Templates

Dear [Dr./Profesor] [PI’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Year] at [Institution] studying [Major(s)]. I am interested in expanding my experiences working in a lab, and I wanted to specifically reach out to yours. I was reading over some of your publications on [Topic of Interest] and would like to get involved as an undergraduate student. 

As a [Your Major] major, I have a strong interest in [Topic], which your recent work on [Topic] delves deeply into. My hope is to find a long-term position where I can make meaningful contributions on a project that I am passionate about. 

I have had the opportunity to work [Talk about any previous lab/research experience] where I learned how to [Lab skills you learned]. Along with this, I have taken [Any relevant laboratory courses] where I learned the fundamental skills used in a lab setting. [Can further talk about any other extracurricular activities that may be beneficial for the lab] 

Through these experiences, I am eager to further develop my research skills and be fully immersed in your research. I would truly appreciate it if I could take some time out of your busy schedule and schedule an appointment whenever you are free. Attached to this email is my resume for a more detailed description of my skill set.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide and I look forward to talking to you soon! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Name (pronouns)

INSTITUTION | Class of (YEAR)

MAJOR/STUDY

EMAIL | PHONE NUMBER

Dear Dr. (Name),

Hello, (greeting). 

My name is (NAME), and I am a student at (INSTITUTION) studying (MAJOR) on the premed track. (DESCRIPTION OF HOW YOU CAME ACROSS THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION). 

I am interested in (FIELD) and was looking for an opportunity to shadow you over the (TIME PERIOD) to observe and get a better understanding of the tasks and responsibilities of (FIELD). If possible, it would also be able extremely helpful if we could have a discussion so I could ask you some questions about (FIELD) and from anything I observe during the day.

If you have time in your schedule, please let me know what days and times are most convenient to you! If you need to reach me before that, please feel free to contact me through (NUMBER) or (EMAIL). 

Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you again!

Sincerely,

Name (pronouns)

INSTITUTION | Class of (YEAR)

MAJOR/STUDY

EMAIL | PHONE NUMBER

Dear Dr. (NAME)

Hello, (Greeting).

Recently, I have started the process of applying to medical schools, and was wondering if you would be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation of support for me? Since I have taken your (COURSE) in (TIME PERIOD), I have been working on (ACCOMPLISHMENTS/PROGRESS).

In your letter, I am asking you to focus on my (SKILLS APPLICABLE FOR GIVEN ENVIRONMENT). (PROVIDE EXAMPLES HIGHLIGHTING THESE SKILLS). I would greatly appreciate it if you could specify and include examples during the course of when my (SKILLS) were present. Please feel free to include the letter grade I have received in your course if you feel that it is necessary (OR ANY OTHER FORM OF CERT/RECOGNITION).

To the end of this email, I have attached my resume which highlights some of my accomplishments, leadership, and experiences. If you would like to discuss the details of this letter, I would be more than happy to meet with you! I would greatly appreciate it if you could finish the letter by (DEADLINE earlier than actual deadline)! 

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely,

Name (pronouns)

INSTITUTION | Class of (YEAR)

MAJOR/STUDY

EMAIL | PHONE NUMBER

*Keep in mind that if you are including it in your committee letter, you would want them to send the letter to the Health Professions Office at your respective university. Also, include in your email that you plan on compiling the letter in the committee letter.*

Dear (Name),

Hello, (greeting).

My name is (NAME), and I am a student at (INSTITUTION) studying (MAJOR) on premed track. I was looking for an opportunity to experience clinical exposure over the (TIME PERIOD) when I came across your listing on (WEBSITE).

I believe that I am a great fit for this position because (STRENGTHS, PAST EXPERIENCES). I am (detail-oriented, skilled in verbal and written communication, able to focus for extended periods of time, able to anticipate the needs of physicians/patients, etc.). (ELABORATE)

My job as (POSITION) aligns with my future goals of (CAREER/FUTURE GOAL). It will bring me closer towards (DESIRES).

If I am elected for this position, I will perform my best to fulfill the mission of the (INSTITUTION) in any way I can! 

My availability for interviews are (AVAILABILITY), and I am very flexible when it comes to shifts. I am hoping to work (FULLTIME/PARTTIME) for about (HOURS) every week. I hope to hear back from you soon! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Name (pronouns)

INSTITUTION | Class of (YEAR)

MAJOR/STUDY

EMAIL | PHONE NUMBER

If you would like to see an example resume from one of us please schedule a meeting with us! For privacy reasons, we refrain from posting physical documents about each of us! Thanks for understanding!

It is important to keep in mind that each of the emails, letters, and resumes should be kept short and concise as much of the reviewers will be busy and will be looking at hundreds of applications. Using attention grabbing words (like facilitated and orchestrated instead of managed and led) will also help you get more interviews. You can send us your emails, letters, and resumes by email or schedule a meeting with us for live review!