Getting into graduate school takes more than good grades and test scores. Your cover letter gives you a chance to show who you really are to the people reading your application. This single page can make all the difference between rejection and acceptance.
You might feel stuck on what to write or how to present yourself in the best light. That’s why we put together these examples to help guide you through this critical step. Read on to see how different people have successfully written their way into their dream programs.
Sample Cover Letters for Grad School
These fifteen real-world examples will give you ideas for your own graduate school application letter.
1. Psychology PhD Program Letter
January 15, 2025
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Director of Graduate Admissions
Department of Psychology
Stanford University
450 Jane Stanford Way
Stanford, CA 94305
Subject: Application for PhD Program in Clinical Psychology
Dear Dr. Johnson,
Please accept my application for the PhD program in Clinical Psychology at Stanford University. As a research assistant at the Center for Anxiety and Depression Research and a graduate with highest honors in Psychology from UCLA, my academic journey has prepared me well for the rigorous demands of your program.
My research interests align perfectly with Dr. Michael Taylor’s work on cognitive behavioral interventions for trauma patients. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted an independent research project examining how mindfulness practices affect anxiety levels in college students, which was later published in the Journal of College Counseling. The opportunity to expand on this research under Dr. Taylor’s guidance would be invaluable to my academic growth.
My clinical experience includes 500+ hours volunteering at a crisis text line, where I provided support to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress. This experience strengthened my desire to develop effective therapeutic approaches for vulnerable populations. The cutting-edge research facilities and collaborative atmosphere at Stanford would provide the ideal setting for me to pursue this passion.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your department’s outstanding reputation for excellence in psychological research and clinical practice.
Sincerely,
Taylor Washington
Taylor Washington
555-123-4567
taylor.washington@email.com
2. MBA Program Letter with Work Experience
February 3, 2025
MBA Admissions Committee
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
Subject: Application for MBA Program Class of 2027
Dear Admissions Committee,
After five years of progressive leadership at Amazon and successfully launching a nonprofit that serves underprivileged communities, I am ready to take the next step in my professional journey by applying to the Harvard Business School MBA program.
My career at Amazon has given me valuable insight into global supply chain management and team leadership. Starting as a junior analyst, I rose to lead a team of fifteen professionals managing inventory systems that handle millions of products daily. This experience taught me how to make data-driven decisions while motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals.
Outside of my corporate role, I founded GreenStart, a nonprofit that has provided sustainable business training to over 200 low-income entrepreneurs. This venture has sharpened my understanding of social impact and the challenges facing small business owners in today’s economy.
The case study method at HBS particularly appeals to me, as it mirrors the real-world problem-solving I’ve engaged with throughout my career. I’m drawn to your Social Enterprise Initiative and believe my background would allow me to contribute meaningfully to class discussions while gaining new perspectives from my peers.
I’m excited about the possibility of joining the HBS community and thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully,
Jordan Martinez
Jordan Martinez
jordan.martinez@email.com
312-555-7890
3. English Literature Master’s Program Letter
March 10, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of English
Columbia University
1130 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10027
Subject: Application for MA in English Literature
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
As a passionate student of Victorian literature and digital humanities, I am applying to the Master of Arts program in English Literature at Columbia University to deepen my academic engagement with texts that have shaped our understanding of social reform and gender politics.
My undergraduate thesis on the use of illness as metaphor in Charlotte Brontë’s works received the department’s annual award for outstanding scholarship. Working closely with Dr. Rebecca Stevens at Vassar College, I developed a digital mapping project that traced references to disease across Brontë’s novels and letters, revealing patterns that previous scholarship had overlooked.
The opportunity to study with Dr. Amanda Liu, whose work on Victorian medical discourse has greatly influenced my research approach, is a primary reason for my application to Columbia. Your department’s emphasis on interdisciplinary methods and the Digital Humanities Center would allow me to continue blending traditional close reading with computational analysis.
During my undergraduate studies, I served as an editor for our literary journal and tutored fellow students in writing, experiences that confirmed my desire to pursue a career in academia. Columbia’s reputation for scholarly rigor and innovation makes it the perfect place for me to grow as both a researcher and educator.
Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my research interests and goals with you further.
Best regards,
Alex Nguyen
Alex Nguyen
alexnguyen@email.com
914-555-6543
4. Computer Science PhD Program Letter
December 12, 2024
Graduate Admissions Committee
School of Computer Science
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Subject: Application for PhD in Machine Learning
Dear Admissions Committee,
With a strong background in machine learning research and two years of industry experience developing AI solutions at Google, I am excited to apply for the PhD program in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University.
