how to write email for phd application

Study Catch

Let's catch the best study opportunities

How to Email a Professor for Master or PhD Positions: Sample Emails

Emailing a professor to serve as a graduate school advisor or Ph.D. supervisor is a very good idea, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. It’s imperative to understand that sending an adequate email to a professor, where you present your ideas is very important. Ideally, you want to create a great email to the professor that shows how qualified you are as an applicant.

On top of that, the email should also have a great structure, proper keywords and the right email patterns. needless to say, your email doesn’t have to be very long, nor does it have to be repetitive. keeping it to the point and reading the professor’s research papers and ongoing before applying for the ph.d. position can be a major bonus., why to email a professor for a ph.d. position.

Email is a great way to get in touch with a professor to show you are interested in the Ph.D. position. It allows you to introduce yourself, show the professor your research interest while also making it easy to showcase any credentials. Emails to professors are a double-edged sword, however, since a badly written email to a professor diminishes your chances of reaching that Ph.D. position. So you must pay a lot of attention and ensure that your email to potential supervisor is well-written.

What are parts of an email to a professor?

An email sent to a professor for the Ph.D. position needs to have multiple different parts. The format might change depending on the situation, but for the most part, this is what you need to have in your email:

• The subject line needs to be to the point, and it needs to be something like “Prospective Ph.D. student”, “Request for Ph.D. supervision” or anything similar. You want to show exactly what you want to achieve and why you are sending an email in the first place. If you step away too much, then that becomes an issue and you want to avoid that as much as you can.
• Greetings are also an important part. You want to start with “Dear NAME” or “Dear Prof. NAME”, among others. Make sure that you only use professional greetings. Then you can write “Good Morning” or “Good Afternoon”, depending on the time of day when you are sending the email to the professor.
• The First paragraph has to be an introduction, showing who you are and where you come from. The intro should also have some info about your experience and qualifications, which is something important to keep in mind. Any slang terms or abbreviations should be avoided.
• The second paragraph needs to talk about your work experience, skills and previous research. Keep in mind this needs to be short and to the point, but you want to showcase your achievements and expertise, as it will make you stand out from any other competitors.
• The third paragraph is where you share your interests and motivation. Show why you chose this professor or their research group. It’s also a good idea to start what project you would like to get started on. It helps eliminate concerns, while bringing you an outstanding experience.
• At the end of the email, you want to have a formal acknowledgement. You also want to state that you attached your CV and any other relevant info regarding your previous accomplishments.

First sample email to professor

Dear Prof. _____

My name is AAA, I am a student at the AAA college and I have a major in AAA. Right now I am a junior, but I am preparing to graduate this year. I also have experience in the college summer program and a GPA score of 4.

I am looking to attend the graduate school AAA, specializing in AAA. During one of my classes, I had the opportunity to read your article on AAA, I enjoyed it a lot and it allowed me to gather some ideas regarding future research I can do. I’ve also bee exploring a multitude of ideas that I could work on. My project will focus on AAA and AAA, and I would like to explore multiple different questions.

I would like to inquire if you are accepting any graduate students. I’ve been working on numerous projects and received multiple awards, as you can see from my attachments. I would be delighted to work with you and receive all the necessary guidance needed to complete my research. 

Please find in the attachment my CV. I am looking forward to hearing your reply and potentially working with you.

Best regards,

Second sample email to professor

Dear Prof. ____

My name is AAA and I completed the AAA degree from AAA university with X GPA. I received the AAA certificates, achievements and medals (If available).

While doing my undergraduate/masters studies, I was able to read one of your articles and I was fascinated by it. Since then, I’ve been engaged in multiple research projects on that topic, and even was a part of research publications and internships that allowed me to further improve my knowledge on that topic.

I am turning to you for the AAA position on the AAA scholarship in the area of AAA. I read multiple publications of your research work and my current project, and I would like to ask for your assistance and guidance. I explored your department’s website in detail and I think your option would be an excellent fit due to the emphasis on AAA and AAA. I still have a few questions that I would like to talk with you about.

Please find in the attachment my CV which includes my work experience, the list of research publications, and academic achievements. I appreciate taking your time to read this message, and I am looking forward to your reply.

It’s very important to understand how to create an email for a Ph.D position, even if it can get very challenging at first. The main focus is to always ensure you share your ideas, while asking for guidance and support. Keep it short and simple, retain the structure listed above, and don’t hesitate to make this email your own. Doing that can help a lot, and it has the potential to eliminate many of the downsides that can appear. If you found this article and samples useful, don’t hesitate to share them with friends!

Study Catch 2024 . Powered by WordPress

How can we help you?

Before you go, check this out!

We have lots more on the site to show you. You've only seen one page. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time.

