Letter of motivation

Question

Dear all, I am applying for a Ph.D. program and need to write a motivation letter. I'm just wondering if you could review it for me because English is not my  first language. Any suggestion will be appreciated. Thank you!

Daniel GCChen · Accepted Answer

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for your Ph.D. position ***. My career ambition is to become a doctor in environmental toxicology.

I have a Bachelor Degree in environmental science from *** University, with an excellent score of 94% for undergraduate thesis. The university itself is the best university in the *** Province which has a population of 43.7 million. In 2010 I passed the National Entrance Examination for Postgraduates with the first place in environmental science, and became a postgraduate student after the undergraduate studies. In the past two years I took part in National 863 Program, focusing on high throughput screening of chemical biodegradability using machine learning algorisms. As one paper draft about my previous study was already completed, I am trying to graduate with two papers for my master's degree in July 2013.

My initial interest in toxicology was prompted by the national level Undergraduate Innovative Program that I joined in. In this project a predictive model for mixture toxicity of twelve organic chemicals to Vibrio fischery had been developed, aiming at providing improved method for toxicity prediction. An oral presentation of this result was delivered in the 27th Chinese Chemical Society Congress. In January 2009, I was chosen to attend an academic communication in Japan due to my outstanding performance. By donating my time to this project, I was aware of the urgent need for fast and reliable evaluation tools for toxicity identification with emerging substances released into the environment. I therefore decided to pursue research in environmental toxicology, and fortunately your program offers me an opportunity.

My undergraduate education at *** provided me with scientific training in chemical analysis as the techniques of alcohol analysis using liquid chromatography, and the high-performance liquid chromatography for sulfonamide determination by external standard method. I am also acquainted with the inhibition toxicity tests on green algae and Daphnia magna in preparation of the Undergraduate Innovative Program. Besides my laboratory activities, I have the experience in marine animals and soil sampling in Dalian Bay and Tieling city that both located in northeast China, respectively.

With advanced skills in leadership and communication, I was twice appointed the leader of environmental class in International Summer School in 2011 and 2012. The routine coordination of summer school exercised my communication skills with people from various cultures and offered me the opportunity to make friends. I treasure the experience that five Swedish and I cramped in a small room, waiting for the altered flight early the next morning when their flight delayed. And I am gratified to fulfill my task considerately with respect to the visit to Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Monitoring Center. This experience broadened my horizons and expanded my abilities in both communication and leadership.

I want to study at *** University because of your outstanding educational system and excellent work. From reading your website I learned that *** carries out environmental studies in the societal and economic context, and works within a network of strategic partners that strengthen the position as a major research centre in Europe. Students at *** University are offered excellent supervision coupled with a range of services and facilities. All these make me more confident of my choice that the university will definitely help me in my future educational and work progress.

Given my academic background and interpersonal skills, I am confident that I am the type of person with passion and motivation that this position requires. And now I am ready to meet the challenge and exceed your expectations.

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

Sincerely yours,

Letter of motivation

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