PhD Student Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear PhD Admissions Committee, I am writing to apply for the PhD program in Computer Science at Stanford University. With a strong foundation in machine learning and research experience in natural language processing, I am eager to pursue doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Smith in your AI research group. My research background includes: • Completed master's thesis on attention mechanisms in neural machine translation, achieving state-of-the-art results • Published first-author paper at EMNLP conference on low-resource language translation • Strong programming skills in Python, PyTorch, and TensorFlow with experience training large models • Conducted independent research project on multilingual BERT models for cross-lingual transfer • GRE scores: Quantitative 170, Verbal 165, Analytical Writing 5.0 • GPA: 3.9/4.0 in MS Computer Science, 3.8/4.0 in BS Computer Science My research interests center on developing more sample-efficient and interpretable deep learning models for NLP. I am particularly excited about Professor Smith's recent work on incorporating linguistic structure into neural models, which aligns perfectly with my research vision. Stanford's world-class AI research environment, collaborative culture, and access to computational resources make it my top choice for doctoral studies. I am committed to conducting impactful research that advances our understanding of language understanding systems. My combination of technical skills, research experience, and passion for NLP positions me to contribute meaningfully to your research group and the broader CS community. I would be honored to discuss my research interests and potential fit with your program. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jessica Zhang M.S. Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University

Dear Harvard BBS Admissions, I am pleased to apply for the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program at Harvard University. With extensive research experience in cancer biology and a passion for understanding mechanisms of drug resistance, I am eager to pursue doctoral training in your exceptional research environment. My research accomplishments include: • Conducted 2 years of research in Dr. Johnson's lab investigating EGFR-mutant lung cancer resistance mechanisms • Co-authored manuscript submitted to Nature Communications on novel bypass signaling pathways • Presented research at AACR Annual Meeting, receiving Young Investigator Award • Proficient in molecular biology techniques, CRISPR gene editing, and high-throughput screening • Strong foundation in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry (GPA: 3.95/4.0) • MCAT score: 522 (99th percentile) My research has revealed that understanding the heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms is critical for developing effective combination therapies. I am particularly interested in Professor Williams' work on single-cell genomics approaches to dissect tumor heterogeneity. Harvard's integration of basic science with clinical translation, access to cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative research environment make it ideal for my doctoral training. I am committed to pursuing physician-scientist training through the MD-PhD pathway. My combination of research productivity, technical expertise, and dedication to translational cancer research positions me to thrive in Harvard's rigorous PhD program. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my research interests and goals. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, David Martinez B.S. Biology, Johns Hopkins University

Dear MIT Economics PhD Admissions, I am writing to apply for the PhD program in Economics at MIT. With strong quantitative skills and research experience in development economics, I am eager to conduct rigorous empirical research on poverty and inequality under the mentorship of your distinguished faculty. My academic and research background includes: • Completed honors thesis examining effects of microfinance on women's empowerment in rural India • Worked as research assistant for Professor Garcia on randomized controlled trial in Kenya • Published research note in Journal of Development Economics on measurement of household welfare • Advanced econometrics training with expertise in causal inference methods • Strong mathematical foundation through coursework in real analysis, linear algebra, and probability theory • GRE scores: Quantitative 170, Verbal 168, Analytical Writing 5.5; GPA: 3.98/4.0 My research interests focus on using experimental and quasi-experimental methods to evaluate interventions aimed at improving economic outcomes for the poor. I am particularly drawn to Professor Lee's work on financial inclusion and Professor Chen's research on education in developing countries. MIT's leadership in development economics, rigorous training in economic theory and econometrics, and commitment to policy-relevant research make it my top choice. I am excited about the opportunity to engage with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. My combination of research experience, quantitative skills, and dedication to understanding poverty positions me to contribute to MIT's economics community. I would be honored to discuss my research agenda and fit with your program. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Sarah Patel B.A. Economics, Yale University

Dear UC Berkeley Chemistry Admissions, I am excited to apply for the PhD program in Chemistry at UC Berkeley. With a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and research experience in total synthesis, I am eager to pursue doctoral studies in Professor Anderson's group focusing on natural product synthesis. My research experience includes: • Conducted 3 years of undergraduate research in organic synthesis, completing independent project • Synthesized complex natural product intermediate requiring 15-step synthesis • Proficient in advanced organic chemistry techniques including Schlenk line, glovebox work, and column chromatography • Characterized compounds using NMR, IR, MS, and X-ray crystallography • Presented research at American Chemical Society national meeting • GRE Chemistry subject test: 92nd percentile; Overall GPA: 3.92/4.0 My research interests center on developing efficient synthetic routes to biologically active natural products. I am particularly excited about Professor Anderson's biomimetic approach to complex molecule synthesis and innovative use of cascade reactions. Berkeley's world-renowned chemistry program, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative research culture make it ideal for my doctoral training. I am drawn to the strong emphasis on creative problem-solving and methodological innovation. My combination of synthetic chemistry skills, creativity in approach, and dedication to organic synthesis positions me to thrive in Berkeley's rigorous PhD program. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my research interests and potential projects. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Michael Chen B.S. Chemistry, Caltech

