Introduction
Examples
The
following examples may help you when introducing yourself to potential
graduate schools, faculty, and graduate students. Please
note that these are suggestions for formatting - please use your
own style and voice when writing your introductions. Be
sure you check for grammar and spelling before sending anything.
More examples may be added at a later time.
- Basic
Introductory E-mail
- Faculty
Mentor Inquiry E-mail
BASIC
INTRODUCTION
Dear
Professor <last name>,
My
name is <full name>. I am currently a McNair Scholar
and a senior at Washington State University in Pullman, WA majoring
in <major>. I am planning to apply for graduate
study at <name of institution> in the <name of program
or dept.>. As I prepare my application materials, I am contacting
faculty who are interested in areas of <list area of interest>.
If I am accepted to <name of institution> I will need a teaching
or research assistantship to attend so I am looking for faculty
that need students for the year 2002.
Here
is some information about my career at Washington State University.
I will be graduating < >, with roughly a < > GPA (perhaps
a little higher or lower). I will have a Bachelor
of <name degree, specialization, and minors>. I have
been <list academic honors and most impressive associations>.
I have worked on research project/s with <list name of faculty.
Then, list each title and briefly explain nature of each research
project>.
<List where you have presented each and if you plan on
presenting your research at other places>. I will be presenting
this paper at a conference in < >. I will also
be submitting my research to the Washington State University McNair
Journal.
I
would be delighted if you could e-mail me and let me know what
your areas of interest are at WSU, and also if you would consider
me as a RA or TA for the year 2002.
Thank
you,
<name and contact information>
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FACULTY
MENTOR INQUIRY
Hello
Dr. <so and so>
My
name is <first and last name> and I am currently a junior majoring
in <major>. I have aspirations of going on to graduate
school and have recently been chosen to participate in the McNair
Achievement Program. As you may know, the McNair Achievement
Program is designed to prepare eligible undergraduate students
for eventual doctoral study. It is designed to increase the number
of low-income, first-generation college students and underrepresented
minority students in doctoral programs. Its long-range mission
is to help increase the diversity of college and university faculties.
The
program requires my participation in the McNair Summer Research
Experience this coming up summer. I must come up with a
general interest area of research, speak to faculty who are conducting
similar research, and ultimately find a faculty who can serve
as my mentor during the research experience. I noticed that
you are currently doing research in <list the research you
would be interested in>. I am particularly interested in
<explain general research interests>.
I
would like to meet with you to discuss your research further and
give you more details about the McNair Summer Research Experience
and its benefits. I am available <list dates and times>.
Please send me a reply to let me know when you are available to
meet with me. I appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
<your name & contact information>
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