea into <br> tags in HTML for better readability.

The letter writing editor allows you to start with predefined templates for drafting your letters:

  • Choose a Template: Click one of the template buttons ("Start with Sample Template 1", "Start with Sample Template 2", or "Start with Sample Template 3").
  • Auto-Fill Textarea: The chosen template's content will automatically fill the textarea, which you can then modify or use as is.

Click the "Download Letter" button after composing your letter. This triggers a download of a file containing the content of your letter.

Click the "Share via Email" button after composing your letter. Your default email client will open a new message window with the subject "Sharing My Draft Letter" and the content of your letter in the body.

Click the "Share via WhatsApp" button after you've composed your letter. Your default browser will open a new tab prompting you to send the letter as a message to a contact on WhatsApp.

If you want to copy the text of your letter to the clipboard:

  • Copy to Clipboard: Click the "Copy to Clipboard" button after composing your letter.
  • Paste Anywhere: You can then paste the copied text anywhere you need, such as into another application or document.

For printing the letter directly from the browser:

  • Print Letter: Click the "Print Letter" button after composing your letter.
  • Print Preview: A new browser window will open showing your letter formatted for printing.
  • Print: Use the print dialog in the browser to complete printing.
  • It's advisable to request an extension as soon as you realize you may need one, ideally well before the original deadline. This allows sufficient time for the university to review and process your request.
  • Provide a clear and valid reason for needing the extension, such as unforeseen personal circumstances, additional time required for data collection or analysis, or unexpected challenges encountered during the research process.
  • Depending on the university's policies, you may be required to provide supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate or a letter explaining your circumstances. Check with your department or supervisor for specific requirements.
  • If your extension request is denied, you should discuss alternative options with your supervisor or academic advisor. They may be able to provide guidance on how to manage your workload and meet the original deadline.
  • While it's possible to request multiple extensions, it's important to demonstrate valid reasons for each request and to communicate openly with your supervisor or academic advisor about your progress and any challenges you may be facing.

Incoming Search Terms:

  • Sample letter requesting a time extension for Ph.D
  • Time extension request letter for PhD

By letterskadmin

Related post, food diet chart request letter – sample letter requesting food diet chart, holiday request letter – sample letter requesting leave, request letter for free medical treatment – sample letter requesting free medial treatment, leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Congratulations Letter to Colleague On Promotion – Sample Letter to Congratulate Colleague On Promotion

Letter to embassy for visa refusal reason – sample letter requesting reason for visa refusal, privacy overview.

how to write a phd request letter

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

how to write a phd request letter

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

how to write a phd request letter

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Leverage Edu

  • School Education /

How To Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC: Check Samples and Format

how to write a phd request letter

  • Updated on  
  • May 16, 2024

How To Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC

A transfer certificate, also known as a TC, is an important certificate issued when a student wishes to enrol in another school. This certificate is given by the prior school from which the student wishes to transfer to another school. We will look at the format and offer some samples of how to write a letter to the principal requesting TC. Continue reading to learn more about it.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Sample 1: Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC
  • 2 Sample 2: Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC
  • 3 Format of How To Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC
  • 4 FAQs 

Sample 1: Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC

Also Read: Write a Letter to Your Friend Advising Him to Adjust to the New Place as His Father Just Got Transferred: Check Samples

Sample 2: Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC

Also Read: Write a Letter to Your Friend Telling Him About Your Visit to Shimla: Check Samples and Format  

Format of How To Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC

Download the Format of Formal Letter from Here!!  

Ans: A formal letter is a letter written to a designated individual for official purposes. It has a professional tone and follows a specific format.

Ans: A transfer certificate, or TC, is an important document required when a student wishes to leave one institution and enrol in another. It shows that a student is affiliated with one school at a given moment.

Ans: There are three sections to any letter, formal or informal: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. By following the above-mentioned format, you can gain a deeper understanding of it.

