Graduate School Letter of Interest: 8 Powerful Samples

A letter of interest for graduate school is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on the admissions committee. It allows you to showcase your enthusiasm for the program, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and articulate why you are a good fit. Unlike a formal application essay, a letter of interest is typically shorter and more focused, serving as an initial introduction and a way to express your intention to apply or learn more about the program.

Crafting a compelling letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. You should research the specific program and faculty, demonstrating a clear understanding of their research interests and areas of expertise. The letter should also clearly articulate your academic goals and how the graduate program will help you achieve them. Quantifiable achievements and specific examples will always strengthen your letter.

Below are sample letters of interest you can tailor to your own experiences. Remember to adapt these to reflect your unique qualifications and the specific requirements of the graduate program you are targeting. Focusing on a specific professor and their research may also improve your chances.

Sample Letter of Interest Examples:

Sample 1: General Inquiry

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I am particularly drawn to [mention a specific aspect of the program, e.g., the curriculum, research opportunities, faculty expertise]. My background in [Your Field] has provided me with a solid foundation in [mention relevant skills or knowledge].

I am eager to learn more about the program and how my skills and experience can contribute to your research community. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 2: Specific Faculty Interest

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my deep interest in your research on [Professor’s Research Area] at [University Name]. I have been following your work on [Specific Publication or Project] with great interest. My background in [Your Field] has equipped me with the skills necessary to contribute to your lab, specifically [mention specific skills].

I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn more about your research group and explore potential opportunities to collaborate. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 3: Highlighting Relevant Experience

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. My experience working as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Company] has provided me with valuable skills in [mention relevant skills, e.g., data analysis, project management, communication]. I believe these skills would be directly applicable to the research conducted within your program.

I am eager to further develop my knowledge and contribute to the field through your program. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 4: Career Goals

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. My long-term career goal is to [State your career goal]. I believe that the [Program Name] program, with its focus on [mention specific aspects of the program], is the ideal place for me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve my aspirations.

I am particularly interested in [mention specific courses or research areas]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 5: Addressing a Weakness (Optional, Use Sparingly)

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. While my undergraduate GPA in [Specific Course] was not as high as I would have liked, I have since [Explain the reason and how you’ve improved – e.g., taken additional coursework, gained relevant experience]. I am confident that my current skills and knowledge are well-suited for the demands of your program.

I am particularly excited about [mention specific faculty or course]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 6: Referencing a Connection

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. Professor [Professor’s Name] suggested that I contact you to learn more about the program. My research interests align with [Professor’s area of expertise] and I believe my background in [Your field] would make me a strong candidate.

I am eager to explore the possibility of contributing to the research efforts at [University Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 7: Specific Program Feature

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I was particularly impressed by [Specific program feature – e.g., the interdisciplinary approach, the state-of-the-art facilities, the collaborative environment]. I believe this program will provide me with the necessary tools to excel in [Your field].

My research experience in [mention project or field] and my coursework in [mention relevant coursework] have prepared me well for this challenge. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample 8: International Student

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. As an international student from [Your Country], I am eager to contribute my unique perspective and experience to your diverse academic community. My academic background in [Your Field] and my research on [Your Research Topic] have prepared me well for graduate-level studies. I am confident in my English proficiency [if you have a strong TOEFL/IELTS score, mention it here].

I am particularly drawn to [mention a specific aspect of the program, e.g., the faculty’s research, the program’s international collaborations]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]