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a PhD Admissions Email to a Professor

Whether you’re trying to get into graduate school or looking for a professor to work with as an advisor, you’ll want to make a good first impression with your initial email. If you’re finding yourself sitting in front of your computer, unsure of what to say, you’re not alone. 

(Find out what your professor really thinks of their students in this article).

Sending an email to a grad school professor can be intimidating. These are highly educated and intelligent professionals. And sometimes, you may feel like they hold your future in the palm of their hand. So before you throw caution to the wind and shoot your email from the hip, let’s discuss some tips to help you be more successful in making contact with a potential PhD advisor. 

This post was written by Abbie Van Wagner (freelance writer) on behalf of Dr. Dave Maslach for the R3ciprocity project (check out the YouTube Channel or the writing feedback software ) . R3ciprocity helps students, faculty, and researchers by providing an authentic look into PhD and academic life and how to be a successful researcher. For over four years the project has been offering advice, community, and encouragement to students and researchers around the world.

First: Identify the Right Match 

Before you contact any professor, you should spend some time doing some self-reflection. Consider what you’re looking for in a potential PhD supervisor or advisor. For example, would you prefer to work with a younger professor who’s more likely to be looking to publish their research (like an Assistant Professor)? 

Or do you see yourself working with an established professor with a lot of experience and a catalog of existing publications? In either case, take the time to read the research and review some of the publications. Does the type of research and style of the writing seem like it’s a good fit with what you’re hoping to accomplish? 

Other things to consider include what schools the professor’s been at, where they’re located now, and what training they’ve had. It’s important to identify potential advisors who’ve worked in areas that you’re interested in researching. For some PhD candidates, it’s important that their advisor has worked in certain key schools, while other candidates are most interested in highly specialized areas of research. 

Whatever you focus on, be sure to choose potential advisors and supervisors that you believe you’ll feel good about working with. You could end up spending a lot of time with this person, and they will have a big impact on your future endeavors, so you’ll want to invest the time on the front end reflecting and researching to find a good match. 

If you’re still in the early planning phase, you may be wondering if a PhD is worth it. Read more about whether a PhD is actually worth it . 

Start With the Subject Line

Remember, the subject line on an email is the very first impression your recipient will get of you. Those will be the first words the professor will read when they come across your email. Do you want it to be something that catches their attention and prompts them to open the email, or will it be something that causes an internal eyeroll or causes them to scroll past? 

Keep it simple here – identify yourself as a prospective graduate student and indicate the semester you’re hoping to attend. For example, you could use “Prospective PhD Student – Fall 2023” as the subject line. 

Focus on the Research

Once you’re ready to compose your email, it’s critical to stay focused on the research (check out this blog post about the importance of consistent research) . Professors are busy people, so don’t waste their time by writing up your life story. They don’t need to hear about the different clubs and committees you’ve been involved in or what your GPA was in college. Unless you have some special accomplishments to mention, just stick to the relevant research area and what they are doing.

When you discuss the research and what they’re working on in the email, it demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to read their work. In the end, you’re asking for an investment of the professor’s time and social capital, so be sure to acknowledge their accomplishments and published works to show why you’re interested in working with them. 

Write With a Professional Tone

When you send an email to a professor or graduate school, make sure that you’re extremely polite and respectful in your writing. Use only professional language. For example, don’t use phrases like “hey,” or “what’s up?” 

In fact, you may want to start by emailing the school first rather than emailing the professor directly. If you don’t already know or have some sort of relationship with the professor, you may not get a response right away (if at all).

Start with a simple address such as “Dear Dr. Smith.” This is the easiest way to avoid sounding too casual or unprofessional. From there, you can indicate that you’re simply inquiring about their work, let them know what you’re doing, and let them know there’s no pressure in the email. 

Close the email with “Sincerely,” and your name. You can attach your CV to the email so it’s there if the professor wants to read it. Don’t use any abbreviations and definitely don’t use emojis anywhere in the email. 

Don’t Ask For Things 

If you’re emailing a professor about graduate school admissions or looking for an advisor to work on a thesis, it’s not the time or place to ask for anything. Be sure you don’t even hint around at it. 

It’s not the time or place to ask for tuition stipends, money, time, or resources. Instead, focus on what you can do for them. How can you be of service or contribute to their work? What do you bring to the table? 

Asking for money (or anything else, really) isn’t going to get you anywhere. Instead, it’s likely going to put a bad taste in the reader’s mouth. Remember to focus on what you can do to add value to the professor’s work or research. 

If you want to find out about what kinds of resources are available, you can find that information on the university’s website or by contacting the appropriate department. Don’t go directly to the professor to make those kinds of requests. 