My academic journey in AI began during my undergraduate studies at MIT, where I contributed to research on neural network optimization under Professor James Wilson. This work resulted in a conference paper presented at NeurIPS 2023, where we demonstrated a novel approach to reducing computational requirements for large language models without sacrificing accuracy.
At Google, I’ve been part of a team working on healthcare applications of machine learning, specifically developing algorithms that can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy from retinal scans. This experience has shown me both the tremendous potential and the ethical complexities of applying AI to critical human needs.
The research coming out of CMU’s Machine Learning Department, particularly Dr. Sophia Chen’s work on responsible AI and fairness in automated decision systems, resonates strongly with my own research interests. I hope to build on my technical foundation while exploring ways to make AI systems more equitable and transparent.
If accepted to your program, I would bring not only technical skills but also a commitment to ensuring that advances in machine learning benefit humanity broadly. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Robin Patel
Robin Patel
rpatel@email.com
650-555-2189
5. Public Health Master’s Program Letter
January 20, 2025
Admissions Office
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
Subject: Application for MPH in Epidemiology
Dear Admissions Committee,
My experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural Malawi, where I witnessed firsthand the impact of limited healthcare infrastructure during disease outbreaks, have led me to apply for the Master of Public Health program in Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
During my two years in Malawi, I collaborated with local health officials to develop community-based surveillance systems for malaria and tuberculosis. We trained community health workers to identify and report potential cases, resulting in earlier interventions and a 30% reduction in severe malaria cases in our district. This experience showed me how data collection and analysis can transform health outcomes even in resource-limited settings.
Upon returning to the United States, I joined a county health department as a data analyst, where I’ve spent the last three years tracking infectious disease patterns and helping to coordinate our COVID-19 response. Working with public health professionals during this challenging time has only strengthened my resolve to gain advanced training in epidemiological methods.
The Bloomberg School’s focus on global health equity and its strong connections to organizations like the WHO and CDC make it my top choice for graduate study. I’m particularly interested in Dr. Maria Garcia’s research on climate change and infectious disease transmission patterns, an area I hope to explore during my studies.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to and learning from the diverse community at Johns Hopkins.
Respectfully,
Casey Thompson
Casey Thompson
caseyt@email.com
443-555-8976
6. Law School Application Letter
November 15, 2024
Admissions Committee
Yale Law School
P.O. Box 208215
New Haven, CT 06520-8215
Subject: Application for Juris Doctor Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
As a first-generation college graduate who has spent the past three years advocating for housing rights at the Legal Aid Society, I am applying to Yale Law School with the goal of expanding my capacity to address systemic injustice through legal scholarship and practice.
My interest in housing law began during my undergraduate years at Georgetown University, where I researched the impact of gentrification on low-income communities of color in Washington, D.C. This academic inquiry took on personal significance when my own family faced eviction due to rapidly rising rents in our neighborhood. Navigating the complex legal system without adequate representation showed me how the law can either protect or fail vulnerable people depending on access to legal resources.
At the Legal Aid Society, I’ve assisted attorneys representing tenants facing eviction and housing discrimination. This work has given me practical insight into how housing policies affect real people and communities. I’ve also participated in legislative advocacy, helping to draft testimony for city council hearings on rent stabilization measures.
Yale Law School’s Housing Clinic and Center for the Study of Corporate Law would allow me to examine housing justice from multiple angles—both representing individual clients and addressing larger market forces that shape housing affordability. Your school’s tradition of producing scholar-activists who influence both legal theory and policy makes it the ideal place for me to develop as an advocate.
Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to bring my perspectives and commitment to your community.
Sincerely,
Morgan Chen
Morgan Chen
morganchen@email.com
202-555-4321
7. Medical School Application Letter
October 5, 2024
Admissions Committee
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
Subject: Application for MD Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
As a clinical research coordinator who has worked alongside physicians treating patients with rare autoimmune disorders, I have witnessed the profound impact of patient-centered care combined with cutting-edge medical research. This experience has solidified my desire to become a physician-scientist, and I am excited to apply to the MD program at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.
My academic background in biochemistry provided me with a strong foundation in the molecular mechanisms of disease, but it was my grandmother’s battle with lupus that inspired my interest in autoimmune conditions. Watching her navigate a complex healthcare system while managing her symptoms showed me the importance of physicians who listen carefully and treat the whole person.
