an application letter to university

College Application Letters: Cover Letters & Letters of Continued Interest

College Application Letters

College application cover letters support your college applications, college resume, and college application essay prompts. In combination with the other elements of your college applications, particularly your college entrance essay, college application letters help establish your “why.” In short, a college application letter is a cover letter for your college applications that describes your background, skills, and interest in the school. When looking at college application cover letter examples, pay attention to the values that they express. College application letters and college entrance essays are similar in that they are exercises in personal branding. When reading college application cover letter examples, pay attention to the messages they convey.

If you’re wondering how to write a college application letter, CollegeAdvisor.com has advisors who can walk you through every part of the process. If your goal is to get into top colleges, CollegeAdvisor.com can help. We’ll analyze examples of college application letters and discuss the letter of continued interest to help you craft successful applications.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different kinds of college application letters you may encounter when completing your college applications. We’ll discuss the college application letter and the letter of continued interest, as well as teacher recommendation letters.

If you want to read college application cover letter samples, you’ve come to the right place!

What is a college application letter?

To learn how to write a college application letter, you must first understand its purpose. Do this by checking out college application cover letter examples. College application letters and college resumes serve as introductions for your college applications. Unlike college application essay prompts, there are no specific questions to answer in your cover letter. Instead, include the essential elements of university application letters: your background, what makes you unique, and your reasons for wanting to attend that particular college. In short, what makes you, you .

As you’ll see when reading example college application letters, college application cover letters are not all that different from what you would write in a cover letter when applying for a job or graduate school. The purpose of college application cover letters, college entrance essays, and college resumes is to persuade colleges that you are the strongest candidate for admissions.

College application cover letters are not the time to be shy, but they’re not the time to be pretentious either. When reading college application cover letter examples, you’ll see that there’s a fine line. Your tone matters. In your university application letters, show your experiences and accomplishments while portraying character traits that colleges value. To get into top colleges, find a balance between being proud of your accomplishments and being humble.

College application letters – Who requires them?

Unlike college entrance essays, college application letters are required by very few colleges. However, the skills you’ll develop by writing university application letters will serve you well as you approach your college application essay prompts. When researching college application examples, you’ll notice that there are optional materials to submit. If you’re serious about your college applications, submit university application letters to show your interest.

College application cover letters are particularly effective if the college does not have college application essay prompts that ask you to explain why you want to attend the school and/or why you want to study your major. They are even more strongly recommended when applying to colleges that don’t have any supplemental essays. You’ll see many college application cover letter examples that focus primarily on academics, but you can include so much more.

Though university application letters are rarely required, they provide an ideal way to introduce yourself. After all, you’ll notice when reading college application cover letter samples that the goal is to help the admissions committee get to know you as a person. You are more than just your grades and scores.

If you want to get into top colleges that don’t allow you to submit a college resume or don’t provide interviews, you need to take extra steps to earn acceptance. Often, you can repurpose content from college application essay prompts that ask why you want to study your major! The college application essay format differs from that of a college application letter, but they serve a very similar purpose.

What is a letter of continued interest?

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a letter you send to a college when you are deferred or placed on the waitlist. So, not everyone will need to write a college application letter of continued interest.

Your letter of continued interest has three primary goals:

In this guide on how to write a college application letter, we discuss all forms of college application letters in detail. We’ll expand on the above goals to explain the strategies for writing effective letters.

Explaining teacher recommendation letters

In addition to submitting a college application cover letter and, potentially, a letter of continued interest, your application will also include recommendation letters . These letters enhance your college application entrance essay and build on answers to supplemental college application essay prompts.

Due to the shift away from standardized testing, other parts of your college applications are inevitably getting more attention in the evaluation process. When assessing your college applications, admissions committees will often rely on letters from your teachers and counselor in place of interviews.

When reading sample college application letters of recommendation, you’ll observe that some are better than others. But, it can be a bit harder to find example teacher recommendations than it is to find college application cover letter examples. To ensure high-quality letters, create a plan well in advance of your senior year. You’ll want to ask teachers to write your recommendations who know you best beyond your grades. The strongest sample college application letters of recommendation speak to both your personal and academic strengths.

