Cover letter

Please suggest any changes that I can do to these. Any correction and additions will be duly appreciated

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to apply for the PhD position of “xxx” at TU xx. I look forward to earn my doctorate degree and work with an interdisciplinary team of polymer researchers to gain further insight of the xxxx

During bachelors, I graduated with textile chemistry as my majors from xx,xx. I am continuing my academic career with the study of xx in xx. In February of 20xx, I will graduate with a degree in Master of Sciences with an expected GPA of around xx (x being the maximum) and ranking among the top 2 students.

As my first exposure to polymers, I took the elective course "xx" in my bachelor studies. I was curious to know how changes in the molecular structure of the starting material could bring in drastic changes in the functionality of the polymer made. Also, how the internal arrangement and the interaction of the groups with respect to each other could cause large differences in the strengths brought a lot of questions in my mind. This increasing curiosity to know how the interplay of chemistry could give us the desired properties made me realize that polymer chemistry is what I want to pursue.

Thus, to continue what I intended to study, I got into the Master’s course for xxx and decided to get my major in xx. I have kept an excellent academic record and was honored with “xxx” award. The course included subjects which encompassed synthesis, characterization and the physical properties of polymers. I was particularly interested by stimuli responsive systems and thus, I undertook the project on Mechanical Damage sensing systems and continuing to work on it for my thesis. My university also rewarded me with “xx” for my ongoing thesis, thus proving my credentials.

I gained interest in damage sensing when I was going through publications and one particular term which I observed predominantly was mechanochemistry. So, I tried to understand how the overall system behaves for the phenomenon and it really peaked my interests. Now that I’m currently working on nanocapsule based damage sensing based on fluorescence along with self-healing, I wish to work conduct research to improve my expertise in damage sensing. As part of an exercise, each group member must present their ongoing work twice a year along with detailed discussion and debate amongst the peers. This has helped me tremendously to improve my understanding of the work and thereby defending my work with poise.

Along with my academics, I have also tried to inculcate responsibility towards humanity as a fellow citizen. For that purpose, I have been actively involved as a volunteer in organizing the marathon “xx” as a part of creating awareness amongst the people about autism and how their participation can help children suffering from autism help themselves. I also participate annually in the Green marathon, as a part of xx’s annual sports festival ‘xxx’ and the contributions and money collected during the marathon as registration fees is used to help the people belonging to underprivileged sections of society.

xxx is undoubtedly one of the elite institutions in xx and in the world. The broad scope of leaning about xx and xx would take me a step further to winning the challenge & shaping my dream into reality. It would be my greatest source of contentment to conduct research at this institution and thus acquire an impetus in realizing my ambition.

I am confident that I will bring a high level of energy and enthusiasm to your program. Studying here would give me real time global exposure in the field of technology and would be a huge impetus in helping me shape my future. I see many alternatives at professional front in India after completion of my studies. In today’s competitive market to survive we need professional and well-groomed individuals preferably with an international exposure to head the department. It will surely be a gradual process but will be beneficial in the long run.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to your acceptance.

Sincerely yours,

Shreyas Wagle.