Check out more letter-writing topics here:

We hope the above-listed sample letters will improve your letter-writing skills. For more such interesting topics, visit our Letter Writing page and follow Leverage Edu . 

' src=

Bhumika Sharma

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

how to write a phd request letter

Connect With Us

how to write a phd request letter

30,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

how to write a phd request letter

Resend OTP in

how to write a phd request letter

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

how to write a phd request letter

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

how to write a phd request letter

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

how to write a phd request letter

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

how to write a phd request letter

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

how to write a phd request letter

Don't Miss Out

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Dear Colleague Letter: Graduate Research Internships at National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NSF-NIBIB/BETA INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity

April 30, 2024

Dear Colleague:

Fostering the growth of a globally competitive and diverse research workforce and advancing the scientific and innovation skills of the Nation is a strategic objective of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF and Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration ( BETA ) housed in the National Institutes of Health (NIH)- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering ( NIBIB ) have entered into a partnership to support the training of graduate students to meet both the NSF's strategic workforce development objectives as well the NIBIB's mission to transform through engineering the understanding of disease and its prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment and NIBIB's support of the next generation of diverse, interdisciplinary researchers across the career continuum.

This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) describes this unique partnership with NIBIB/BETA and is aligned with and conforms with the NSF INTERN opportunity described in the Dear Colleague Letter: Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity . This DCL is referred to as the NSF - NIBIB/BETA INTERN DCL.

Recipients submitting an INTERN supplemental funding request are required to have a policy or code of conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, and sexual assault. For more information, read about NSF policies regarding harassment .

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

NSF will consider supplemental funding requests that enable a Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI to request up to six months of additional support for a graduate student supported on an active NSF award with the following goals:

  • To provide graduate students with the opportunity to augment their research assistantships or NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) fellowships with non-academic research internship activities and training opportunities that will complement their academic research training.
  • To allow graduate students to engage in professional development experiences that will enhance their preparation for multiple career pathways after graduation.
  • To encourage the participation of the full spectrum of diverse talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

ELIGIBILITY

Recipients with awards that include funding for graduate students, including institutional Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) awards, are eligible to submit a supplemental funding request. The PI for an active GRFP fellowship (not the GRFP fellow) should contact GRFP ( [email protected] ) regarding specific requirements before submitting a supplemental funding request on behalf of a GRFP fellow.

To be supported through an INTERN supplement responding to this DCL, graduate students (including graduate research fellows) being considered must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate programs (master's or doctoral), be in good academic standing and demonstrate satisfactory progress towards their research.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PIs and co-PIs of NSF grants and the research advisor of the GRFP fellows are encouraged to contact Dr. Manu Platt ( [email protected] ) at NIBIB/BETA, to explore suitable opportunities for research traineeships at NIBIB/BETA in Bethesda, Maryland, for the graduate students who are supported on their NSF grants.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING REQUEST PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

Information about requesting supplemental support is contained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide ( PAPPG ), Chapter VI.E.5. In addition to the PAPPG requirements for supplemental support, the following materials must be included.

  • A two-page summary that describes the internship
  • A one-page personal statement from the graduate student describing career goals, accomplishments, and how the activity will better prepare the individual to enter the workforce.
  • Research summary to include contribution(s) to research discipline
  • Institution(s)
  • Year of study (1st year, 2nd year, etc.)
  • Completed coursework
  • Employment and volunteer/outreach history
  • Publications (accepted only)
  • Other information relevant to the proposed internship
  • A letter of collaboration from an authorized official at the host organization that describes the internship opportunity and mentoring the student will experience during the internship.
  • An endorsement letter from the PI that confirms that the student meets the eligibility requirements specified in this DCL. The letter must describe how the proposed internship activity will contribute to the student's graduate education experience and how it may impact time to degree.
  • A budget and a clear justification for all requested budget costs.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING AMOUNT

The total amount of funding requested must not exceed $55,000 per student for one six-month period. NSF plans to fund about 5-10 supplements per fiscal year, depending on the availability of funds.

