Blog Post #3 : Application Letter (Draft 2)

Job Title :
Graduate Student for PhD. Chemistry

Institution :
University of California, Los Angeles

Admission Requirements :
1. Students from schools in the British tradition must have completed an Honours degree in first or upper second class.
2. GRE: General required for all and Subject required for international
students
3. 3 recommendation letters
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Supplementary information (similar to resume)
6. Departmental application letter

BLK 172 Hougang Ave 1
#12-1443 Singapore 530172

4 September 2009

Steven Nelson
Chairman, UCLA Graduate Council
4006 Young Hall Box 951569
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569

Dear Mr. Nelson

RE: Application for PhD Graduate program in Chemistry Department of UCLA

From my research on various Chemistry Graduate programs offered in the United States, I understand UCLA offers a competitive and comprehensive Graduate program for aspiring chemist to enhance their research field experience and knowledge in advanced chemistry for future related endeavors. This program requires critical and creative minds to develop new frontier in different chemistry research areas, and I believe that I can fulfill the expectation to qualify in this program.

During past three years of my studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS), I was involved in numerous research programs in Organic Synthesis with Dr Lu Yixin’s research group to reinforce my foundation in scientific research techniques as well as to expand my knowledge in advance Organic Chemistry reactions. During six months Student Exchange Program (SEP) to University of Arizona under sponsorship from National University of Singapore, I had the privilege to venture beyond classroom learning to hands-on with expensive analytical instrument. Furthermore, I engaged in research work involving Peptide Chemistry in Dr Victor Hruby’s group with two pending publications. With these experiences, I am confident in establishing independent research in different areas of Organic and Biological Chemistry.

Apart from my academic experiences, I participated actively in various community services, served as the president of students’ council and competed in various sports events. These enabled me to excel under tremendous pressure and to engage proactively in my community events. I can be an asset to serve and initiate activities for the student community in UCLA.

I will be receiving Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Degree (Hons.) from NUS in July 2010. By then, I would have completed coursework in the 4 major branches of Chemistry, namely Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical Chemistry and a Final Year Research Project, specialising in the field of Organic Chemistry. I prioritized my focus in Organic and Analytical Chemistry to gear towards my career goal in Medicinal Chemistry, an emerging area with promising development through studies on drug design and mechanism.

It is my goal to combine my range of experience with my ability to be an aspiring chemist. I am delighted to discuss my qualifications with you for the scholarship for graduate program. I look forward to meeting you. You may reach me via my email contact; patrick_lee30@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing a favourable reply from you.

Sincerely


Lee Kwang Soo

Enclosure: Resume