For the past two years, I have coordinated clinical trials for novel biologic therapies at Massachusetts General Hospital. This role has allowed me to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying manifestations of autoimmune diseases. I’ve learned to explain complex medical concepts in accessible terms and to recognize how social determinants affect health outcomes and treatment adherence.
The Mayo Clinic’s model of integrated care and its commitment to both scientific excellence and humanistic medicine align perfectly with my vision of the physician I hope to become. Your Medical Scientist Training Program is particularly appealing as it would allow me to pursue my dual interests in patient care and translational research.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of learning and serving at an institution that has defined excellence in medicine for generations.
Sincerely,
Sam Rodriguez
Sam Rodriguez
sam.rodriguez@email.com
617-555-3698
8. Architecture Master’s Program Letter
February 8, 2025
Graduate Admissions
School of Architecture
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Subject: Application for Master of Architecture Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
After completing my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and working for three years with a firm specializing in sustainable urban housing, I am applying to MIT’s Master of Architecture program to deepen my understanding of how architecture can address pressing environmental and social challenges.
My undergraduate education at UC Berkeley introduced me to biophilic design principles and passive cooling strategies. For my senior project, I designed an affordable housing complex that incorporated community gardens and natural ventilation systems, receiving recognition from the American Institute of Architecture Students for innovation in sustainable design.
At Greenbuild Architects, I’ve contributed to projects that prioritize both environmental performance and social equity, including a mixed-income housing development that achieved LEED Platinum certification while providing quality homes for families across the economic spectrum. This professional experience has shown me the practical challenges of implementing sustainable design and the importance of considering the lived experiences of building users.
MIT’s focus on computational design and building technology would provide me with tools to further explore how architecture can respond to climate change. I’m particularly drawn to the research happening at the Urban Risk Lab and the opportunity to study with Professor Adele Santos, whose work on resilient urban housing has greatly influenced my thinking.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining MIT’s collaborative community of designers and thinkers.
Respectfully,
Riley Johnson
Riley Johnson
riley.j.architect@email.com
510-555-9876
9. Social Work Master’s Program Letter
January 12, 2025
Admissions Committee
School of Social Work
University of Michigan
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Subject: Application for MSW Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
My five years of experience as a youth counselor at a community center serving refugees and immigrants has shown me both the resilience of families facing enormous transitions and the need for culturally responsive social services. I am applying to the University of Michigan’s MSW program to gain the advanced skills and knowledge needed to better serve these communities.
Working primarily with teenagers from Somalia, Syria, and Myanmar, I’ve helped young people process trauma, adjust to life in the United States, and navigate educational systems that are often not designed with their needs in mind. Through this work, I’ve developed strong skills in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, but I recognize the limits of my current training.
Michigan’s focus on community organization and global practice is particularly appealing to me. The opportunity to learn from faculty like Dr. Jason DeParle, whose research on transnational families has deepened understanding of migration’s impact on family systems, would help me build on my practical experience with sound theoretical frameworks and evidence-based interventions.
If accepted to your program, I would be particularly interested in field placements that allow me to work with refugee resettlement agencies or school-based programs serving immigrant youth. My bilingual skills in English and Arabic and my experience building trust across cultural differences would be assets in these settings.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to join Michigan’s community of social work scholars and practitioners.
Sincerely,
Noor Abdi
Noor Abdi
noor.abdi@email.com
612-555-7432
10. Education Policy Master’s Program Letter
December 8, 2024
Graduate Admissions Committee
Harvard Graduate School of Education
13 Appian Way
Cambridge, MA 02138
Subject: Application for Ed.M. in Education Policy and Analysis
Dear Admissions Committee,
As a fifth-grade teacher in an under-resourced public school and an education policy fellow with my state legislature, I have witnessed the direct impact of policy decisions on classroom experiences. This dual perspective has motivated me to apply for the Education Policy and Analysis program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
During my four years teaching in a Title I school, I’ve seen how policies around standardized testing, English language learner support, and school funding directly affect my students’ opportunities to learn and thrive. This frontline experience led me to apply for a competitive policy fellowship, where I’ve spent the past year researching the implementation of our state’s new literacy initiative and providing data-driven recommendations to legislators.
The fellowship has shown me that meaningful policy change requires both quantitative analysis skills and a deep understanding of on-the-ground realities in schools. Harvard’s program, with its emphasis on both rigorous research methods and educational equity, would help me build the toolkit needed to bridge the gap between classroom needs and policy solutions.