To really show you’re a go-getter and someone who’s serious about working with a specific professor, find something you can do to be helpful and send it along with your email (if appropriate). 

For example, if you know the professor is interested in a specific topic or you’ve read a certain piece of research, maybe you could do some additional analysis on the data and send it over. Or, if you have a skill like coding or running statistical models, you could offer up those services to the professor. 

In addition, showing your skillset demonstrates that the professor won’t have to spend their valuable time training you on basic tasks. 

What to Expect

It’s important to keep in mind that many professors and faculty won’t reply to your email. Some individuals simply don’t engage with those sorts of requests or reply to those kinds of emails in any case. Others may not have received the email, or they just might be too busy. 

Sometimes, you could receive a response that says they’re accepting or considering students or it may encourage you to apply. In that case, you should apply, but don’t expect any follow-up correspondence from that professor. 

Sometimes, you may get a detailed response or even an invitation to discuss the matter further. In that case, you’ve hit the jackpot and you’ve gotten the professor’s attention. 

What If You Need to Ask For Things? 

There may be times when you need to contact a professor to ask for something, like a letter of recommendation . Don’t think that’s completely off limits; there’s just a different approach you should take. 

First, try to put yourself in your professor’s shoes before you ask for a recommendation. Consider your relationship with the professor and how comfortable they may feel writing a letter for you. Does the professor know you well enough? For example, did you participate in class or go see them during office hours? 

If you aren’t sure if you’ve invested enough time developing a relationship with the professor, there’s still time! There’s no shame in stopping by their office to see if they need help with anything. Offer to assist with administrative or housekeeping tasks to help them get to know you. 

You could also read a couple of their papers or look at their research so you can have a conversation with them about it. This is an easy way to start a relationship and help them feel comfortable with who you are before you request a letter of recommendation. 

When you’re ready to make your request, provide the professor with a simple, pre-written letter that you write yourself along with a resume or CV. You can also provide a one-page bulleted list with other information about yourself that’s not on your resume to show things your’e involved in and other things you’ve done. This will give the professor all the materials they need to write the letter without creating too much extra work for them. 

Show Gratitude

Whenever you email a professor to look for opportunities for graduate school admissions, to advise you on research, or even simply ask for a letter of recommendation, be sure to show gratitude. Go out of your way to demonstrate that you appreciate what the professor did for you. 

In many cases, it could just be a simple email or handwritten letter thanking the professor for their time and efforts. A small gift or token ( everyone loves cookies! ) goes a long way in showing your gratitude. 

When you build good relationships with these professors, you can continue to keep in touch with them even after you graduate. Building your academic and professional network is all about relationships, so don’t take any of them for granted. 

Putting it All Together 

Emailing a professor for graduate school admission can be stressful. In fact, all parts of the grad school admissions process can be overwhelming. There’s a big difference between undergrad and graduate school , so you’re not alone in feeling that way. 

Keep in mind that professors are people, too. They’ve all been where you are at some point. That doesn’t mean that every professor will be willing and able to help you, but most will at least be willing to hear you out – if you use the right approach . 

By following the tips we’ve shared here, you’ll be more likely to get a response and be on your way to following your dreams. 

For more tips on improving your writing for graduate school, check out the following articles: 

David Maslach

Recent Posts

What Is The Average Cost of a PhD Program?

Many adults come to a point in their careers where they want to excel further and do more in their field. They may want to focus more on research, teach, or simply have the greater depth and breadth...

7 PhD Application Tips For PhD Programs (In Business Administration)

  This post provides tips for applying to PhD programs, particularly in any of the disciplines in Business Administration (i.e. Strategy, Finance, Marketing, etc.). Applying to PhD Programs is...

How to Send a Graduate School Inquiry Email

Contributed by Jenn Houtz, co-presenter of the workshop “Crafting an Effective CV/Resume for Careers Inside and Outside Academia”  at AOS’s 2019 annual meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. This is the second in a series of blog posts developed from workshops presented at the meeting.

If you are considering attending graduate school, the quality of your inquiry email to a potential advisor can make or break your chances of a receiving a response. First impressions are everything, and you want to make a good one! This email might serve as the foundation for your graduate research career in your dream lab. Below we provide some useful tips for crafting a professional graduate position inquiry email.

1. Subject Line

These are the FIRST words a professor will see when they open up their email for the day. You want it to catch their attention and immediately notify them that you are a prospective student. The subject line should state the semester you wish to start a graduate program and include the words “Prospective Graduate Student” – for example, “Fall 2019 Prospective Graduate Student.”

2. Greeting

Address the professor by their last name using “Professor” or “Dr.” Do not use “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, or “Ms.” Use a friendly but professional greeting such as “Dear” or “Hello” instead of an informal “Hey.”

