How to Write a Ph.D. LOI

A well-written letter of intent can be the difference between the student’s acceptance and rejection. In general, a Ph.D. letter of intent should discuss the following:

The proposed dissertation
Academic and career goals
How the applicant became interested in their field
The approach and methodology for the proposed research
How the research will contribute to academia in a meaningful way
The applicant’s supervisor of choice
How the thesis is unique, significant, and aligns with the supervisor’s background
Awards, achievements, assets, experience, highlights, and qualifications

Sample

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PhD LETTER OF INTENT

[MM/DD/YYYY]

[SENDER NAME]
[SENDER STREET ADDRESS]
[SENDER CITY, STATE, ZIP]

[RECIPIENT NAME], [RECIPIENT TITLE]
[INSTITUTION NAME]
[INSTITUTION STREET ADDRESS]
[INSTITUTION CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Dear [RECIPIENT NAME],

I’m writing to apply for the [DISCIPLINE] Ph.D. program at [INSTITUTION]. I have reached out to [SUPERVISOR] as my proposed supervisor. Their work and publications on [AREA OF RESEARCH] have greatly inspired my studies, and I believe they are the perfect person to supervise my dissertation.

If accepted, my objective is to conduct research on [AREA OF RESEARCH], an area of great importance due to [RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE]. My research methods include [METHODOLOGY], and I have a strong background in [EXPERIENCE]. I am confident that my previous studies and research would benefit the [INSTITUTION] [DISCIPLINE] program, providing new and valuable insights into the field.

I hold a [DEGREE] from [INSTITUTION] and have had the fortune of achieving [QUALIFICATIONS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS]. I have worked in [WORK EXPERIENCE] since [DATE] and volunteered for [YEARS] years with the [ORGANIZATION].

I am excited about the potential applications of my research and how it may benefit future generations. I hope to contribute my efforts to [INSTITUTION] and provide new perspectives on [AREA OF RESEARCH]. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

[NAME]

Signature: ___________________

Do’s & Don’t’s

A letter of intent can be the admission committee’s first impression of the applicant and knowing what to include and exclude can help ensure their letter is received favorably.

Do’s

Have a thorough understanding of the program and its faculty’s works, publications, research, and areas of focus.
Include specific examples of relevant publications or literature. Cite any references in the footnotes or as indicated by the university’s criteria.
Know who will be evaluating the letter and have an understanding of what they will expect to read. If possible, investigate who will be on the admissions committee.
Check the institution’s website to ensure the letter meets the content requirements and formatting guidelines (e.g., word count, font size, spacing, etc.).

Don’t’s

Make past experiences the main point of the letter; it should instead focus on the applicant’s objectives and how they align with the program.
Include irrelevant information and non-academic references.
Provide a vague or unclear objective.

Ph.D. Letter of Intent