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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Letter Writing

Letter to a professor

Hi

I'm a norwegian student who attended University of California, Berkeley summer sessions this summer. I really loved it there, so I'd like to go back and write my Master's thesis there next semester.

I'm not sure how this is done, but I think I need to be invited by a professor who will serve as my host.

So, here is what I need help on: I want to write a letter Emotion: email to a professor to ask if there is any opportunity to write my thesis at Berkeley (and if so, get an invitation).

I don't know this professor, but she was a guest lecturer at my home university earlier this year, so I expect that she has some knowledge about my university.

I have basically no idea how formal this should be, how to start, how direct I should be and so on. Please help!

Any help would be appreciatedEmotion: smile

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Dear Guest, Your request is not so much English but rather process. I am not sure what faculty you plan to attend. Different faculities might have different protocols.

  • Dear Guest, Your request is not so much English but rather process.
  • I am not sure what faculty you plan to attend.
  • Different faculities might have different protocols.
  • edu/prospective / Here are some things that I would consider doing: 1) check out the admissions web page 2) follow-up with the admissions office with any questions you might have 3) contact the faculty office and discuss your desires with them 4) Google your "intended" professor to learn more about her work, projects etc.
  • 5) Write to your professor My belief is that you will likely have to apply and the faculty office will make a selection of the students that they want to accept.
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9 Answers
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Dear Guest,

Your request is not so much English but rather process.

I am not sure what faculty you plan to attend. Different faculities might have different protocols.

You can learn more by visiting their admissions section for graduate students: http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/prospectiv
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Hi MountainHiker (cool name, by the wayEmotion: smile

Thanks for your reply. I've kind of done the four steps you mentioned, and I know I
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Mia,

Because you have already completed the four steps previously mentioned, you are ready to make the next move and write your letter.

This next part is a bit difficult doing it blind, because if it were me writing I would be sure to capture stuff that is personal and relevant to my application. I suspect you are wanting to know how to write something that should attract and
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Thank you so much! exactly what I needed to get startedEmotion: smile

-Mia
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Hi again,

Just wondering; is it too informal to start the letter by "Dear Prof.***, I am writing to ask you.." ?

Thanks,
-Mia
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Mia,

That wouldn't be my style. I would tend to go with

Dear Professor ***: (spell out Professor)

blah blah blah.


I think of it this way: If you walk into an interview and you are slightly over dressed, no one cares. But if you show up to an interview wearing "Friday" business casuals and everyone else is in a suit and tie, you feel uncomfortable.
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please give me an idea on how to make a request letter to my professor. regarding a recommendation letter for my job.
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GuestHi

I'm a norwegian student who attended University of California, Berkeley summer sessions this summer. I really loved it there, so I'd like to go back and write my Master's thesis there next semester.

I'm not sure how this is done, but I think I need to be invited by a professor who will serve as my host.

So, here is what I need help on
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Hii, MontainHiker. I am Kiev, student from Indonesia. Im on writing for asking an invitation letter from Professor.
I am newbie at this matter. I will be very happy if you could assist me. If you dont mind i will contact you through your email.

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