3. Introduction

The first line of the email should include your full name, year in school, major, and university/college, followed by a statement that includes what topic of graduate study you are currently considering and the semester you would start your degree. Make sure to also specify whether you are looking to do a Master’s or a PhD in their lab.

4. Relevant Experience

After introducing yourself, you want to grab the professor’s attention by providing a few lines about your research interests and relevant experiences. These experiences may include but are not limited to a seasonal field technician position, a summertime research experience for undergraduates (REU) at an external institution, or an independent study/honors thesis project at your home institution. You should state what research areas spark your interest, along with a short summary of any research projects you have conducted. You don’t want to go into extraneous detail (save that for your CV and cover letter), but you want to state the main goal of the research, the study organism, and the name of the advisor on the project.

Example:  “My interests in behavioral ecology and endocrinology line up well with the research conducted in your lab. More specifically, I worked as a field assistant on a project that investigated the effect of testosterone on the mating behavior of White-throated Sparrows under the advisement of Dr. John Smith.”

5. Why Their Lab?

This is where you tell the professor how you found out about their lab and why you are interested in applying. State where you first came across their research, which may be a paper you read in class or a talk you saw at a conference. Then, explain what specific topic from their work interests you the most. Do NOT copy and paste text from the “Research” section of the professor’s website. They took great care to write that section and will recognize if you use the same wording.

Example:  “I first became intrigued by your research after reading your 2019  Behavioral Ecology  review paper on avian mating strategies. During my graduate studies, I am particularly interested in investigating the mechanistic underpinnings of avian mating behavior. I believe I could not only contribute to the ongoing work in your lab, but also introduce novel investigations into the impact of glucocorticoids on breeding investment.”

6. Request Further Consideration

Directly state that you would like to talk with them more about pursuing a graduate degree in their lab. Make sure you include information specifically requested by the professor on their position announcement or website, such as GPA, GRE scores, references, CV, and cover letter. Usually, you can just include your GPA, GRE scores, and references within your CV, but make sure to point this out in your email.

7. Sign-off

Thank them for their time and say that you look forward to hearing back from them. End the email with a sign-off such as “Best” or “Sincerely” and your full name.

It is important to keep the email concise, because a professor is more likely to read a short email than multiple paragraphs. The main goal of your email is to express genuine interest in the professor’s research and earn the opportunity to talk with them more over the phone or video. Regardless of whether or not you receive a reply, have confidence in your abilities and experience. The right professor will appreciate you showing interest in their lab and contact you back. Good luck!

Example Template Email

Hello Dr.  (last name of professor) ,

My name is  (your first and last name) , and I am a  (year in school) (major)  at  (name of university) . I am currently considering  (topic of graduate study)  graduate programs for  (semester you would start graduate school) . My research interests in  (research topic)  line up well with the research conducted in your lab. More specifically, I have conducted research on  (main focus of project)  on  (study organism) under the advisement of Dr.  (name of research advisor) .

I first became intrigued by your research after  (how you first discovered their research) . This paper was very influential in shaping my research interests and ideas. During my graduate studies, I am particularly interested in investigating  (research topic that relates to the work conducted in the professor’s lab) .

I would love to open a dialogue with you about  (name of university and department)’s  program and your lab specifically as a potential avenue for graduate school. Attached is my CV, containing my GPA, GRE scores, and references. My attached cover letter outlines my research experiences in more detail and potential graduate project ideas.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

(Your Name)

Thanks a lot, its a good guide

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• 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

The cover letter is dead — who killed it (a murder mystery case), recruiter reveals: follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.

• 14 min read

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?

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• CAREER COLUMN
• 20 March 2023

How to cold e-mail for a PhD

• Melissa Hart 0

Melissa Hart is graduate director in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes. She has developed a national, cross-institutional graduate programme that has reimagined the conventional Australian PhD to include an essential combination of breadth, depth, support and collaboration.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

I lead a national, graduate programme and receive multiple e-mails each week from prospective PhD students. I assess these applicants’ academic backgrounds in my discipline of climate science, as well as their interest in, and understanding of, the research my centre does. When I receive a well-written enquiry that ticks all the boxes, I experience a genuine feeling of joy. I’ve been known to forward such e-mails to a colleague with the simple addition of “this student is good!”.

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 51 print issues and online access

185,98 € per year

only 3,65 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00786-8

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

Related Articles

• Research management

Africa’s postdoc workforce is on the rise — but at what cost?

