graduate school application letter sample

• Graduate School

Graduate School Cover Letter Examples

With writing tips and a step-by-step guide.

Looking at graduate school cover letter examples is a good idea if you plan on applying to a graduate school program, as you may be required to include a cover letter with your  CV for graduate school  and other application components. Even though it is not a required document for all grad school programs, a well-written graduate school cover letter can help you stand out to the admissions committee and improve your chances of being accepted into your chosen program. This is especially true if you are applying to a highly selective institution or trying to  get into graduate school with a low GPA.

This blog will discuss everything you need to know about writing a cover letter for graduate school. You will learn why cover letters are important, learn tips to make your graduate school cover letter stand out, and you will get to review cover letter samples that will inspire you to write your own. 

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Article Contents 10 min read

What is a graduate school cover letter.

A graduate school cover letter is a brief letter that applicants attach to their graduate school application. Much like a work cover letter, such as a  research assistant cover letter , for example, graduate school cover letters are meant to introduce you and your application to the reader. They give you an opportunity to make an excellent first impression, tell the admission committee that you are interested in their graduate school program and why you believe it is a good fit for you. 

Graduate school cover letters have become less popular as graduate schools typically ask students to fill out their personal information and submit materials online. If you are sending specific application materials or your entire application by mail, then you will need to include a graduate school cover letter. Additionally, a few institutions, like the University of Illinois graduate college, for example, require students to submit a graduate school cover letter with their application, even when it is online. 

Furthermore, even when a graduate program does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, including a well-written and informative letter can help differentiate you from the other students by leaving a lasting impression on the admission committee, thus increasing your chances of admission. That said, before you start writing a cover letter for such a program, you should verify the school's admissions website to ensure that the school accepts additional documents. 

It should also be noted that many graduate students look for work and research opportunities at the school that they will be attending. If that is the case for you, then you will need a graduate school cover letter with your application for that school-related internship, job, or research opportunity. For example, if you’re interested in conducting research with a specific professor while you complete your master’s, then it would be a good idea to send them your application with a cover letter attached so that you can communicate your suitability for their research project.

Graduate school cover letters are academic letters, meaning that they need to be formatted in a way that is professional, clear, and concise. Your graduate school cover letter should be no longer than a page, written in a classic font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Calibri, sized 11 or 12.

The text of your letter should be organized and separated into paragraphs. Keep in mind that your letter may go through several readers, and not all of them may be experts in the field you intend to study, so do not use overly technical language or industry-specific jargon. Keep your language succinct, clear, and consistent throughout the letter.

Lastly, your letter needs to provide a quick introduction to you as a candidate and pique the reader's interest so that they want to read the rest of your application. This means that you should not use your cover letter to list all of the experiences and skills that make you perfect for this graduate program. Simply express your interest in the program, select one or two experiences, skills, or values to focus on, and relate those to your suitability for the program you're applying for.

Wondering how to get into grad school with a lower GPA?

Step 1: Brainstorm & plan 

The first thing you want to do before you start working on your cover letter, or any graduate school admission essay, is make a plan. Think about what you want to say in your cover letter and write it down. Remember that you only have a few paragraphs to work with, and you do not want to repeat information from your personal statement or other application components. 

Once you know what you want your cover letter to say, organize it so that it flows nicely, and it is easy to follow. Your graduate school cover letter should follow the structure of a typical letter. It should have an introductory paragraph, the main body, and a closing paragraph. 

Step 2: Address your letter 

As mentioned earlier, your graduate school cover letter is, in fact, a letter! Therefore, you should begin by addressing it the way you would in a formal letter. Write your full name and mailing address at the very top. We also recommend including your email address and phone number, but this is optional. On the following line, write out the date, and then write the recipient's name (typically, this is the name of the head of the department or just the name of the school you are applying to) and their address. You should verify the school's admissions webpage for this information. If it is unclear and you are unsure whom to address in the letter, contact the school and ask for this information to ensure that your documents get to the right person. 

