How to Format Professional Academic Cover Letter
A professional academic cover letter is something you can send when you apply for schools. It needs to be formatted correctly, because you want to present yourself in a professional way. A professional academic cover letter is most commonly used for grad schools, but can also be used for other types of programs. Madeline Madsen, admissions counselor at the University of Minnesota, outlines how to write a professional academic cover letter.
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Instructions
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Begin with a salutation. Whenever possible, find out the name of the person who is going to review your application. Find out the first and last name of the person in charge of reviewing applications. You can also use the name of the department to which you are applying.
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Follow any specific regulations included in the application packet. If the application states that a cover letter should contain certain information, make sure that it does contain these details. Disregard any information that contradicts anything specifically asked for in your application materials.
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Write a three-paragraph cover letter that is short and concise.
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Begin with a paragraph outlining your interest in the program. Briefly explain why you are interested in the program. Mention a few key specifics about the program that strike your fancy or make you interested.
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Continue to a second paragraph in which you talk about your previous educational history. Briefly touch on the schools you attended, and what you have studied. Pay special attention to any previous studies or work experience that directly relates to the degree that you hope to pursue.
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Finish with a third paragraph. Concisely outline some of your future goals, and relate those goals to the program you wish to be a part of. End the paragraph by tying your current goals to your future ones, and showing how the program you have interest in can help you meet those goals.
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End with a note of thanks for considering you for the position.
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Sign your name on the letter, along with typing it.
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