Are you thinking of just how many letters and essays you have to write? Hey, don't panic. It isn't something you cannot do, not with the pro tips in this article. A great cover letter is equally great for your application. It's an opportunity to appeal to the board to see why you deserve the funding or position and to stand out. The entire selection criteria and  process involves investing a lot of money at the end so you would agree that it is only right that a worthy applicant, which can be you and should be you, wins it. So think of it as selling yourself.

While it's an avenue to promote yourself, you should avoid turning your cover letter into a novel about your life. As with other essays, the best bet is usually to keep it short, simple, impactful and interesting. Not all details should be on the cover letter. The key parts are:

Address: That is yours and that of the professor or board receiving the letter.

Salutation: Again, nothing informal or colloquial like Hi or Hey. Keep it formal and simple.

Body: This is where the major work lies. This should be sectioned accordingly. The first paragraph is the part where you briefly introduce yourself, state your interests, how you learnt about the opportunity and why you are keen on it. Come off as enthusiastic, confident and passionate but not definitely not desperate.

In the second paragraph, highlight your verifiable academic accomplishments, experiences and skills. Explain your goals and what you plan to achieve with the funding. Basically where you are coming from and where you are going. The concluding paragraph should end on a short positive note expressing a call to action and expressing your anticipation of positive feedback.

See the Sample below.

Ogbon Oba 8, Efon Alaaye,

7846 

Ekiti State

17th December, 2050.

Dr Peter Gantunk (in bold)

Department of Forestry,

University of Stillwater

7000, Southampton

United Kingdom

APPLICATION FOR A GRADUATE STUDENT POSITION

Dear Dr. Peter Gantunk,

I am writing to express my interest in the graduate student position in your group at the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Efon Alaaye which was recently advertised on the university website.

I am in my last lap of bachelor program (CGPA 4.0/5.0) at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Japa, Ekiti State. In my past positions, it was my responsibility to perform tests on various samples for microbial loads. I was also involved in the documentation of standard procedures for various microbiological assays. My undergraduate thesis focused on the molecular characterization of VeC in signal transduction in Candida albicans. The result of the study showed that VeC is essential for spore formation, oxidative and osmotic stress response, as well as virulence in Candida albicans.  The experience so far has also exposed me to knowledge and skills in advanced molecular microbiology techniques such generation of mutant strains, primer design, DNA and RNA isolation, ligation and cloning, qRT-PCR,  protein- protein interactions and pathogenicity assay and so on. 

I found your recent publication on the transcriptomic profiling of genes involved in virulence in Salmonella japaing fascinating. It is also an eye opener to the dangers of the notorious pathogen on human health and the need to be more proactive in terms of awareness and breaking the chain of infection of the pathogen. I am an intellectually curious and purpose-driven individual. My leadership, excellent communication and oral skills have been proven in several cases. For instance, I was the President of Student Association of Microbiology Student (2010-2011) and credit to my academic achievements are two  publications in reputable journals.

I self-identify as a person of color and a first-generation scientist. My long-term goal is to become a Professor of Biology. I am confident that I possess the right technical and soft skills necessary for the advertised research position. I look forward to being part of your reputable group committed to providing answers to the mechanism of virulence in Aspergillus nidulans. I am enclosing my curriculum vitae. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely,

Julie Lawson'

Your cover letter should convey individuality, motivation, passion and sincerity. It should move the board and/or a professor to award you funding in the desired field. There's a trick to every step in the graduate school journey and Scholarships Cafe knows them all and absolutely loves to share.