<p>I attended an open house and spoke to the dean of admissions, who had told me to send him an email when I applied (for a specific reason regarding financial aid during admissions, not just in general.). </p>
<p>How do I address him? Say his name is Joseph Smith.</p>
<p>"Dear Joseph Smith" or "Dear Mr. Joseph Smith" or "Dear Mr. Smith"</p>
<p>Or do I leave out the "dear" and just write "Joseph Smith," or something else?</p>
<p>I know it's a silly thing to stress over, but I want to make a good impression.</p>
<p>Also, what should the subject be? No subject? "recent applicant"? My name? Help (:</p>
<p>I’d go formal. “Dear Mr. Smith.” If he has a doctorate (info usually available from the college website faculty and staff directory) it would be Dr. Smith. </p>
<p>As for subject line I’d put both the topic and your name. That way it’ll be easy to locate by either topic or your name if he needs to search for your email later. </p>
<p>“from Jane Doe re. Founders scholarship.”</p>
<p>Also make sure to make a positive reference to your conversation, as in “Thank you for taking the time to explain…” or “I enjoyed our talk about…” It will refresh his memory as to who you are and create a good impression.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with Sue22. You should address him/her formally and just introduce yourself like “Hi, my name is _<strong><em>. Feel free to call me _</em></strong>.” </p>
<p>Usually, when they reply to you, they sign by their first name anyway. But always go formal first.</p>