Dear Princeton Psychology Admissions, I am pleased to apply for the PhD program in Psychology with a focus on cognitive neuroscience at Princeton University. With research experience using fMRI and computational modeling, I am eager to investigate neural mechanisms of decision-making under the mentorship of Professor Thompson. My research background includes: • Completed 2 years of research in cognitive neuroscience lab studying reward processing and decision-making • Collected and analyzed fMRI data from 80+ participants using SPM and FSL • Implemented reinforcement learning models to explain behavioral and neural data • Co-authored manuscript under review at Journal of Neuroscience • Strong foundation in statistics, programming (Python, R, MATLAB), and experimental design • Psychology GRE: 95th percentile; GPA: 3.94/4.0 My research aims to understand how the brain computes value and makes decisions under uncertainty. I am particularly interested in Professor Thompson's work on the neural basis of explore-exploit trade-offs and computational approaches to understanding prefrontal cortex function. Princeton's excellence in cognitive neuroscience, access to high-field fMRI facilities, and collaborative environment bridging neuroscience, psychology, and computer science make it my top choice. I am excited about the Neuroscience Institute's integrative approach. My combination of neuroimaging skills, computational expertise, and research productivity positions me to contribute to Princeton's cognitive neuroscience community. I would be honored to discuss my research vision and potential collaborations. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Emily Rodriguez B.A. Neuroscience, Brown University

Dear University of Michigan SPH Admissions, I am writing to apply for the PhD program in Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. With 2 years of experience in epidemiologic research and a passion for addressing health disparities, I am eager to pursue doctoral training in social epidemiology. My research experience includes: • Worked as research coordinator on longitudinal cohort study examining cardiovascular disease risk factors • Conducted statistical analyses using SAS and R for manuscript on racial disparities in hypertension • Co-authored 2 peer-reviewed publications in epidemiology journals • Completed MPH with concentration in epidemiology (GPA: 3.95/4.0) • Strong foundation in biostatistics, study design, and causal inference methods • GRE scores: Quantitative 165, Verbal 163 My research interests focus on understanding how social determinants of health contribute to disparities in chronic disease outcomes. I am particularly drawn to Professor Davis' work on neighborhood effects on health and multilevel modeling approaches. Michigan's leadership in social epidemiology, strong methods training, and commitment to health equity research make it ideal for my doctoral studies. I am excited about engaging with the Institute for Social Research and Center for Social Epidemiology. My combination of research experience, quantitative skills, and dedication to health equity positions me to contribute to Michigan's epidemiology community. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my research interests and career goals. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Jennifer Kim MPH, Columbia University

Dear Cornell History Department, I am excited to apply for the PhD program in History at Cornell University. With research experience in 20th-century American history and a focus on labor movements, I am eager to work with Professor Wilson on the history of working-class activism and social change. My academic background includes: • Completed master's thesis on the role of women in the United Auto Workers during the 1930s-40s • Conducted original archival research at the Walter P. Reuther Library and National Archives • Presented research at conference on American labor history • Strong language skills: proficient in Spanish, reading knowledge of French • Published essay in undergraduate history journal on New Deal labor policy • GPA: 3.96/4.0 in MA History, 3.92/4.0 in BA History My dissertation project will examine how rank-and-file workers shaped union policy during the post-war period, challenging traditional narratives of union bureaucracy. I am particularly interested in using oral history methods alongside traditional archival research. Cornell's strength in labor history, access to the Kheel Center's extraordinary archives, and commitment to social history make it ideal for my doctoral work. I am excited about the collaborative intellectual community and opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement. My combination of archival research skills, historiographical knowledge, and dedication to recovering working-class voices positions me to contribute to Cornell's history community. I would be honored to discuss my dissertation plans and research interests. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Robert Thompson M.A. History, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dear University of Chicago Sociology Admissions, I am writing to apply for the PhD program in Sociology at the University of Chicago. With research experience in urban sociology and ethnographic methods, I am eager to study processes of neighborhood change and gentrification under the guidance of your exceptional faculty. My research background includes: • Conducted yearlong ethnographic study of community resistance to gentrification in Brooklyn • Completed master's thesis using mixed methods to examine displacement and affordable housing • Presented research at American Sociological Association annual conference • Strong foundation in sociological theory, qualitative methods, and urban studies • Published co-authored article in City & Community journal • GPA: 3.94/4.0 in MA Sociology, 3.89/4.0 in BA Sociology My research agenda focuses on understanding how low-income communities navigate urban redevelopment and organize for housing justice. I am particularly interested in Professor Green's work on neighborhood effects and comparative urban ethnography. Chicago's leadership in urban sociology, commitment to rigorous ethnographic research, and the city's role as a laboratory for urban processes make it ideal for my doctoral training. I am excited about engaging with the Urban Studies program and broader Chicago intellectual community. My combination of ethnographic skills, theoretical knowledge, and commitment to urban justice positions me to thrive in Chicago's sociology program. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my research plans and intellectual interests. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Maria Garcia M.A. Sociology, NYU