Career Feature 02 APR 24

Research assessments are still not fit for purpose — here’s how to change things

World View 02 APR 24

How scientists are making the most of Reddit

Career Feature 01 APR 24

How can we make PhD training fit for the modern world? Broaden its philosophical foundations

Correspondence 02 APR 24

Allow researchers with caring responsibilities ‘promotion pauses’ to make research more equitable

Adopt universal standards for study adaptation to boost health, education and social-science research

Postdoctoral Associate- Cell Biology

Houston, Texas (US)

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM)

Head of ClinicalTrials.gov

National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Library of Medicine (NLM) National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Information Engineering...

Washington D.C. (US)

National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN SYSTEMS BIOLOGY: PRECISION VACCINE PROGRAM (PVP) - BOSTON CHILDREN'

The Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) within the Precision Vaccine Program (PVP) at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School (H...

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Children's Hospital - Department of Pediatrics

2024 Recruitment notice Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology: Shenzhen, China

The wide-ranging expertise drawing from technical, engineering or science professions...

Shenzhen,China

Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology

Global Talent Recruitment (Scientist Positions)

Global Talent Gathering for Innovation, Changping Laboratory Recruiting Overseas High-Level Talents.

Beijing, China

Changping Laboratory

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

AI, Your Side Hustle Hero to Make Money from Home

Think AI is just for super-smart scientists? Nope! There are tons of ways you can use AI to make some serious cash from home.

Ready to turn your tech-love into a side hustle? Here are some amazing ideas:

1. The Content Creation Powerhouse

Ai, your writing buddy.

Imagine having a writing assistant that never gets tired, bored, or has writer’s block! AI tools like Jasper and Rytr help you crank out blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, and even creative stuff like poems or short stories.

You can write paid articles for websites or companies, or use AI to make your own online business shine with tons of fresh content. AI can even help you find ideas and make sure your writing is on point!

Pics in a Flash

Ever wish you could draw anything you imagine? AI image generators like DALL-E and Midjourney let you do just that!

Just type in what you want to see – like “a cat flying a spaceship” or “a watercolor landscape of a hidden waterfall” – and the AI will create it.

You can sell your images on stock photo sites, use them to make your blog posts stand out, or turn them into cool digital art pieces you can sell online.

Movie Magician

AI can help you become the next editing superstar! Services can cut and paste video clips, add background music, and even turn your dialogue into subtitles for different languages.

Imagine helping YouTubers make their videos snappier, or editing short videos for businesses– it’s a skill you could even be paid for!

2. AI Expert Services

The global chat champ.

If you know another language (or more!), AI translation tools become your BFFs. Instead of taking forever on translations, AI does the basic work, and you fine-tune it for accuracy and style.

Get gigs translating websites so they reach worldwide markets, translating important documents, or even adding subtitles so movies and videos can be enjoyed by everyone!

Meet Your Robot Assistant

Businesses want to offer help 24/7, but that’s impossible for humans! That’s where chatbots come in.

Platforms like Dialogflow let you “train” little AI assistants to answer common questions, take orders, or gather information from potential customers even when everyone’s asleep.

It’s like coding and customer service rolled into one cool job.

Data Detective

AI is amazing at spotting patterns way too huge for humans to see alone. You can offer services by using AI to analyze mountains of social media chatter to see what people really think about products or brands.

Investors might pay you to use AI to spot stock market trends. Businesses might want you to use AI to track their rivals and see what sneaky plans they might be hatching!

3. Affiliate Marketing with a Techy Twist

Ai reviewer: the ultimate comparison tool.

Imagine being able to gather tons of information on different products in a flash! That’s what AI lets you do. Let’s say you want to review the best robot vacuums.

AI tools can help you scrape customer reviews, compare features across different brands, and even summarize the pros and cons. You write awesome reviews, include your special affiliate links, and whenever someone clicks your link and buys, you earn cash.

It’s like being a super-helpful shopping guide and getting paid for it!

Super-Niche Websites: Your Secret Weapon

Sometimes the biggest money isn’t in the broadest topics, but the super-focused ones. Imagine a website not about pets, but all about the cutest outfits for teacup poodles! AI tools help you find these “micro-niches” – topics huge groups of people are obsessed with but might have fewer websites dedicated to them.

Once you’ve picked your niche, AI can help with everything else. It can find keywords that help people find your site, suggest tons of article ideas, and even help you write some of the content.

AI can also help you find products related to your niche to promote with affiliate links, making your awesome website into a money-making machine.

4. Build Your AI Empire

Tool time: coding for cash.

If you have some coding skills, you can build super-useful, bite-sized AI tools that people will happily pay for. Think of common problems people have: resizing a ton of images is a pain, long articles can be a drag to read, and catching every single grammar error is tough.

You could build simple tools that offer AI-powered solutions – a quick image resizer, an article summarizer, or an extra-smart grammar checker. Sell these tools on online marketplaces, and suddenly you’re not just using AI, you’re selling it!

