HOW TO WIN A FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP (Master’s and PhD) BY COLD EMAIL – 7 tips
Tips on Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
Tips on Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship
An essential first step in obtaining a fully funded scholarship (master’s or PhD) is getting in touch with a possible supervisor.
A quick definition – a cold email is one that is sent to a recipient without their previous contact and is unsolicited. Also read All You Need to Know About Cold Emailing: Tips and Strategies.
7 Tips on Cold Emailing for a Fully Funded Scholarship
Here are some suggestions to help you succeed in getting a fully funded scholarship via cold email.
1. Research about the professor, her/his work and publications
Before reaching out to a professor, do some research on their work and publications to ensure that their research interests align with yours.
CHECK: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY SEARCH FOR JOBS ON LINKEDIN
Go through their recent publications and read up on the research that they have been involved in. Have one publication that you can refer to during your first conversation with the professor – if you can find out his well performing publication then it will be easier for you to show that you have done some research and you are really interested in their work.
2. Craft down a good email for the fully funded scholarship
Write a well-crafted email introducing yourself, your academic background, your research interests and explain why you are interested in joining their research group. You can also include your CV and transcripts as attachments to the email.
3. Address the email properly
Make sure to address the PI by their appropriate title (i.e., Professor, Dr., or Mr./Ms./Mrs.) and ensure that you have spelt their name correctly.
4. Personalize the email
Customize the email to show that you have done some research on the PI’s work. You could mention a specific paper or project that the PI has worked on that interests you.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Cold Emailing as a Strategy for Finding a Scholarship
5. Be concise
Keep the email brief and to the point. PIs are busy people, and they receive numerous emails every day, so it’s important to be clear and concise in your communication.
6. Follow up
If you don’t hear back from the PI after a week, you can follow up with a polite email, reiterating your interest in their research group.
7. Use an official mail address
Your email handle should not be funny cliché or lousy. Using a email dress like letslove@gmail.com or bighead@yahoo.com will get your mail to the dustbin with the speed of light.
8. Be patient for your fully funded scholarship search
It’s important to be patient and not get disheartened if you don’t receive a response immediately. PIs are often busy with their research, so it may take some time for them to respond to your email.
Cold Emailing a Professor for a Fully Funded Scholarship? Avoid These Things!
Cold emailing a professor for a scholarship can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s also an important step in securing funding for your education.
However, there are certain things you should avoid doing when crafting your email to a professor. Here are some tips on what not to do when cold emailing a professor for a scholarship.
1. Avoid generic emails
Professors receive countless emails every day, and a generic email is likely to be ignored. Make sure you personalize your email by addressing the professor by name and explaining why you are specifically interested in their scholarship.
2. Don’t forget to do your research
Before sending an email to a professor, make sure you have thoroughly researched their scholarship and their work. This will not only show that you are genuinely interested in their work, but it will also help you tailor your email to their specific interests.
3. Avoid making demands
While you may be in need of financial assistance, it’s important to remember that you are asking for a favor from the professor.
Avoid making demands or sounding entitled in your email. Instead, be polite and respectful in your request.
CHECK: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY SEARCH FOR JOBS ON LINKEDIN
4. Don’t forget to proofread
An email riddled with spelling and grammar errors is likely to be dismissed by a professor. Take the time to proofread your email and ensure that it is free of errors.
Additionally, make sure your email is professional in tone and free of slang or casual language.
5. Avoid being too formal
While you want to maintain a professional tone in your email, it’s also important to be personable and genuine in your communication. Avoid using overly formal language that may come across as insincere or robotic.
By avoiding these common mistakes when cold emailing a professor for a scholarship, you can increase your chances of securing funding for your education.
Conclusion
When reaching out to a potential supervisor or PI for the first time to seek a fully funded scholarship MS/PhD position in their research group, it’s important to be professional, concise, and personalize the email to show your interest in their research.
Remember to be polite, personal, and professional in your communication, and to do your research before reaching out to a professor. With these tips in mind, you can craft a compelling email that sets you apart from the competition.
