SAMPLE 1 I am writing to express my great interest in applying for the preparatory PhD program in the X Institute in Berlin.

I studied microbiology, from 1997-2002, at the University of R in City, Land, where I obtained a bachelor's degree. During my studies, I was always a curious and research-active student because I knew that to pursue a scientific career, one most begin early. I did research in various areas, one of which was parasitology. This allowed me to participate in a project at the Tropical Parasitology and Microbiology Research Center, where we focused on the application of the PCR technique in the detection of infective forms of Toxoplasma gondii in pork for human consumption. After finishing my studies, I worked for a while in the quality-control field. During this time, I learned a lot about myself and about working with people in different disciplines. I also strengthened my conviction to be a scientist. For that reason, I came to Germany to learn state-of-the-art techniques from highly qualified scientists and to have the experience of studying abroad. Currently, I am studying Sciences at the University of ER; complementary to my subjects, I have attended lectures and practical courses such as biochemistry, immunology, virology, human genetics and signal transduction. Your preparatory program is one of the few that offers me the opportunity to obtain a PhD degree without having a prior master's degree. I am intellectually prepared to participate in this program, and I am eager to learn, to contribute and to have my knowledge complemented by that of recognized scientists from different disciplines, who collaborate in this program. Your program offers an exciting interdisciplinary scenario, in which I will have the opportunity to pursue my area of interest as a scientist: to understand the interplay between pathogens and hosts, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of their interaction and its (?) influence in the host signalling (host-signalling?) pathways. I would be grateful for your consideration of my candidacy for this preparatory program.