What do you write in a letter of intent for a graduate program?

Question

How do you start and how do you finish?

Answer 1

The purpose of the essay/statement of purpose/letter of intent is to convince the graduate admissions committee that you are an excellent candidate for admission to THAT program.

Here's what you should include:
(And it does not matter in what order. Just make sure your narrative makes sense.)

Your academic interests, and how your academic background suits you for further study of these interests. Be as specific as you possibly can, showing your familiarity with current theory and method in your intended area of study. Delineate your goals, too. (Do you intend to become a professor? a researcher? Do you want to work for an NGO or a nonprofit? Say so.)

If there are blemishes on your record, explain them. For example, if you were working 30 hours a week as an undergrad, this might help the committee understand a less-than-perfect GPA.

Be sure to include any information about you that cannot be found on your undergraduate transcripts (like awards, special projects you did, work experience related to your field of study, etc.)

Articulate your reasons for choosing THIS particular program. Show familiarity with the faculty and their fields of specialization. Don't just list the faculty - specify with whom you'd like to work and why.

Mention your desire to be considered for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. But only briefly. Like once.

And for goodness sake, proofread. Statements/essays with spelling or grammatical errors go directly to the bottom of the pile.

(You didn't ask about including a writing sample, but here's my advice about that. Select something representative of your interests, and indicative of your abilities. Again, take the opportunity to show your facility with current method and theory. And please follow each program's directions; if they ask for a 30 page writing sample, don't submit a 15 page sample, and vice versa.)

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Are you taking about to 'enter' graduate school?

Usually on the application they ask you a specific question(s). What are your professional goals? What do you hope to accomplish? How has your educational background prepared you well for this program? Just talk about how this degree will help you to meet your professional goals and how you want to further your knowledge in your field. Good luck.

Answer 3

some ideas: a million) commence out with your topic: i'm writing to precise my objective to enter your draw close's on-line application in .... 2) provide a short outline of your historic past: I have a BA in English from XYZ college, with Honors. new paragraph 3) tell what attracted you to their application: i'm interested on your application because it provided a extreme element of graduate practise in xyz aspects of library technology 4) tell the way you'd be an asset to them: i think i'd be an aset for your application, as I have both adventure and inventive questioning in the factors of straightforward ed and library promotion in the community new paragraph 5) end with a precis & end & thanks: As I have the adventure to in wonderful condition into your nicely-built library technology application, i should be overjoyed to be provided a position on your MA on-line application. Please call once you've any questions. thanks very a lot. Yours truly, so & so address, telephone, e-mail. good success!!