This first section of your letter should follow this template:

1234 Imaginary Lane

NameofCity, TN 34421

December 12, 20XX

Dr. John Smith

Department of Psychology

BeMo Academic University

66 University Circle

NameofCity, TN 34457

Once again, because this is a formal letter, you want to open your letter with the appropriate greeting or a personal salutation. If you have the name of a specific recipient, you can use the most common salutation for graduate school cover letters, which is "Dear [recipient's name]." Do not forget to include the recipient's title if you have it. If you do not have the name of a specific recipient, then you can simply address the letter "To Whom It May Concern". 

Step 4: Introduce yourself and express your interest in the graduate program

The reader will already have your name at the top of the page, but your introductory paragraph should tell them why you're writing this graduate school cover letter. You should use it to state your interest in your chosen graduate program and briefly mention your academic background and accomplishments thus far. 

Take a look at this example for context: 

I am pleased to submit my application for the Master of Applied Psychology program at X university. As a recent psychology graduate of YZ university, this graduate program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. 

Step 5: Talk about your suitability for this program

This is the main body of your graduate school cover letter. You should try to limit this to one paragraph, but you can use up to two of them if necessary. You should briefly touch on why you chose this particular school and program, what skills you have that have prepared you for this program, and what makes you an ideal applicant. 

You can talk about what you intend to do after this degree or specific professors and faculty members you wish to work with. The information you share here will be personal, so there is no golden template. Just ensure that it is written in an organized fashion that is easy to read and understand. 

Step 6: Conclude and close your letter 

In your last paragraph, make sure you thank the recipient for their time and consideration. You should also encourage them to reach out to you if they need additional information, or if they have any questions. Then finally, You can close your cover letter with a warm, professional closing salutation. "Sincerely" or "Warm Regards" followed by your name are some acceptable closing salutations you can use.

Step 7: List enclosed documents

This section of your graduate school cover letter will look different depending on the school you are applying to, and the application format used. If you are applying by mail, you should list the enclosed documents in the same envelope as your cover letter. If you are applying online or by email, verify that all of the documents listed on your cover letter are attached and ready to send. 

This section should be at the very bottom of the page. It should list the documents in a bullet point format, in the order in which they are enclosed. The list should look something like this: 

Sincerely, 

Jane Doe 

• Program application form 
• Statement of purpose
• Academic transcripts

Letters of recommendation

Graduate school cover letter examples 

Graduate school cover letter example #1.

Candice Williams

1234 Dream St. 

Winnipeg, MB R3J 8T6

[email protected]

204-990-887

August 12, 20xx

Dr. Trevor Thorne

Department of English, Theatre, Film & Media

Toronto, ON M4C 2Y9

Dear Dr. Thorne,

I am excited to submit my application for consideration for the English literature master's program at BeMo Academic University. I have spent the past four years learning the basics of literature analysis through my bachelor's degree in the field, and I am eager to take this next step in my educational journey in order to further my training.

My undergraduate studies allowed me to explore and learn about different forms of literature from around the world. Still, I often found myself drawn to the impressive works of Shakespeare, Milton, Bronte, and many other great English writers. I had the opportunity to study in London for a year, where I attended a seminar on the impact of Charlotte Bronte's work on modern feminism led by none other than Prof. Jane Smith. She is one of the many brilliant professors in the English, Theatre, Film & Media department at BeMo that I hope to learn from. 

You will find enclosed the required application documents, including my academic CV, which provides more information on the research I have been able to do and publish so far in my short academic career. I am especially interested in the role that authors such as William Shakespeare played in the development of modern English, and I wish to explore that further through research. I feel that the rigorous curriculum this program offers will inform my future writing and research efforts, and allow me to achieve my goals. 

Thank you for your time, attention, and consideration. It is truly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information. 

Program application form

Statement of purpose 

Graduate CV

Official undergraduate transcripts

Angela Wong

102-9876 Mainland Rd.

New Haven, CT 44567

[email protected]  

April 8, 20XX

University of BeMo

175 Academy lane

New York, NY 34567

To whom it may concern,

It is my pleasure to submit my application for the Master's degree in Early Childhood Development in the Psychology department at The University of BeMo. I am currently completing my bachelor's degree in psychology and plan to graduate in the fall. Since my goal is to pursue a career as an educational psychologist, this particular program is the perfect next step toward achieving my goal. 

