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Question about application letters

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:23 am
by Dimensionless
Hello all. I am applying for a funding award in the UK. They have asked me to submit a cover letter. I am not sure whether this cover letter is supposed to be more like a motivation letter, where I go into length about my accomplishments, motivations, objectives, etc. which will probably take a full page (maybe even spill into the second page). Or is it supposed to be very short and impersonal? I'm assuming its the former since this is my only opportunity to make a strong case for my application.

I'd be interested in anyone's feedback.

Thanks.

Re: Question about application letters

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:47 am
by TakeruK
It would probably be a good idea to check with the funding agency. But if it's your only chance to write about yourself, then I would go ahead and write it like a SOP but for the award. If they only wanted an impersonal letter, they can just ignore it and nothing bad would happen to you. But if it was your chance to sell yourself and you didn't write anything, then it would be pretty bad!

Re: Question about application letters

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:33 am
by Dimensionless
So, basically I can apply for this award directly or independently apply through my university. Do you think it would be problematic if I did both applications and used the same motivation letter?

Re: Question about application letters

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 1:06 pm
by TakeruK
I think it's strange that you can apply twice for the same award. My experience with these kind of things would say that generally, the award rules state whether or not you should apply through your current university, OR, directly to the funding agency. But not both! But maybe this award is a special case.

However, I really don't think you would be considered twice for one award so if you end up submitting two applications, there's no reason to make them different. It will be clear that you are the same person once they see transcripts, CVs etc.

But I would double check the applying thing again for sure!