College application sample recommendation letters with the biggest impact typically come from teachers from your core junior year courses – math, science, English, and social studies. If there’s a teacher from your junior year who taught you during your sophomore or senior year too, even better! Teachers who know you through multiple environments – clubs, classes, sports, or other areas – can often do the best job speaking to your growth and achievement over time.

Choose teachers who know you best

Ultimately, the most effective sample college application letters of recommendation are written by the teachers who know you best. Pay attention to the college application requirements for each school on your list. Note when reading example college application letters of recommendation who the intended audience is. Some schools require math or science teachers for STEM and business majors , while others require English or social studies teachers for humanities majors .

For example, when looking at college application sample requirements, MIT writes “One recommendation should be from a math or science teacher, and one should be from a humanities, social science, or language teacher.” Caltech also requires one math or science teacher evaluation and one humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation.

Some applicants are tempted to send more letters than the college applications require. However, aim for quality over quantity. If you want to ask another teacher to write a recommendation letter for you, ask yourself what perspective they will bring to your college applications that isn’t already covered in your college entrance essay or other recommendation letters.

Don’t hesitate to provide materials to help your teachers and guidance counselor write their letters of recommendation for you. In fact, you should! When reading college application sample letters of recommendation, you’ll note that they are specific and provide examples where possible. Some teachers will even have you fill out a standard form to gather information from you. So, by having additional information already prepared, you are helping them tremendously.

Here are some materials you can provide to help your recommendations augment your college applications:

When preparing materials to give to teachers, read the instructions given to recommenders by MIT. Even if you aren’t applying to MIT, the information can still be helpful to know. By understanding the process of writing recommendation letters on the teacher’s side, you can see what information will help them write a strong letter for you.

Don’t wait until you’re submitting your college applications to ask your teachers for recommendations. Some teachers limit the number that they will write, and you want them to have plenty of time to write a quality recommendation. To make sure you have the best recommendations , ask teachers late in your junior year or early in your senior year.

The College Application Letter

As we’ve mentioned, a college application letter is a cover letter for your college applications. It describes your background, skills, and interest in the school. It’s different from both the college application essay format and the letter of continued interest. When reviewing college application samples, you’ll see that your cover letter works together with your college resume and college entrance essay to help admissions officers get to know you.

Below, we’ll discuss how to write a college application letter and walk through a sample college application letter. But remember, you want your letter to be original! Don’t feel limited by what’s in any examples of college application letters.

Do all schools require a college application letter?

No — few schools actually require college application letters. However, learning to write a strong college application letter can help you in other aspects of the college admissions process. Reading college application cover letter examples can also help you learn how to write for the admissions committee audience.

One of the ways to learn how to write a college application letter is to read sample college application letters. For instance, the same skills that help you write a strong and concise college application letter will help you in the college essay format, too.

The college application letter – What should I include?

So, you know the purpose of college application letters, but what should you include in them? Reading college application cover letter samples can help you determine this. While the college application essay format lends itself to focusing on one topic or story, college application cover letter examples highlight the importance of covering several different topics.

College application letters should contain the following elements:

1. school name and address.

You college application letter should follow formal letter formatting guidelines, which include writing the full name of the college or university you are applying to in the upper left hand corner of the letter. Try to be as specific as possible with the address you choose to use.

2. Salutation

A standard salutation is suitable for your college application letter. However, it is a great idea to do your research and use the full name of the admissions officer assigned to your region.

3. Introduction

The best examples of college application letters open strong. Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application, and introduce yourself. Do you have a unique connection to the school? Can you hook the reader in some way to make them want to keep reading?

4. Explanation of academic interests

Your primary purpose in college is to earn a degree, so notice that in example college application letters most of the space is often devoted to discussing academic plans. Include your intended major and career path, as well as interdisciplinary interests.

5. Discussion of extracurricular interests

The college application essay format may be a place for you to discuss extracurricular involvement, so use this space to elaborate or discuss additional interests. These could be connected to your academic plans, but they don’t have to be.

6. Conclusion

Express your interest in the school! Impactful example college application letters have a clear and brief conclusion that reaffirms your desire to attend and enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the next class of undergraduates. Point to specific classes, professors, programs, organizations, and aspects of the college that pique your interest. No one is going to hold you to your plan, but colleges want to see that you have one.

