Sample Message

Dear Professor [X],

I hope that this email finds you well. I am currently in the process of applying to graduate school and wanted to reach out to ask if you would write me a letter of recommendation as part of this application. I am currently looking to apply to the [program (hyperlink program site)] at [University name] and I believe that your recommendation can help to enhance my application and showcase my academic strengths and professional readiness.

Your mentorship and the courses you have taught have had a big impact on me. [Talk a little about specific classes you have taken with professor and the skills you believe you have demonstrated, e.g. Your Calculus 1 course has helped me to develop a strong foundation in mathematical principles and was a big influence in motivating me to pursue research opportunities focused on biological modeling. Your mentorship was critical in my development as an independent researcher and I was hoping you could discuss some of these analysis and management skills in my recommendation].

Please let me know if you would be willing to write this letter of recommendation on my behalf. The application due date is [date]. The completed letter can be submitted to [email/website portal]. [List any specific requirements mentioned in the letter.]

I would be happy to meet with you in person to discuss the details and answer any questions that you might have. I have attached my resume to this email and I am happy to send over a cover letter or any other materials that might be useful to you as well.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sample Message

Dear Professor [X],

I hope that this email finds you well. I am currently in the process of applying for a position with [company] as [type of role] and the application requires several references. I am reaching out to ask if you would feel comfortable serving as a reference for this position.

Your mentorship and support have been incredibly important to me, and I believe that you know me well enough to inform my prospective employer about my work ethic and related skills. I am sure that your endorsement would be invaluable in helping me to secure a position in this field.

Please let me know if you would be able to serve as a reference on my behalf. I have attached my resume to this email and I am happy to send over a cover letter or any other materials, including the job description, that might be useful to you as well.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sample Message

Dear Professor [X],

My name is [Your name] and I am a [class year] majoring in [major]. I have been interested in getting involved in undergraduate research experiences and have developed an interest in studying [research area related to lab, e.g. computational genomics]. [Discuss any personal connection with professor, e.g. I attended your seminar last semester] and am very intrigued by your research after reviewing your lab’s webpage.

After reading about the various research pathways available to undergraduate students at Rutgers-Camden, I wanted to reach out to discuss the possibility of my involvement in your research, if you have any openings for undergraduates in your lab. With my course schedule, I am normally available [give basic availability] but I am willing to work out other time based on your availability.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sample Message

Dear [University Admissions Office],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [name] and I am a current [major] student at Rutgers University-Camden. I am currently in the process of applying to graduate school programs and [university name] is at the top of my list of schools due to its strong program in [program area]. I am eager to submit my application to this program for the [fall/spring] semester and am reaching out to ask for a waiver of the application fee for this submission.

Due to various financial circumstances, I am currently unable to cover the cost of the application fee. [Brief description of financial burdens currently facing, e.g., Economic challenges related to the pandemic and caring for my family amongst mass layoffs have made it incredibly challenging for me to afford the application fee].

The [program name] at [university name] is perfectly aligned with my career and research interests, particularly the focus on [talk about a specific part of the program]. I would be incredibly grateful to have the chance to apply to this program and take a step towards achieving my academic and professional goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be grateful for the opportunity to apply and become a part of the [university name] community.

Sincerely,

Sample Message

Dear [Professional’s name],

My name is [Your name] and I am a [class year] majoring in [major] at Rutgers University-Camden. I came across your profile [explain how you found them, i.e. on LinkedIn, through a connection, etc.] and would like to learn more about the work that you are doing at [company they work for]. My goal after graduation is to work in the field of [area of interest] and I would love to learn more about your experience in this area and [include specific question(s) that you have].

Would you be available for a 30-minute informational interview? I would appreciate hearing about your experiences in the [field of interest] and any advice that you have for young professionals looking to enter the field.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,