PERIOD OF SUPPORT

The supplement funding will provide up to six months of support for an internship. Note: only one supplemental funding request may be submitted for a given student. A PI or co-PI may submit no more than one request per year of their award if there are multiple graduate students supported by the award, with the exception that GRFP will consider requests for internships for more than one GRFP Fellow from a single GRFP award.

Supplemental funding requests may be submitted at any time.

SUBMISSION AND REVIEW

Requests for supplemental funding must be submitted via Research.gov. A PI or Co-PI with an NSF award should contact the program director who manages the award prior to submission. GRFP INTERN supplement requests are submitted by the GRFP PI, not by the GRFP fellow or the fellow's research advisor. Requests for supplemental funding submitted in response to this DCL will be reviewed internally by NSF program directors. All supplements are subject to (a) the availability of funds and (b) merit review of the supplemental funding request.

SPECIAL AWARD CONDITION

Intellectual Property Rights: Internships under this DCL are considered equivalent to traineeships. The National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering claims no rights to any inventions or writings that might result from its traineeship awards. However, trainees should be aware that NSF, another Federal agency, or some private party may acquire such rights through other support for particular research. Also, trainees should note their obligation to include an Acknowledgment and Disclaimer in any publication.

For further information, please contact: Dr. Prakash Balan, [email protected] .

Susan Marqusee, Assistant Director Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO)

Dilma Da Silva, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)

James L. Moore III, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EDU)

Susan Margulies, Assistant Director Directorate for Engineering (ENG)

Alexandra Isern, Assistant Director Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)

C. Denise Caldwell, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

Alicia Knoedler, Office Head Office of Integrative Activities (OIA)

Kendra Sharp, Office Head Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE)

Sylvia M. Butterfield, Assistant Director Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)

Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnership (TIP)

  • Investigative
  • Print Edition
  • Submit a Tip

How to make history when you can’t even read it

A tufts education can mean many things, so don’t let a single version of it define you..

IMG_4890.jpg

Justin Hong is pictured with his family at a DPP rally in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on Jan. 7.

What’s in a name? I was never taught Taiwanese, but I’ve known how to write  my family name, 洪, since my mom taught it to me for a second grade art project. A few years later I finally learned what it meant: flood. Beyond that, I had never engaged with my family’s history. That changed this year.

I remember it like it was yesterday. My grandfather, through my father’s translation, rambled on about Taiwanese politics noting how embarrassing it was that the Kuomintang, the Chinese nationalist political party in Taiwan, came to the island in 1949, but still identified as Chinese while it only took three generations for his family to call themselve s Americans. As he finished speaking, there was a sinking feeling in my stomach — he was talking about me. The worst part was that it was true.

In that moment I was yanked back to 10th grade English. On the first day of school, my seat partner turned to me and asked me the all-too-familiar question: Where are you from? I told him that I was Taiwanese. He said I was mistaken; Taiwan was not a country, so I had to be Chinese. I remember fighting with him about it that first day. I nearly landed myself in detention because of it, but eventually, I gave up because my heart wasn’t in the fight. Frankly, it didn’t matter what anyone called me in the grand scheme of things, but   more importantly, I didn’t care. I had only ever identified as an American, so why would I fight some kid over this?

When I was young, I considered myself lucky that my parents gave me a ‘normal‘ name. What I meant was that I felt lucky to have an American one. I didn’t even know that I had a Chinese name, Hong Dun-en, until this January. In leaving a Los Angeles suburb that’s over 71% white, to attend Tufts, a primarily white institution, I never expected that I would connect with my family and a country  a world away while I was here.

