Hello everyone, 
 
I am currently applying to public administration programs (NYU, UW, American, George Washington).  I'm a little behind with my applications and know I need to start contacting professors. I think I have just been putting it off because I'm not sure what to say and am a little intimidated.  Any advice on what to say in an email to professors?  Anything that has worked particularly well for any of you?  This is what I have so far for one professor: 
 
  Dear Professor XXX, 
 
  My name is XXX and I graduated from the University of XXX in 2008 with a B.A. in International Studies. I am applying to Wagner to pursue a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on nonprofit management.  
 
  My primary research interest is in refugee and immigrant education. I did research for my senior thesis on the education of working children in Ecuador and I currently work with a nonprofit organization providing academic support to low-income immigrant and refugee children.  
 
  I am currently interested in researching the impact on changes in demographics in public schools and how nonprofit organizations are responding. I found your research on education policy and the education of immigrant children especially intriguing and in line with my own research interests. I am very interested in hearing what your current research projects are and if there would be a possibility of studying under you next year. 
 
  Thank you for your time. I’ve attached my resume in case you would like more information. 
 
  I hope to hear from you soon. 
 
  -XXX