Applying for a Master’s in Germany? Here’s How AI Can Save You Time on Your Cover Letter

When applying for a Master’s program in Germany, most universities require a Cover Letter or a similar document, such as a Motivation Letter. This letter took up most of my time during the application process. Why?

1. First, I had to list my past accomplishments, what motivated me to pursue a Master’s in Germany, and which achievements to highlight in the cover letter.
2. Then, I needed to explain why I chose that university and major. Before writing, I always researched the university and the major I planned to apply for. What makes this university unique? How will this major help me achieve my future goals? How am I a great fit for the program?
3. After many drafts, I moved on to the ‘cosmetic’ part: finding the best words or phrases in English to convey my ideas. As English is not my first language, I reviewed many different word variations.
4. Finally, I checked for typos and grammatical errors. By that time, I had read my cover letter multiple times and asked my professor and English teacher to review and help me improve it.

In summary, it took me around a month to brainstorm ideas, do research, write, revise, and finalize my cover letter.

Today, with the rapid development of Generative AI (such as the release of ChatGPT in November 2022), I believe this tool can be incredibly helpful for students writing cover letters.

How ChatGPT Can Help?

1. Researching Universities and Programs:
   • Prompt: “Provide a summary of [University Name] in [Country] and the [Specific Major] program it offers, including details about the university’s history, location, reputation, major facilities, and key highlights of the [Specific Major] program.”
   • Benefit: Saves at least one hour per university by summarizing essential information. For three applications, this equates to three hours saved.
2. Drafting the Cover Letter:
   • Prompt: “I am writing a cover letter to apply for a master’s program in [Specific Major] in [Country]. Please list and explain the key parts I should include to make it effective and compelling.”
   • Benefit: Helps outline the letter, making the writing process faster and more organized.
3. Enhancing Language and Style:
   • Prompt: “Suggest more impactful words for ‘motivated’ or ‘interested’.”
   • Benefit: Assists non-native English speakers in finding the best words and phrases, potentially saving up to six hours.
4. Proofreading and Editing:
   • Prompt: “Review my cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos while ensuring my writing style remains intact.”
   • Benefit: Speeds up the proofreading process, saving approximately four hours.

Potential Time Savings

By leveraging ChatGPT, you could save at least 13 hours on your cover letter through research, drafting, and proofreading assistance.

Tips for Using ChatGPT Effectively

1. Refine and Personalize: Tell your personal story. Think about your strengths and unique qualities that will make you stand out to the selection committee. ChatGPT can provide a framework, but ensure the final version is uniquely yours.
2. Read Aloud: Read your cover letter aloud to catch any awkward phrasing and ensure it sounds natural and authentic.
3. Seek Feedback: Ask friends, family, or mentors to read your cover letter and provide feedback on its authenticity and impact. If possible, get feedback from a professor or an advisor who knows you well. They can provide insights into whether the letter genuinely represents you.