Plugin Power: Supercharge Popular Programs

Do you know your way around popular software like Photoshop, Excel, or even game design programs? You can become a plugin superstar! Create little add-ons that use AI to do cool new things.

Maybe your plugin adds AI filters to Photoshop, or teaches Excel to predict future patterns based on the data. Find platforms that allow developers to sell plugins for their software, and your creations could make you money while helping others work smarter.

AI Business Sensei: The Ultimate Consultant

If you get really good with AI, and understand how businesses work, you could make serious money as a consultant. Companies often have no idea how to start using AI to their advantage.

You could be the expert that helps them! Teach them how AI can find them new customers, help them analyze huge amounts of data to make better decisions, or even automate some parts of their business to save them time and money.

As AI gets more important, companies will be desperate for consultants like you!

Things to Remember:

Humans still needed: the ai hype is real, but….

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s still just that – a tool. It can mess up, make stuff that’s just plain weird, or even be used for harmful things if we’re not careful. That’s where you come in!

Your job is to double-check AI’s work, make sure it sounds natural and makes sense, add your own creative spark, and be the one to make sure the AI is doing good, not harm.

Find Your Thing: Be the Specialist

Trying to be an expert in everything AI-related is a recipe for a headache. Instead, become known as THE person for something specific.

Are you the best AI product reviewer for tech gadgets? The go-to person for building customer service chatbots? The genius who finds hidden stock market patterns using AI?

Specializing makes it easier for clients to find you and know exactly what you can do for them.

Never Stop Learning: The AI Train Keeps Rolling

AI technology changes at lightning speed! New tools, techniques, and updates are happening all the time. To stay ahead of the game, you’ve got to be curious and willing to learn.

Subscribe to tech newsletters, mess around with new AI programs as they come out, and take online courses. The more you know about cutting-edge AI, the more valuable your skills become!

How To Write an Email To Graduate Admissions

Are you applying to graduate school and need to contact the admissions department? Writing an effective email is crucial in making a lasting impression. In this article, we will guide you through the process of crafting a professional and compelling email to graduate admissions.

Table of Contents

What To Do Before Writing the Email

Before you start writing your email, it’s important to take some preparatory steps:

• Research the graduate program thoroughly to understand its requirements and offerings.
• Identify the specific department or individual you need to contact within the admissions office.
• Gather any relevant documents or information that you may need to reference in your email, such as your application ID or transcripts.
• Consider writing a draft or outline of the points you want to include in your email.

What to Include In the Email

When composing your email to graduate admissions, make sure to include the following components:

Subject Line

Choose a concise and informative subject line that clearly states the purpose of your email. For example, “Inquiry about Application Status” or “Request for Program Information.”

Start your email with a polite and professional greeting. Address the recipient by their formal title and last name, unless instructed otherwise, such as “Dear Professor Smith” or “Dear Admissions Committee.”

Introduction

In your introduction, briefly introduce yourself and state the purpose of your email. Mention your name, the program you are applying to, and any relevant details, such as the semester or year of enrollment.

In the body of your email, articulate your main points clearly and concisely. Here are some important things to include:

• Express your interest in the graduate program and elaborate on why you believe it is a good fit for your academic and career goals.
• Pose specific questions you may have about the program, such as curriculum, research opportunities, or faculty expertise.
• Highlight any relevant academic achievements, research experience, or publications that might strengthen your application.
• Request any additional information or clarification on the application process, deadlines, or required documents.
• If necessary, briefly explain any extenuating circumstances that may be affecting your application, such as a gap in your academic history or a low grade in a particular course.

End your email with a courteous closing remark, such as “Thank you for your attention” or “I look forward to hearing from you soon.” Sign off using your full name and contact information, including your phone number and email address.

Email Template

Subject: Inquiry about Application Status Dear [Admissions Contact’s Full Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I submitted my application for the [Program Name] for the upcoming [Semester/Year], and I am extremely eager to join the esteemed graduate program at [University Name] due to its exceptional reputation in [Area of Interest]. The program aligns perfectly with my academic and career goals, and I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with renowned faculty members such as yourself. I would like to kindly request any updates regarding the status of my application. Additionally, I have a few questions regarding the curriculum and potential research opportunities within the [Program Name]. Could you please provide me with some more information in this regard? Thank you for your time and attention. I appreciate your assistance in this matter and look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Contact Information]

Writing an effective email to graduate admissions requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a compelling and professional email that showcases your genuine interest in the program and improves your chances of receiving a favorable response. Remember to proofread your email before sending it, and always maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout your correspondence.

Best of luck with your graduate school application!

• 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

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.