My undergraduate degree includes coursework in childhood psychology, special needs education, school and family crisis intervention, and many other courses that have given me the basics required to keep up with the thorough coursework that awaits me in your rigorous program. 

I have also gained valuable knowledge in the field through shadowing and internships in different schools in my community. Observing other child educators at work confirmed that this is the right career path for me, and it motivated me anew to learn how I can best help children develop a love of learning from the early stages of their educational careers. I know that there is only so much I can learn from observing, and the fact that this program provides six months of hands-on training is one of the many reasons why I am hoping to be a student at BeMo next year. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or documents. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Research Interest Statement

Cover letters are supposed to be a brief introduction to your application, so unless otherwise specified by the school, they should not be longer than one page. We recommend sticking to three to four paragraphs, as this is long enough to share substantial information without losing your audience. Keep in mind that your reader will also be reviewing your other application components, so you do not need to address everything in this one letter. The information in your other application components, such as your  statement of purpose , will complement your cover letter. So, treat your cover letter like a summary of your candidacy; keep it short but impactful.

Be genuine & professional

The individual or committee that will review your application will probably be people that help run the program you're applying to. It is, therefore, best that they get a sense of who you genuinely are. Communicate honestly and let your personality shine through. This will help make your cover letter more memorable. That said, keep in mind that this is a professional document and that genuine does not mean informal or unprofessional. Your tone should still be courteous and consistent throughout the letter.

Proofread & edit carefully

We cannot stress how important this is. Remember that your graduate school cover letter will be one of, if not the first, document that the admissions committee will see from your application. You do not want their first impression of you to be negative. Your letter should be easy to read and follow, and it should be error-free.

Take the time to review your letter multiple times and edit for flow, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typos. Better yet, reach out to a  grad school essay tutor  for assistance. They can review your cover letter and help you edit it to make sure it is up to par.

Grad school essay tutors can also help you with other tricky written application components, such as  grad school career goals statements . So, do not hesitate to contact one if you need  grad school application help. ","label":"Bonus tip","title":"Bonus tip"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

It is a brief letter that you attach to your graduate school application. This letter should state your interest in the program, and briefly explain why you chose it, as well as why you are a good fit for it.

Many programs do not request graduate school cover letters, but they are more common than most people think. Additionally, several programs accept grad school cover letters even when not required, so you can still submit a cover letter to help your application stand out.

That depends on the program that you are applying to. Some schools may request a cover letter for online applications, and others may not require one, but they allow students to submit them as an optional component.

Graduate school cover letters are not replacements for admission essays like a personal statement or  statement of intent . So if your school requires a graduate school cover letter, do not assume that this means you will not have to write any grad school admission essays.

Unless you are given the name of a specific member of the admission committee, you should address your graduate school cover letter to the "Admissions team," "[subject] Head of Department," or "To Whom It May Concern."

You can make your graduate school cover letter stand out by making sure your personality shines through in your writing, telling a short anecdote or interesting fact about you in the body of the letter, and detailing your relevant skills and experience.

Graduate school can be pretty competitive, but the level of competition depends on the specific program you will be applying to. Some programs have acceptance rates as high as 60%, while others admit less than 10% of applicants.

Graduate school advisors are admission experts who help students plan and prepare for graduate school applications.

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Letters of Intent for Graduate School

40 best letter of intent for graduate school samples.

It’s customary practice for almost all graduate schools to require applicants to submit either a statement of purpose , personal statement, curriculum vitae, or résumé. Aside from this requirement students also need to submit a letter of intent. This letter serves as your intellectual autobiography as an applicant that lists the series of experiences and events of your academic life that motivated you to further your education. The letter should focus on your academic life where you would address specific questions and issues.

Table of Contents

• 1 Letters of Intent for Graduate School
• 2 What is a letter of intent for graduate school?
• 3 Letter Of Intention For Graduate School Examples
• 4.1 How well you follow directions?
• 4.2 To showcase your writing skills
• 4.3 Your attention to detail
• 4.4 Your personal background
• 4.5 Your professional and academic achievements
• 5 How long is a letter of intent for grad school?
• 6 Letters Of Intent University
• 7.1 Opening paragraph
• 7.3 Closing paragraph
• 7.4 Concluding statement
• 8 Tips for writing your letter of intent
• 9 Letters Of Intent For School
• 10.1 Content

What is a letter of intent for graduate school?