8. Complimentary Close

Lastly, every good college application letter should include an expression of gratitude alongside your close and your signature.

In the example of a college application letter above, there are a few key details to highlight. The letter is essentially a five-paragraph essay, with one paragraph for each of the five elements. This differs significantly from the college application essay format. In this college application example, the college application letter has clear and distinct sections, and this is very common in college application cover letter samples.

Depending on your interests and plans, you could take a more integrated approach. You’ll read some examples of college application letters that center around a theme or broad plan rather than separated into individual paragraphs.

This sample college application letter is a narrative. The applicant’s goal is to tell her story to the admissions committee. The best sample college application letters paint a picture for the reader and draw the reader into the storyline. Though it can feel like being vivid and descriptive is a waste of your space, “showing instead of telling makes for stronger college applications.

How to format your college application letter?

When reading sample college application letters, you’ll observe that they are formatted very similarly to professional cover letters. Your university application letters should be one page single-spaced. The heading should also be consistent across college application letters.

Then, open your letter with a salutation. Many examples of college application letters open with “Dear” and are addressed to the admission officer. If you cannot find your regional admissions officer, it is fine to address the letter to the admissions office as was done in the sample college application letter above. Once you write the body of your letter, don’t forget your closing salutation – “Sincerely,” and then your name.

Once you read several sample college application letters, you’ll understand the best practices. After writing a university application letter for one school, you don’t need to start from scratch for additional schools. Adapt what you have to fit the next college’s context and your specific interests on their campus.

Being concise is key. Your university application letter should not be redundant. If it exceeds one page, see where information you mention is repeated elsewhere in your application. In your cover letter, focus on the content that makes you as original and unique as possible. Most importantly, don’t forget to proofread your university application letters!

Can a college application letter help me with other parts of my application?

Think of the college application cover letter as the glue that holds your college applications together. When writing it, think about it as your opportunity to show your best self. After brainstorming the content, you’ll be better equipped to craft your candidate profile into a cohesive narrative and articulate why you want to attend the college.

Though many parts of your college applications will be out of your control by the time you reach your senior fall, the college application cover letter is one that you can control. Use it to elevate your college applications, show interest in your top schools , and make yourself stand out among other applicants!

The Letter of Continued Interest

Another form of college application letter is a letter of continued interest . In sample college application letters of continued interest, you’ll see that the primary purpose is to reaffirm your candidacy for a spot in the next incoming class of undergraduates.

Though it can feel like a waiting game, the waitlist should not be passive. As soon as you are waitlisted or deferred, begin crafting a letter of continued interest. The best college application sample LOCIs are submitted promptly. Put in the effort to show you’re serious about attending.

College application example LOCIs should focus on recent updates. Likely, a lot has happened since you submitted your application, particularly if you applied by the early deadlines. Strong college application sample LOCIs convey accomplishments and experiences that either add to previously mentioned ones or provide another dimension to your application.

Letter of continued interest – When and where to submit?

Learn as much as you can by reading college application example LOCIs, but know that each school’s process for when and how to submit them is different. Additionally, the process may vary based on whether you were deferred to the regular decision round of admissions or waitlisted after the regular decision round. It’s important to follow each university’s directions.

Many schools will request that you upload your letter of continued interest to a portal. Some will request that you email it to an address – typically the admissions office. Others won’t allow you to submit any additional materials. If you’re in doubt, call or email the admissions office and ask.

What to include in your letter of continued interest?

You’ll notice common trends when reading college application sample LOCIs. Effective college application example LOCIs convey a tone of sincerity, gratitude, and enthusiasm for an opportunity to attend. A strong sample college application letter of continued interest includes four elements.

First, reaffirm your interest in attending the school if offered the chance to matriculate. Then, discuss relevant developments to your application, such as additional extracurricular accolades and continued academic successes. Sometimes, you’ll see a sample college application letter of continued interest that mentions how a student improved a lower mid-year grade or discusses a new leadership role.

When reading a sample college application letter of continued interest, remember that colleges are looking for reasons to admit you, so don’t be shy! Offer to answer any questions they have and provide additional info in the conclusion of your letter.

