[General] Letter to a Professor, asking for PhD position

[minaaaa]

hi

 

[probus]

This letter has several small defects in English. But honestly, in this circumstance, there is no need need to correct them. You will be attaching your CV and Master's thesis. That is what the prof will care about. He will understand that you are Indian and that your dialect of English is not important. Just let her rip, and best of luck to you.

 

[minaaaa]

hi

 

[konungursvia]

My thesis director was a head of department for 10 years, then Principal of a college for another 10. We still have dinner every month or two. He has helped me through many, many such letters -- he received them by the thousands every year.

Here is what I know: it should be 2 full pages, and should show you know the "Dr." you're writing to: what his/her research is in, how that relates (in detail) to what you have been working on (in detail); you should also show you know other people at his department, and what they do, and what interests you in their work. Plus, no one wants to read your thesis just yet, don't mail it!

The letter you have written, as is, would immediately be put into the "no" pile. A very large pile.

Really.

 

[probus]

Much more than we harmless drudges are usually able to supply for such a question: high-quality advice from a real academic. Study it carefully.