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Zorro66 Posted 12 years ago
Letter Writing
Motivation Letter for a PhD
Dear all,
I'm trying to apply to some PhD positions (same topic, different universities) but I haven't clues about writing a robust letter.
It's my first cover letter, so any advice would be very precious to me.
This is not the first draft, but I think it's not that strong yet.
Thank you in advance.
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD position in Mathematical Statistics, since I am keen to continue my education in Computational Statistics. I graduated in Engineering Physics and I will complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathematics in April.
Since high school, I became interested in computer science, learning programming languages and the basis of software engineering, which I further developed working on several projects during my university years. In fact, I can state that my interest in Computational Statistics derives from facing challenging topics in Algorithmic Trading, where a strong knowledge of numerical simulations is required, such as Monte Carlo methods.
My higher education started as a Computer Engineering student at *** when, following basic Physics and Mathematics courses I understood that those were my main academic interests and it led me to shift my focus from Computer to Physics Engineering. In attending this program, in particular the Optical Biomedics and Principle and Applications of Lasers courses, I became fascinated by the applications of Physics in the biomedical field. I particularly enjoyed working in the laboratory, which I started in May 2011 by carrying out fluorescence measurements in assess degradation of art-related items, using techniques based on previous studies in Medical Spectroscopy. This experience was my first introduction to research and I really loved it. This is why I decided to extend my research period from three weeks to several months.
In the last year I moved to a more computational field, by applying to the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathematics at ***. Here, especially working on mid-term projects, I strengthened my passion about research. This led me to develop a new solution for the problem of option replication with transaction costs, which I am now revising with the collaboration of Prof. ***, in order to write an article.
Attending these classes I also had access to insight in computational statistics and numerical simulation. I thus decided to continue my education in this field, which combines my great passion about computational sciences with the opportunity to work on exciting topics like biophysics and finance.
I want to apply to your doctorate program since I would really love to carry out cutting edge research and I don not see me do it in other fields than this one. In addition, I am looking forward to join a multicultural research environment in a foreign country, which I reckon is one of the most important features in both personal and professional growth.
I am confident that I will match your expectations and I believe my peculiar background will add more diversity to your program, while my being enterprising and strongly motivated will make me take the best out of this opportunity.
Sincerely yours,
***
I'm trying to apply to some PhD positions (same topic, different universities) but I haven't clues about writing a robust letter.
It's my first cover letter, so any advice would be very precious to me.
This is not the first draft, but I think it's not that strong yet.
Thank you in advance.
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD position in Mathematical Statistics, since I am keen to continue my education in Computational Statistics. I graduated in Engineering Physics and I will complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathematics in April.
Since high school, I became interested in computer science, learning programming languages and the basis of software engineering, which I further developed working on several projects during my university years. In fact, I can state that my interest in Computational Statistics derives from facing challenging topics in Algorithmic Trading, where a strong knowledge of numerical simulations is required, such as Monte Carlo methods.
My higher education started as a Computer Engineering student at *** when, following basic Physics and Mathematics courses I understood that those were my main academic interests and it led me to shift my focus from Computer to Physics Engineering. In attending this program, in particular the Optical Biomedics and Principle and Applications of Lasers courses, I became fascinated by the applications of Physics in the biomedical field. I particularly enjoyed working in the laboratory, which I started in May 2011 by carrying out fluorescence measurements in assess degradation of art-related items, using techniques based on previous studies in Medical Spectroscopy. This experience was my first introduction to research and I really loved it. This is why I decided to extend my research period from three weeks to several months.
In the last year I moved to a more computational field, by applying to the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathematics at ***. Here, especially working on mid-term projects, I strengthened my passion about research. This led me to develop a new solution for the problem of option replication with transaction costs, which I am now revising with the collaboration of Prof. ***, in order to write an article.
Attending these classes I also had access to insight in computational statistics and numerical simulation. I thus decided to continue my education in this field, which combines my great passion about computational sciences with the opportunity to work on exciting topics like biophysics and finance.
I want to apply to your doctorate program since I would really love to carry out cutting edge research and I don not see me do it in other fields than this one. In addition, I am looking forward to join a multicultural research environment in a foreign country, which I reckon is one of the most important features in both personal and professional growth.
I am confident that I will match your expectations and I believe my peculiar background will add more diversity to your program, while my being enterprising and strongly motivated will make me take the best out of this opportunity.
Sincerely yours,
***
Top answer
I just have time for a couple of quick, brief comments. Say Dear Sir/Madam. Or better still, try to get the person's name.
- I just have time for a couple of quick, brief comments.
- Say Dear Sir/Madam.
- Or better still, try to get the person's name.
- To whom it may concern is used mainly for letters of reference.
- I don't see a clear and prominent statement of the actual research you wish to do.
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4 Answers
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I just have time for a couple of quick, brief comments.
Say Dear Sir/Madam. Or better still, try to get the person's name.
To whom it may concern is used mainly for letters of reference.
I don't see a clear and prominent s
Say Dear Sir/Madam. Or better still, try to get the person's name.
To whom it may concern is used mainly for letters of reference.
I don't see a clear and prominent s
00
Hi Clive,
thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately I can't get the person's name, but I will use Dear Sir/Madam.
Regarding the statement and the institution it is a general letter (I will apply for some positions) and, besides the subject it's the same, the focus changes from case to case.
If you say it would be better, I will post a more specific letter.
Th
thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately I can't get the person's name, but I will use Dear Sir/Madam.
Regarding the statement and the institution it is a general letter (I will apply for some positions) and, besides the subject it's the same, the focus changes from case to case.
If you say it would be better, I will post a more specific letter.
Th
00
Yes, tailor your letter to the post and place you are applying to. I know it is more work, but it is better.
Clive
Clive
00
Thank you Clive.
Here is my attempt.
The research statement is still missing because I have to write it separately.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD position in Applied Mathematics, since I am keen to continue my education in this area. I graduated in Engineering Physics and I will complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathem
Here is my attempt.
The research statement is still missing because I have to write it separately.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD position in Applied Mathematics, since I am keen to continue my education in this area. I graduated in Engineering Physics and I will complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathem
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