Still reeling from the stinging pain of my grandfather’s comment, I resolved that this semester I would do what I could to make up for the first two decades of my life. Pacing around my shoebox of a room, I scoured the internet and Tisch Library’s archives for even the smallest crumbs of information I could find. The offhand mentions of relatives in indices, quotes in newspapers from before I was born and old photos my mother shared with me only whetted my insatiable appetite for more. Like any child of diaspora, I turned to food and music too. I’m lucky to have found myself in the sticky residue of the tsai tao kui still caked onto my kitchen counter, in the discarded shells of Taiwanese edamame I share with my friends  and in the nostalgic melody of the only mandopop song that I know — butchering the pronunciation along the way. It isn’t much, but it’s certainly a start.

One evening, I stared in horror at my computer screen as I uncovered the crown jewel of my family’s accomplishments. It turns out that my great-uncle was one of the founders of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, the first formal opposition party to the KMT and one founded on Taiwanese identity. I’d known that my grandfather  was elected to the National Assembly alongside DPP  President-elect Lai Ching-te, but I had no idea that a living relative of mine founded the party. My grandfather’s palpable frustration suddenly made sense. It was an embarrassment that the identity he had fought so hard for was one that I rejected out of sheer ignorance.

This journey of self-discovery hasn’t been easy — but nothing worthwhile ever is. My whole life I’ve been surrounded by the nasal vowels and the piercing jabs characteristic of Taiwanese, but I’ve never once been able to understand it. I’ve always envied the close relationship my friends have with their grandparents. I’ve never had that, but we’ll get there one day. My grandfather’s gentle tapping on my shoulder as he shoves a handful of books about Taiwanese political history, in English, into my hands is all the proof I need. There might never be a day when I can understand dinner table conversations at my grandparents’ house, and I’ll regret it for as long as I live. Still, I take solace in knowing that the incessant longing for connection won’t be how my story ends.

When I think about my time here, one word comes to mind: unexpected. For the longest time, I felt like I didn’t belong here. This semester, that’s all been washed away. My story isn’t a conventional Tufts story, and it’s only now that I can finally reconcile that difference. Thank you, to those of you that made that possible. I couldn’t have done it without you.

IMG_4316.jpg

Four years, one home

Image from iOS.jpg

Final meditations from the Opinion section's conservative

letterfromtheeditors

Letter from the Editors: The Tufts Daily Diversity & Inclusion Report, 2023–24

Paying for tufts needs to be easier to navigate, letter to the editor, op-ed: today’s jewish life remains connected as ever to the past, faculty told to prepare for upcoming budget cuts, op-ed: tufts administration should respect protesters, not silence them, tufts denies medford alpha epsilon pi’s affiliation request.

The Tufts Daily Crossword with an image of a crossword puzzle

IMAGES

  1. Download PhD Consent Letter Sample

    how to write a phd request letter

  2. Persuasive essay: Sample letter request for phd supervisor

    how to write a phd request letter

  3. phd extension request letter sample Doc Template

    how to write a phd request letter

  4. (PDF) Sample mail for PhD or MS supervision (1)

    how to write a phd request letter

  5. How Do I Write the First Email to a Professor for PhD Application

    how to write a phd request letter

  6. 3+ Sample of Motivation Letter For PHD in PDF

    how to write a phd request letter

VIDEO

  1. The Best PhD-Level Resume & Cover Letter For Getting Through Today's AI Filtering

  2. How to request a letter of recommendation. #phdlife #phd #phdtips #academia #letterofrecommendation

  3. How to write PhD research proposal and PhD motivation letter. Q&A in live session

  4. Letter of recommendation request for admission in foreign universities matter or not

  5. PhD in USA

  6. How To Write Perfect Cover Letter

COMMENTS

  1. Cover Letter for PhD Application: Example From a PhD Student

    Formal salutation. In an official letter like this one, you should address the reader in a professional and formal way. If you know who'll be reading your cover letter, go with Dear Dr. [Surname] or Dear Professor [Surname]. If you don't, go with Dear Sir/Madam. The specific PhD program or position.

  2. Tips for Writing a Successful Motivation Letter for Ph.D. [+Sample]

    While writing a motivational letter, it is very important to concisely include how much skill and/or working experience you possess. A Ph.D. is about more than just a sequel to your past academic endeavors, it is a true test of education and education is more than just owning degrees. They will be interested in the skills and/or work experience ...