Graduate School Application Tips & Advice

Applying to graduate school can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. You’re making a decision that could advance your career or allow you to dive deeper into a subject area that fulfills your personal goals, but you’re also making a significant investment of your time and finances.

With proper research, a clear head, and confidence, however, you can find the perfect program and submit an application that the admissions committee will be hard-pressed to reject.

Are you thinking about applying to graduate school? Here’s what every prospective student needs to know.

Tips for Applying to Graduate School

1. find a program that aligns with your goals ..

Finding the right graduate program can sometimes feel like the hardest part of the process. It’s important to find the right program for you, and with different degrees and certificates popping up at universities across the country, there are likely dozens of options available to you.

Write down the most important features of your ideal program before you begin your research. For example, do you want a full-time, on-campus experience or a flexible, online environment? Do you want research-based coursework or a program with experiential opportunities integrated into the curriculum? Once you have your list of non-negotiable features, you can kick off your research.

Learn More: How to Organize Your Grad School Search

After you’ve explored a range of programs, consider your career goals and how each program can help you achieve them. If you’d like to hone your skills to work in a specific focus area of a broader field, for instance, a program that offers a concentration or certificate aligned with those skills can be beneficial. On the other hand, if you’d like to have flexibility in your chosen career, pursuing a broader degree program that can be applied across various functions may be better suited to your needs.

Investing in this research upfront will help you find a graduate program that is right for your specific goals and allow you to feel more confident in your choice when it comes time to complete and submit your application.

2. Ask questions . 

The old-school idea that the admissions office is a scary room filled with judgment is a falsehood. Today, graduate school admissions counselors are here to help guide you through the application process process. They want to be there to support your educational journey. If you have any questions, ask . Don’t worry that your interactions with the admissions team could impact your application. If anything, your interactions will only help improve your application before review and help demonstrate your sincere interest in the program.

Many colleges and universities offer online resources where prospective students can find information about the application process and requirements. Getting in touch with an admissions counselor, though, may be the most efficient way to find answers to specific questions you might have. Engaging with them will also give you a chance to get to know the school better and decide if what they offer is really the right fit for your needs. 

Consider This: Admissions counselors are well-versed in the logistics of application requirements, individual programs, and financial aid and scholarships . If you have specific questions, be sure to reach out to them for the clarity and insight you need at any step of the process.

Prospective students should not be afraid of contacting faculty, either. If there’s a particular class you’re interested in taking or a lab you hope to work in, contact the faculty member in charge. Ask about that faculty member’s research and pose any questions about the degree program that you might have. You may have a better chance of standing out during the admissions process if you express interest early.

Ready to Get Your Questions Answered?

Reach out to our admissions team for personalized advice on the application process.

GET IN TOUCH

3. Understand the timeline.

Although the application process varies by college or university, the vast majority will require you to submit your transcript, letters of recommendation, professional resumé , and statement of purpose. Your transcript alone could take weeks to be delivered and processed, so don’t wait until the last minute to start applying.

In an effort to avoid procrastination, consider developing a calendar of deadlines. Map out when you need to apply to each of your desired schools and the specific requirements for that program. For example, if you need to submit your undergraduate grades, create a to-do at least a month before the application deadline that reminds you to order your transcript.   

4. Update your resumé.

Before sending your resumé, make sure it’s optimized for your grad school application . In general, your experience should be listed in chronological order, starting with your current position, and described in bullet points using action-packed verbs, such as “achieved,” “improved,” “launched,” “negotiated,” or “trained.” Quantify any achievements and show your results, whether it’s the number of people you’ve managed, dollars you’ve raised, or articles you’ve written.

To help your resumé align with your grad school application, be sure to tailor it to the program you intend to pursue by showcasing your skills, highlighting relevant experience, and including your professional achievements.

5. Write a strong statement of purpose.

While some might think that a statement of purpose —or personal statement —is an afterthought during your application review, many admissions committees, consider it one of the most important components of your application. The statement of purpose can make or break your application for admission.

The key to crafting an impactful statement of purpose is to not get caught up in what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Use this opportunity to tell the committee more about who you are and your background while also explaining specifically what you hope to get out of the program. Be sure to address the unique features the school offers that interest you most.

For Example: If you plan to apply to Northeastern, you might consider highlighting experiential learning as the unique feature that interests you about your program. In this case, you might explain that you’re excited to tackle real-world projects in your desired industry and learn from faculty who are experts in your field of study.

No matter where you apply, a strong statement of purpose should include:

• Insight into what drives you, whether that’s professional advancement, personal growth, or both
• The features about the school that appeal to you most
• Your expectations of the degree program and its potential impact
• Authenticity and a clear picture of what makes you unique

6 . Choose appropriate references .

