How would I write a "letter of intent" for a graduate program?

Question

Any help as to how to formulate a "letter of intent" for a distance learning graduate program (namely a master's program in library and informational sciences)? I don't need anyone to write anything for me. I just need some help and some pointers to get me in the right direction. I'm not used to writing admission essays.

I know to keep it short and sweet (one page). Should it be double-spaced, 500 words or so? The website for the admissions wasn't specific other than for us to write a "letter of intent" as to why we want to enroll in the program.

Answer 1

The Purpose
The statement you write gives you the opportunity to sell yourself to the graduate program of your choice. Your goal and purpose is to persuade the school that you will be a positive addition to its student body. The relevant experiences you have gained through your undergraduate work, as well as through field and employment experiences, are precisely what you want to highlight.

Your purpose should be clear and concise, and you should ensure that you keep your audience in mind as you write your statement. Explain your academic goals, how you developed them and how being a part of that graduate program will help you reach those goals. The tone of your statement should be very direct and you should answer any and all questions posed by the application.

Do your best to express how the graduate program matches your educational goals. Be sure to discuss both short- and long-term goals. While you are introducing yourself to the graduate program, your statement should be as objective as possible. Be as specific as you can and refrain from using too many big "academic" words.

Content
As for content, you will want to include any academic achievements that distinguish you as a student. For instance, if you have had work published, have completed an internship or studied abroad, you should mention those experiences as they relate to your graduate education goals. The area of study that you wish to focus on should be clear, as should your plans to use your education to enrich your future.

If any inconsistencies exist in your records, this is your chance to explain them in a positive way.. If, for example, you had to drop out of school for a year to earn money to finance your education, talk about that, briefly.

If you worked full-time during your undergraduate education, you would certainly want to mention that, in order to put your achievements in perspective.

The school may ask you to write about why you have chosen their program, which will be much easier to answer if you have done your research.

Do not forget to include any special skills you have developed that will make you a better candidate for acceptance into the program. These skills may include computer, laboratory and foreign language skills. If you have research skills, it is important to highlight them as well.

Style
The style of your statement is individual to you as a person. Just be sure that your statement is clear, organized and specific. Try to use good transitions between your paragraphs to enhance the flow of the statement. The use of an active voice is important, so avoid the use of passive verbs. For example, rather than saying that your goal "was achieved," say "I achieved my goal." (Don't shy away from using the "I" first-person pronoun.)

No matter what, be accurate. The last thing you want to do is include anything in your statement that is unsubstantiated or untrue. When you do your final editing, which should be extensive and detailed, check your facts.

When you reach the conclusion of the statement, treat it like the concluding paragraph of a persuasive essay. Your final paragraph should tie everything together and make that last stab at selling yourself to the graduate program. The most important message to get across in your statement is that you will excel in your graduate study and research at the particular program you have chosen.

One last bit of advice: when you've finished your statement: get others to read it and help you revise. Don't hesitate to go to your favorite professor, and ask him or her to read the statement and help you improve it.

The idea of varying your sentence structure ties in with the idea of style. Here are some other pointers to improve your style and keep your essay interesting and enjoyable to read:

* Be simple and straightforward.
* Avoid passive voice.
* Be conversational without being too casual or too formal.
* Use strong verbs.
* Avoid words you've never used before and unnecessarily fancy vocabulary.
* Eliminate clichés.
* Delete redundancies.
* Don't overuse adjectives and adverbs.
* Make sure to convey your passion for learning.

Answer 2

Some ideas:
1) Start out with your topic: I am writing to express my intention to enter your Master's online program in ....
2) Give a brief outline of your background: I have a BA in English from XYZ University, with Honors.

new paragraph
3) Tell what attracted you to their program: I am interested in your program because it offered a high level of graduate training in xyz aspects of library science
4) Tell how you will be an asset to them: I feel I will be an aset to your program, as I have both experience and creative thinking in the areas of elementary ed and library promotion in the community

new paragraph
5) Finish with a summary & conclusion & thanks: As I have the experience to fit into your well-constructed library science program, I would be pleased to be offered a position in your MA online program. Please call if you have any questions. Thank you very much.

Yours truly,
so & so
address, telephone, e-mail.

Good luck!!

Answer 3

217

Answer 4

Ask yourself several key questions and write the responses. For example:

Why do you want to get that particular degree?

How will the degree help you acheive your goals?

Why are you interested in that particular school?

Basically they want to know why you are applying and what you think you will be doing with the degree.

Answer 5

Yes, you write it your self they sign it and stamp it.