  3. Sample Letters to Potential Advisors

    Dear Dr. [Potential Advisor's Name], My name is [Student Name] and I am a prospective PhD applicant for the Psychology program at [University Name] for Fall [Year]. I have worked with the [Lab Name] Lab at [University Name] for over three years, under Drs. [Faculty Name #1] and [Faculty Name #2], studying the intra- and interpersonal factors ...

  4. How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

    How to Start a Motivation Letter. Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger. Education: State what you have studied and where.

  5. How to Write a Cover Letter for PhD Applications

    A cover letter should be addressed to a named person i.e. "Dear Professor Smith". For a PhD application, this will usually be the PhD supervisor, but may be a specific person in charge of recruitment. If you are still unsure who to address the cover letter to, it should be directed to the Head of Department.

  6. How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

    1. Don't Forget About the Formatting. PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length.

  7. How To Write a PhD Cover Letter (With Template)

    Write the introduction. Once you finish the body of the cover letter, write the introduction. The introduction should clearly state what you're applying to. You may also use this space to briefly mention an ambition or goal for the future. 5. Highlight your key strengths and experiences in the first body paragraph.

  8. How (and Who) to Ask For a Letter of Recommendation

    Table of contents. Step 1: Choose who to ask. Step 2: Reach out and request a meeting. Step 3: Ask for a letter of recommendation. Step 4: Share your resume and other materials. Step 5: Remind your recommenders of upcoming deadlines. Other interesting articles.

  9. Writing an Academic Cover Letter for a PhD Application

    Try to match the font size, type, line spacing and margin size to your academic CV for neat and consistent presentation. Your cover letter should be addressed to the PhD supervisor, starting with a "Dear [academic title] [surname]", for example, "Dear Professor Williams". Tip: Make sure to get the title of the supervisor correct.

  10. How to Write a PhD Cover Letter

    1. Greeting. 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. 2.

  11. How To Write a Cover Letter For A PhD Application (With Example)

    Centre your cover letter on where your qualities overlap with the university's expectations. Related: How To Apply For The First Graduate Certificate Online. 2. Write your personal details. The top section of your cover letter includes details that identify you, including your first and last name, email address and phone number.

  12. PhD Cover Letter: PhD Application Example & How-To

    Use white space between sections and paragraphs to guide the reader's eyes. Center your PhD cover letter on all sides using even, 1-inch margins. If your university has a word limit for cover letters, and you run out of space, consider pulling out some bullet points. Target each PhD cover letter.

  13. How To Write a Letter of Recommendation for PhD Programs

    Recommendation letter template. Here's a template you can use when writing a recommendation letter for a student hoping to be accepted into a Ph.D. program: [Recipient's name] I am pleased to recommend [applicant name] for the [Ph.D. program] at the [university name]. I am [your name], a [work position]. I have [number] years of experience ...

  14. Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School: The Definitive Guide

    Who, when, and how to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school, including word-for-word scripts and a sample letter  ... Below are exact email scripts you can use to request a letter in person: ... If you're willing to write a letter, I will send the following supporting materials: 1) my transcript, 2) my resume, 3) a draft ...

  15. How To Request a Recommendation Letter for Graduate School

    A great letter of recommendation from a professor, manager or colleague can set your graduate school application apart from other candidates. For effective letters of recommendation, choose people acquainted with your skills, accomplishments and strengths. You can send a formal, written request to your desired reference that includes information to help them write the letter.

  16. How to Write an Email to a PhD Supervisor and What to Ask Them

    Your first email to a potential PhD supervisor should be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover letter. 1. Include a clear subject line. Make sure your initial email doesn't have a vague subject line that could lead to it being ignored (or heading straight for the spam folder). Some examples could be:

  17. How To Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for Your PhD

    Before asking an individual to write you a letter of recommendation, you can start by making a list of people you could ask. Think of people in your network who can attest to your personal, professional and academic qualities. Try to choose individuals who have professional qualifications. 2. Talk to the people on your list.