I’m particularly drawn to Professor David Johnson’s work on school finance reform and the Strategic Data Project, which aligns with my interest in how data can be used to promote more equitable resource allocation. The opportunity to learn alongside peers with diverse experiences in education would also enrich my understanding of policy challenges across different contexts.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to bringing my practical classroom experience to policy discussions at Harvard and gaining the skills to advocate effectively for all students.
Sincerely,
Jamie Williams
Jamie Williams
j.williams.edu@email.com
404-555-1234
11. Neuroscience PhD Program Letter
January 5, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Neuroscience
University of California, San Francisco
675 Nelson Rising Lane
San Francisco, CA 94158
Subject: Application for PhD Program in Neuroscience
Dear Admissions Committee,
With two years of research experience studying neuroplasticity in stroke recovery and a deep fascination with the brain’s adaptive capabilities, I am applying to the PhD program in Neuroscience at UCSF to pursue research that could transform rehabilitation approaches for patients with acquired brain injuries.
As an undergraduate at Emory University, I joined Dr. Patricia Lee’s laboratory, where we used mouse models to investigate the role of glial cells in neural repair following ischemic injury. My honors thesis project, which examined how microglia influence synaptic pruning during recovery, received the department’s award for outstanding undergraduate research and led to my co-authorship on a publication in the Journal of Neuroscience.
Since graduating, I have worked as a research assistant at the Brain Recovery Center, where I’ve had the privilege of connecting laboratory findings with clinical applications. Using high-density EEG and functional MRI, our team tracks neural reorganization in stroke patients undergoing various rehabilitation protocols. This experience has deepened my appreciation for translational research and reinforced my desire to pursue a career at the intersection of basic science and clinical practice.
UCSF’s Neuroscience Program stands out for its collaborative approach and emphasis on translational research. I’m particularly excited about the work happening in Dr. Michael Chen’s laboratory on neural circuit remodeling and Dr. Sophia Kim’s research on neuroimmunology in recovery from brain injury. The opportunity to rotate through these labs would be invaluable for my development as a scientist.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to potentially joining your community of neuroscience researchers.
Sincerely,
Dakota Barnes
Dakota Barnes
dakota.barnes@email.com
415-555-8765
12. Journalism Master’s Program Letter
March 1, 2025
Admissions Committee
Graduate School of Journalism
Columbia University
2950 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Subject: Application for M.S. in Journalism
Dear Admissions Committee,
From covering local school board meetings for my college newspaper to producing a podcast on healthcare access in rural communities, my journey in journalism has been driven by a commitment to amplifying voices that often go unheard. I am applying to Columbia’s M.S. in Journalism program to refine my reporting skills and learn from leaders in this essential field.
As a staff writer for The Daily Tribune, a regional newspaper serving a politically diverse community, I’ve reported on issues ranging from environmental contamination to the opioid crisis. This experience has taught me how to build trust with sources across political divides and to approach complex topics with nuance and accuracy.
My recent investigation into unsafe housing conditions faced by migrant farm workers required gathering documentation, conducting interviews in Spanish (my second language), and presenting data in an accessible format. The resulting three-part series led to county inspections and improved housing regulations. This project reinforced my belief in journalism’s power to drive positive change.
Columbia’s focus on data journalism and multimedia storytelling would help me develop skills needed to effectively communicate in today’s media landscape. The opportunity to learn from professors who have broken major stories while maintaining ethical standards would be invaluable as I work toward my goal of becoming an investigative reporter focused on social justice issues.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to join Columbia’s tradition of rigorous, impactful journalism.
Sincerely,
Quinn Ramirez
Quinn Ramirez
qramirez@email.com
541-555-3210
13. Environmental Science Master’s Program Letter
February 15, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
School of the Environment
Yale University
195 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Subject: Application for Master of Environmental Science
Dear Admissions Committee,
As a field researcher who has studied the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems and a community organizer who has worked with fisheries-dependent communities, I am applying to Yale’s Master of Environmental Science program to develop innovative approaches to environmental challenges that center both ecological and human wellbeing.
For the past three years, I have worked with the Coastal Research Alliance, monitoring salt marsh health along the Gulf Coast and documenting changes in species composition as sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent. This research has given me strong skills in experimental design, data collection, and ecosystem assessment, while also showing me how scientific findings can inform conservation strategies.
