Writing an effective cover letter for graduate school is an essential step in your application process. Being one of the most decisive documents that can determine your future education journey, the cover letter should be carefully constructed to highlight your skills and qualifications that best match what the school wants to see in its applicants. Fortunately, writing a cover letter for graduate school is far less stressful than creating a cover letter for job applications. In this article, we’ll discuss how to write a cover letter for graduate school and provide an outline to get you started.
What is the Purpose of a Graduate School Cover Letter?
Designed as an introduction of yourself to the school, the purpose of a graduate school cover letter is to explain why you are the best choice for their program. Not only does a well-crafted letter demonstrate that you have put thought and effort into sending the application, but it can also be used to outline a few points that set you apart from the other applicants. It should be used to your advantage by showing which unique qualities and skills make you a great candidate for the program.
How to Get Started
To get started, you’ll need to identify the requirements of your target program and use them to customize your cover letter. Next, you should provide a bit of general background on who you are and why you are applying while emphasizing the strengths that make you the perfect candidate. Finally, rounding out the letter with a formal thank you and acknowledging the school’s time and efforts are essential when writing a cover letter.
Key Components to Consider
Including the right components to your cover letter is also essential to maintaining a professional presentation. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the position you are applying for and include information about yourself that best matches the description. Make sure to provide relevant details about your past experiences and about your skills and qualifications. Finally, avoid exaggerating or overselling yourself, as this can make you come off as unprofessional.
How Should I Structure My Letter?
Your cover letter should always begin with a personalized greeting to whomever you are addressing the letter. Follow this up with the body of your letter which should clearly present the most relevant information to the person reading it. Be sure to spread out the paragraph structure of the letter and use white space to create a visually-appealing presentation. After your letter is complete, close with another personalized greeting.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between a graduate school application and a job application letter?
The primary difference is that a graduate school application letter should focus on academic qualifications and past experiences that illustrate your potential to be successful in their program. On the other hand, a job application letter should be tailored towards highlighting your work experience and relevant skills for the position you’re applying for.
How long should my cover letter for graduate school be?
Ideally, a cover letter should be no longer than a page with a concise and understandable format. Keeping your letter concise while still providing relevant information is key to creating an effective letter.
What should I avoid when writing a cover letter for graduate school?
When writing a cover letter, there are several things to avoid in order to maintain a professional appearance. You should avoid informal language, excessive flattery, exaggeration and repeating details from your resume as a way to appear more interesting.
What do I need to include in my graduate school application letter?
In general, you should include relevant information about yourself that would demonstrate your potential for being successful in the program including past experiences, skills and qualifications. Additionally, closing your letter with a formal thank you and acknowledgment of the school’s time and efforts is always a nice touch.
Final Words
When it comes to writing a graduate school cover letter, it’s essential that you take the necessary time to create an effective one-page introduction of yourself to the school. By providing relevant and accurate information, avoiding informal language, and maintaining a professional presentation, you can create a letter that will stand out and serve as a great demonstration of your potential success in their program.