  18. Sample email asking for a letter of recommendation from a professor

    Example 1. Dear Professor [Last Name], I hope this message finds you well. I am currently preparing my application for [the program's name] at [university's name]. As part of the application process, I am required to submit a letter of recommendation and I was hoping you might consider writing this for me.

  19. How to Email a Professor for PhD and MS Supervision

    The subject line will help the professor to guess. about the contents of your email even before opening it. We recommend you to always use a. clear and catchy subject line. For example, "Request ...

  20. When writing an email asking for PhD positions/projects

    4. The volume of emails requesting a lab position received by most professors in my field is large and unceasing. This means that you have at most a few moments of attention from the prof who is skim reading your email. By far the majority of emails read along the lines of "my name is X and I would like to do a PhD in your lab", usually ...

  21. How to Email a Potential Supervisor

    3. Address Them. Always start your email with "Dear" followed by the supervisor's surname. Make sure you use the supervisor's correct title. Starting an email to a professor with "Dear Dr" rather than "Dear Professor" won't only annoy them but will imply you have poor attention to detail. Therefore, using the wrong title will ...

  22. Application for Extension of Time for PhD

    When drafting a letter to request an extension of time for a PhD, clarity and politeness are key. Clearly state your name, department, and roll number, along with the duration of the extension and the reason for it. Express gratitude and sincerity in your request, and close the letter respectfully. Table of Contents: Sample Letter

  23. How to write a graduate assistant cover letter (With examples)

    Graduate assistant cover letter template. Below is a graduate assistant cover letter template you can use to create your own cover letter: [Your name] [City, postcode] [Your phone number] [Your email address] [Today's date] [Recipient's name] [Recipient's company] Dear [Recipient's name], As a [your current status] studying [your degree ...

  24. How To Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC ...

    Sample 1: Write A Letter To Principal Requesting For TC. I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing this letter to get my transfer certificate (TC), which is required for my admission to another school. My name is Saransh, and I am currently a student in class 10 at National Victor Public School.

  25. Dear Colleague Letter: Graduate Research Internships at National

    An endorsement letter from the PI that confirms that the student meets the eligibility requirements specified in this DCL. The letter must describe how the proposed internship activity will contribute to the student's graduate education experience and how it may impact time to degree. A budget and a clear justification for all requested budget ...

  26. AHA, other national groups send letter to Congress requesting funding

    The AHA and other national health care organizations May 16 sent a letter to Senate and House appropriations leaders requesting $758 million in funding for the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education program for fiscal year 2025, an increase over prior funding allocations. Each year, the CHGME program trains thousands of general pediatricians and pediatric specialists, such as child ...

  27. How To Write a Scholarship Application Letter (With Template)

    Here's a list of steps you can follow to write a scholarship application letter: 1. Review the organization's requirements. Before you create a draft of your scholarship application letter, consider reviewing the designating body's expectations to familiarize yourself with what they're looking for in a scholarship candidate.

  28. How to make history when you can't even read it

    When I was young, I considered myself lucky that my parents gave me a 'normal' name. What I meant was that I felt lucky to have an American one. I didn't even know that I had a Chinese name, Hong Dun-en, until this January. In leaving a Los Angeles suburb that's over 71% white, to attend Tufts, a primarily white institution, I never ...

  29. Navigating Life After College

    Bounce Back from Rejection When applying for a job or interviewing, remember that rejection is a normal part of the job-seeking process. Take a moment to use rejection as a learning opportunity. If possible, request feedback and use it to improve your application, cover letter writing, or interviewing skills.

  30. Letter to the editor: What qualifies as relevant?

    The New York judge in the Donald Trump trial has denied Mr. Trump's request to have Mark Pomerantz, the unethical, book-writing former Manhattan special assistant district attorney, testify ...