Beyond my research role, I’ve collaborated with local fishing communities whose livelihoods are threatened by changing ocean conditions. Facilitating workshops that bring together fishers, scientists, and policymakers has taught me the importance of incorporating diverse knowledge systems and stakeholder perspectives when addressing environmental challenges.
Yale’s emphasis on integrating social and natural sciences is perfectly aligned with my approach to environmental work. I’m particularly drawn to the Urban Ecology and Environmental Justice research track and excited about the prospect of studying with Dr. Maria Sanchez, whose work on adaptive management of coastal systems has greatly influenced my thinking.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to bringing my field experience and commitment to community engagement to your program.
Sincerely,
Avery Jackson
Avery Jackson
a.jackson@email.com
985-555-6789
14. History PhD Program Letter
January 28, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of History
Princeton University
129 Dickinson Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544
Subject: Application for PhD in History
Dear Admissions Committee,
As a public historian at the National Civil Rights Museum and a scholar whose research examines grassroots organizing in the Mississippi Delta during the 1960s, I am applying to Princeton’s PhD program in History to deepen my study of how rural communities have shaped American social movements.
My master’s thesis at Howard University analyzed the role of church networks in coordinating voter registration efforts in Sunflower County, Mississippi, drawing on oral histories and previously unexamined personal papers of local activists. This research challenged prevailing narratives that centered urban organizations and national leaders, revealing instead how rural residents created sustainable movement infrastructure despite intense repression.
Working at the National Civil Rights Museum has allowed me to translate academic research into exhibits and programs that engage public audiences. Developing a digital archive of movement ephemera—including meeting minutes, flyers, and correspondence from local chapters—has shown me how new methodological approaches can uncover aspects of historical experience that traditional archives often miss.
Princeton’s strengths in both American history and digital humanities make it the ideal place for me to expand my research to examine connections between rural organizing traditions across different eras and movements. I’m particularly interested in working with Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, whose scholarship on women’s leadership in agricultural labor movements resonates with themes in my own research.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to Princeton’s intellectual community while developing a project that honors the historical significance of rural activism.
Sincerely,
Harper Washington
Harper Washington
h.washington@email.com
901-555-4567
15. Physical Therapy Doctoral Program Letter
December 1, 2024
Admissions Committee
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Northwestern University
645 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Subject: Application for Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
With three years of experience as a rehabilitation aide working alongside physical therapists and a personal journey of recovery from a sports injury that introduced me to the transformative potential of physical therapy, I am excited to apply to Northwestern’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
My academic background in Kinesiology at the University of Illinois provided me with a strong foundation in human movement and biomechanics. As a student-athlete on the track team, I experienced firsthand the importance of evidence-based rehabilitation when recovering from a hamstring tear that threatened to end my athletic career. The physical therapist who guided my recovery inspired my current career path by demonstrating how clinical expertise, compassion, and patient education work together to restore function and confidence.
In my role at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center, I’ve assisted physical therapists working with patients across the lifespan—from children with developmental delays to older adults recovering from joint replacements. This experience has taught me the importance of adapting interventions to meet individual needs and goals. I’ve been particularly drawn to neurological rehabilitation and have completed additional training in vestibular therapy techniques.
Northwestern’s emphasis on clinical reasoning skills and its integration of research into clinical practice align perfectly with my approach to patient care. Your program’s focus on developing culturally competent practitioners who can serve diverse populations is especially important to me, as my volunteer work at a community clinic serving primarily Spanish-speaking patients has shown me the critical need for healthcare providers who can bridge cultural and linguistic gaps.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Northwestern’s community while preparing for a career dedicated to helping others regain function and quality of life.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lee
Jordan Lee
jordan.lee@email.com
773-555-8901
Wrap-up: Cover Letters for Graduate School
The cover letter serves as your first impression with graduate school admissions committees. It bridges the gap between your application materials and your personal story. A well-crafted letter demonstrates your communication skills while highlighting the unique qualities you bring to their program.
Keep your letter focused on how your experiences and goals align with what the program offers. Research the department thoroughly and mention specific faculty members or research initiatives that excite you. This targeted approach shows you’ve done your homework and helps admissions committees visualize your fit within their community.
As you write your own cover letter, use these examples as inspiration rather than templates. Your letter should reflect your authentic voice and specific circumstances. Pay attention to details like proper formatting, addressing the correct department and individuals, and proofreading carefully before submission.
With thoughtful preparation and clear expression of your academic and professional journey, your cover letter can open doors to the next chapter of your educational path.