A university letter of intent template usually comes in the form of a brief essay that outlines your skills, goals, and achievements within your field of study. Providing this information will strengthen your application to graduate school. The admissions committee searches for applicants who express a genuine interest in their field and prove that they will become an asset to the program. It’s important that in your letter, you list your professional interests, research, accomplishments, skills, and other success areas.

You should also provide other background information like volunteer or work experience, previous projects, studies, programs, essays, and mentors you’ve worked with as these would substantiate your passion for your field of study.

Also, remember that graduate schools and the programs that they offer vary. There can be slight to the guidelines regarding the required information and in this letter. There are schools that request a personal touch while others prefer that you focus more on your professional and academic accomplishments, goals, and qualities.

Letter Of Intention For Graduate School Examples

What is the purpose of a letter of intent for graduate school?

A graduate school letter of intent for school should contain more information about you that will convince the admissions committee to consider your admission request. The specifics of your letter will depend on the program you’re applying for and what you want to include in it. In general, the letter serves the following purposes:

How well you follow directions?

The worst way to make an impression is by not following instructions. By fulfilling the requirements of the school, you’re already showing respect for the process. This also shows that you’re willing to make the effort when they need you to do something in the future.

To showcase your writing skills

One of the reasons why you need to submit this letter is to show how articulate you are as a writer. How you structure the letter will show whether you can write a well-edited and professional letter with clear prose and the correct format.

Your attention to detail

The letter is also a way for the admissions committee to find out about your attention to detail. A letter that is well-researched, well-written, and focused will show the committee that you pay attention to the school and what they ask of you. Make sure that your letter has the correct grammar, format, punctuation, and spelling as this will show your level of care for details that you could also apply to your studies.

Your personal background

This letter isn’t all about your ability to write. The letter is also about yourself. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself to those who will read your application. This is why you should also show them your personality, how much you care about your field of study, and your reasons for wanting to pursue your studies. This way, when you meet the committee for an interview, they will already have an idea of who you are.

Your professional and academic achievements

Showcasing your achievements is the most important purpose of this letter. The items to include here could make you an excellent candidate for the schools. Be very careful when writing this part. Don’t make it sound like a rehash since the committee already knows this information from your application. Instead, provide context for your application where you talk about your experiences in the best possible light. This way, the committee will better understand your application.

How long is a letter of intent for grad school?

Although you can write a letter of intent for graduate school using a personal or formal approach, one important thing to remember is to make it precise, short, informative, and concise. It should contain all of the essential sections and elements. The key to writing a successful letter is to prepare well and pay attention to all of the details. Make sure to include all of the vital sections and points. In terms of length,  keep it between 300 to 450 words and not longer than 2 pages.

Letters Of Intent University

What should be in a letter of intent for graduate school?

In most universities, a letter of intent for grad school is part of the admissions process, especially when you will apply to graduate programs that are research-oriented. A sample letter of intention for graduate school is closely scrutinized by the admissions officers since the letter is the venue where applicants talk about themselves, their goals, and their reasons for wanting to attend graduate school.

Since the admission board will examine your letter closely, you have to be well-organized, written, and constructed. The university will use the letter to determine if your career goals are in sync with the program you’re applying to. To make a great letter, it should include the following:

Opening paragraph

Open your letter by going straight to the point. Mention the program you’re applying to, whether this is a doctorate or master’s degree.

Describe the experiences that served as the basis of your future graduate work. Also, discuss how you developed your interest in the field, and your academic plans to reach your goals. Talk about your undergraduate studies in general, your major, and your specialization within your major. Mention any academic accomplishments and achievements too. Include any specific learning experiences that show your inspiration and motivation for continued research or study like:

• Independent research or study courses
• Undergraduate research, conferences, or presentations
• Teaching assistantships
• Published work
• Research internships
• Laboratory experiences
• Honors thesis
• Seminar courses
• Independent writing
• Any education abroad
• Academic honors
• Closely-related work experiences

Closing paragraph

Explain using specific terms the reasons why you want to attend the university and the specific program. Also, describe how the graduate curriculum of the university matches your long and short-term career and academic goals. Also, show evidence of how you researched their program, faculty, research, and departmental facilities and resources. Indicate how your intellectual and academic interests match with the department or program’s research interests.