Letters of recommendation are another piece of the application process that helps elevate your application for admission. When it comes to asking for letters of recommendation , carefully consider whom you’re contacting. You want to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. 

Reach out to a professor you regularly interacted with who can detail your academic accomplishments and describe why you were a standout student. You can also ask a former supervisor who’s working in a field that aligns with the graduate program you’re pursuing. No matter your choice, make sure it’s someone you know in a professional or academic capacity—not a friend or family member—who will to provide a positive recommendation representative of your character. 

You can typically provide either a professional or academic recommendation in support of your application, but programs have specific requirements around who is writing the recommendation and what the content needs to address. Research what each program requires before you coordinate your references.

When asking for a recommendation, provide your chosen reference with as much information about your request as possible. The more insight you can provide, the better your recommendation letter will be. Include in your first outreach:

• The name of the school you’re applying to
• The degree you’re pursuing
• Why you want to enroll in that specific program
• Your resumé

Make sure you keep your timeline in mind as you embark on these communications, especially if you reach out to a professor. It’s likely your letter isn’t the only one he or she needs to write, so be respectful of their time by giving as much notice as possible. Four weeks is ideal. 

7. Proofread your materials before applying.

You could be a perfect fit for your desired program, but if you submit materials that are riddled with spelling and grammar errors, the admissions team might dismiss your application before ever digging into it. Triple-check your materials and make sure that when you do press send, you’ve included all necessary documentation and hit all deadlines set in place by the university.

It’s easy for an individual to unknowingly overlook their own mistakes, so it can also be helpful to ask a friend to review your materials before you submit them, as well. Reading your materials out loud to yourself can also help you spot potential mistakes.

Though this may seem like a lot of effort, remember: Your application is the first impression you will make on the university, and it’s important to put your best foot forward.

8. Be true to yourself .

Of all the tips for applying to graduate school, the most important is being true to yourself. Being perfect is not the recipe for admission; admissions committees want to know the real you and understand your ambitions. Whether you’re a working professional hoping graduate school can bring you to the next level of your career or a recent graduate looking to further master your chosen skill, just be yourself, and you’ll start off in the right direction.

Applying to Northeastern’s Graduate Programs

If you are interested in applying to one of Northeastern University’s 200+ online, on-ground, or hybrid graduate degree and certificate programs , there are various resources available to help you along the way. 

First, it is important to understand the application process and requirements. Specific application requirements vary by college and degree, so be sure to explore the admissions information for your desired program before getting started. In general, however, the application requirements for Northeastern’s graduate programs include:

• A completed online application 
• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools you’ve previously attended
• A statement of purpose that details your goals and interest in the program
• One to three letters of recommendation (varies by program)
• Your updated professional resumé or curriculum vitae 
• Your official GRE, GMAT, or LSAT test scores (if required)
• A non-refundable application fee 

Additionally, international students who are non-native English speakers must submit proof of English proficiency in the form of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo test scores, though the minimum scores vary by program. Students who do not meet the minimum requirement for these scores may also apply to the university’s Global Pathways program .

As always, students who intend to apply to a graduate program at Northeastern should also research the application deadlines for their program of interest. Be sure to set a timeline for yourself and avoid procrastination to ensure that you’re able to submit all of the required materials on time.

The faculty and admissions team at Northeastern are always available to help prospective students throughout this journey, and prospective students are always encouraged to reach out to ask questions and get personalized advice . Whether you need information about selecting the right program, the application process, program-specific requirements, financial aid, or anything in between, the admissions team is here to help.

The First Step Toward Grad School Success

Once you’ve made the decision to further your education and pursue a graduate degree or certificate, submitting your application is the first step toward being a successful graduate student. 

No matter where you choose to apply and ultimately attend, there are countless resources available to help you throughout the process. 

To learn more about the specific schools and programs you are interested in, it’s always best to start by reaching out to admissions teams and faculty to get to know what makes them unique and ask any questions you might have. Building these relationships early on will help you find a program that fits your personal and professional goals, and can ultimately help you through the process of getting accepted to a program that’s right for you.

Are you interested in applying to graduate school? Explore Northeastern’s degree and certificate programs , and contact us for personalized advice.

This article was originally published in August 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.

About shayna joubert, related articles.

Why Earn a Professional Doctoral Degree?

5 Tips to Get the Most out of Grad School

Is Earning a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Did you know.

Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

Northeastern University Graduate Programs

Explore our 200+ industry-aligned graduate degree and certificate programs.

Most Popular:

Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, edd vs. phd in education: what’s the difference, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.

By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Keep Reading:

The 8 Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees in 2024

How To Get a Job in Emergency Management

Join Us at Northeastern’s Virtual Graduate Open House | March 5–7, 2024