TIPS

• Be genuine - only reach out to faculty members whose research interests you or whose work inspires you.
• Check and double check your grammar. Have someone else read over it, too. We'd be happy to read yours!
• Be professional. "Hey" or "Thanks" or "Pls" don't go over well with most people if you want to make a good impression. Put some effort to be warm and professional. Look up their degrees so you know their appropriate title.
• Attach your resume/CV and talk a little about any past experiences that have led you to the program you're applying to.
• Some more great tips: https://first-gen-guide.com/2020/07/24/phd-admissions-emailing-potential-advisors/

SAMPLE EMAIL

Note that this sample email is VERY generic and is designed to help you get started. We recommend adding more about your life experiences, goals, hobbies - even some humor! Let your personality shine through. Again, feel free to email us for additional guidance or to have us review your email draft. We do NOT recommend copying this email - just use it as a baseline to get started.

Subject: Prospective Student Inquiry: Entomology Ph.D. 

Hello Dr. ____,

My name is _____ and I am a senior at UC Riverside studying biology. I am preparing to apply for the Microbiology Ph.D. program, and I am specifically interested in working under your guidance. Your research on the mating habits of Rhinoceros fascinates me, as I spent one summer in Australia and found these gigantic bugs charming. It saddened me to hear that their habitat was being destroyed, and it was one of the reasons I chose to study biology as an undergraduate. I want to help in the fight against climate change and work to maintain the beauty of this world. Your research contributes to that, and I would be honored to be a part of it. Are you accepting students for Fall 2024? If so, would you be willing to meet with me for a brief 30-minute Zoom call? Or in-person, if you prefer. Whichever is easier for you! I have also attached my CV/Resume to this email, if you would like to know a bit more about me.

Sincerely,

__________

(include your name, phone number, email)

Please note that this is a sample email and has not been fact-checked.