Concluding statement

In a concise manner, provide a summary of why you believe you have the skills and experience needed for the university’s program. Explain that you’re motivated and qualified and that you plan to succeed in graduate research and study.

Tips for writing your letter of intent

It is in the body of your letter where you will introduce yourself to the admissions committee and make your case. There are many ways to do this but the one you should choose will mainly depend on your purpose for writing the letter. Although the approaches may vary widely, they should have the following goals:

• To guide the attention of the readers to specific elements of your application including certain experiences, accomplishments, skills, and more.
• To personalize your application. This approach will give the readers a more holistic view of who you are and why you’re applying.

The best approach for you will mainly depend on your background and the other information in your application. For instance, if you will apply and you already have an impressive resume and GPA with very high assessment scores, you might not need an element of personalization to set yourself apart. If this isn’t the case, you can emphasize your most notable achievements. In the case where you have stellar qualifications, the organization of your letter would be fairly straightforward. Here is how you can pattern your letter:

• You can use the first paragraph to state the opportunity you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph could be about your skills and how you have shown or used them.
• End with your career or educational background information related to your application.

There could also be a case where your curriculum vitae is just a little above average or if you struggled in the past with personal issues that caused you to get a low GPA. In such a case, it’s recommended to take a different approach. Narrate your personal story instead of your achievements.

By giving your application context and identity, you might draw the attention of the admissions committee to who you are and how passionate you feel about the program you’re applying to. In this case, how you organize your letter may vary depending on what you want to say and your story. Usually, you would do this chronologically although it’s recommended to put some thought into how you plan to organize your letter. After you write a draft, review it again to make sure that you have a good strategy.

An ideal letter should always be short. precise, informative, and concise. It should contain all of the essential and expected elements. Avoid using clichés and generalizations. Instead, focus on your career and academic goals. It also isn’t recommended that to blow your horn about how hard-working, conscientious, and diligent you are.

Often, the admissions committee might see this as something negative. It’s better to show prudence by only providing the readers with relevant information in your application. It also isn’t advisable to include extraneous points or information that don’t communicate your letter’s intent effectively. Aside from the crucial suggestions and observations discussed, here are some tips that will help you write a successful letter:

• Gather information from the program guide, college website, or student prospectus before writing your letter.
• Analyze the information you have gathered to find out if the program is right for you and it covers all of your objectives.
• Brainstorm and take down notes that you could potentially include in your letter.
• Prepare a template and start writing your first draft.
• Review your draft, then make any revisions changes if needed.
• Write your second draft. Review the letter, then check any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, typos, and vocabulary.
• Have a few prominent people review your draft. These people should be within your family or people at school who you trust. Choose those who have a strong command of the English language and have at least some experience writing letters like the one you’re making.
• Make the necessary corrections and changes based on the feedback you receive.
• Prepare your final letter, then go through it one last time.
• Print your letter on crease-free, crisp sheets of plain white paper. Don’t fold the letter. If the school requires that you submit the document online, create a PDF version, then email it according to the instructions.

Letters Of Intent For School

Formatting your letter

Formatting your letter is also important. This is highly recommended because a well-formatted letter will immediately draw the attention of the readers so they will feel compelled to read it. How you format your letter will depend on how you will write the content. You need to make sure to present your content properly. It’s recommended to keep the following stylizing and content tips in mind when formatting your letter.

• Be as straightforward and concise as possible.
• Use an active voice, not a passive one.
• Be both precise and accurate.
• Use transitions to make connections to each of the paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow.
• Limit the number of words you use to between 300 and 450 unless otherwise specified.
• Limit the number of pages to 2 unless otherwise specified.
• Use a simple, legible, and clear official or business font for your letter.
• Use a font size between 10 to 13pts depending on which font you use.
• Space lines by 1.2pts if you think the single-line spacing is the best option.
• Don’t use bold colors in the header of your letter or anywhere else.
• Don’t use italics unless you need to emphasize a certain point.

Maintain equal and reasonable margins all around your letter.

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