Are you sure you looked at my web page?
Dear Sir,
Greetings from (Country). I have a BS in (Subject), and strongly desire to continue my studies in a PhD program in the US. I have seen your research interests on your web page, and am very interested in studying in these areas. Do you have an open position in your group?
Sincerely,
Prospective Student

Would you rather that he calls you Ma’am? Or Dr.Username? Sometimes I wonder why people bother sending boilerplate letters - does anyone ever respond to those?
Comment by sciencegirl — December 6, 2007 @ 11:27 pm
Not very inspiring…
though if this was the first one I received I would be flattered a bit I suppose.
Comment by Field Notes — December 8, 2007 @ 3:03 am
Niiiiiice.
Comment by unbalanced reaction — December 14, 2007 @ 2:07 am
Interesting. Would like to know whether your Department needs a petrographer -which is me. Merry Christmas.
Comment by K.N. RAO — December 24, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
Hi Dr. Shellie,
I’d like to quote you in a manuscript I’m currently writing, regarding the effect that cross-sex social comparisons can have on women’s math test performance. Is there any way that you could contact me with regards to this?
I can then provide you with more detailed information via email.
Thanks in advance,
Leah
Comment by Leah — December 24, 2007 @ 8:55 pm