It’s important to back up your claims with supporting evidence. Strong college application sample LOCIs provide examples and specific details, just as you would in a cover letter or essay. Be vivid and descriptive as you share your story!

However, college application example LOCIs that include overly emotional appeals or merely complement the university are unlikely to be effective. Your letter of continued interest should be all about you. Though it can be difficult to realize this when reading college application example LOCIs, recognize that the content of your letter should fit within the context of the rest of your application.

The many types of college application letters – Final Thoughts

In this guide, we covered several types of letters associated with your college process – college application cover letters, teacher recommendation letters, and letters of continued interest. Reading sample college application letters, whether they are college application cover letter samples or LOCIs, can help you do your best work. But, remember that every applicant’s college application process is unique.

Our final tips for writing college application letters:

CollegeAdvisor.com can help guide you through every step of the college application process. Check out our blog , webinars , or register with CollegeAdvisor.com today. Good luck!

This guide to college application letters and letters of continued interest was written by Caroline Marapese, Notre Dame ‘22. At CollegeAdvisor, we have built our reputation by providing comprehensive information that offers real assistance to students. If you want to get help with your college applications from CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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University Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

University Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide Cover Letter Example

Most people go to a university to study, but some go to a university to work. Whether you’re an astrophysics professor, a football coach or a food service worker, a compelling university cover letter is a crucial part of your application for any college job.

And these jobs are not exactly scarce. One website that specializes in jobs in academia, HigherEdJobs , says that there are more than 100,000 positions at 2,000 institutes available.

This guide, along with the corresponding cover letter example, will explore:

Psychology tips to writing a great cover letter

Mistakes you need to avoid.

Best format for a university cover letter

The format of a university cover letter is defined by its five key elements, its structure, and text volume. In most cases, a university cover letter should be one page only, a maximum of 300 words. So unlike a 100,000-word doctoral dissertation, a cover letter prizes brevity and economy of words.

But those words need to be chosen very carefully, and they need to follow a recognized structure.These are the five key elements in the format of a university cover letter:

We will explore what each of these components should contain, but first let’s check out the editable cover letter example you can use for your own application:

Dear Mr. Brawley,

During my seven years as Head of Modern Languages at Northwestern, we saw a 35% uptick in admissions and 25% improvement in overall grades. The oriental studies program was 150% oversubscribed and 95% of all our professors published critically acclaimed research in industry-leading linguistic journals.

Moving to Austin with my family brings opportunities, and while I am happy to explore a move back into academia, the timing of the Head of Modern Languages role at the University of Texas seems perfect. I know that you are looking to grow your oriental and middle east studies departments and I trust that my experience may prove beneficial.

Students are attracted to a degree course primarily because of the diversity of curriculum and the range of options for further study. Language professors with experience of teaching courses around the cultural and historical aspects of their respective countries proved the most popular at Northwestern and it is exactly this combination that will likely help to propel the success at Texas.

Interest in studying obscure linguistics and ancient poetry has dwindled as these regions become global economic powerhouses. Students want to study things that will be relevant to their interactions with real people. That is what underpins the success of any modern languages department. I am an active participant in these academic circles and am confident that I could assist in attracting some top teaching talent to the Texas team.

I have presented at over 100+ international seminars over the past five years, raising the prestige of my university and I would hope to continue in exactly the same vein. Being proactive in exploring the issues of the day and using social media to amplify the messages is the greatest student recruiting tool that any university department can use.

I would welcome the opportunity to share my thoughts on how I might help the Texas Modern Languages department to thrive.

Sandra Hangleton

Cover letter header example

The cover letter header is a thoughtfully designed section at the top of the page that contains your name, occupation, address, phone number and email. It may also include your photo and perhaps your LinkedIn profile — but don’t clutter it up with much else.

When the hiring manager opens your cover letter, before reading the first words, they should say, “Hmm, this looks nice.” In a page otherwise full of paragraphs full of black text, the header is your one opportunity to make some design choices to help your letter look as good as it reads. You can opt for an accent color, an imaginative layout, creative use of typography and perhaps icons for your address, phone and email. It should not be “gimmicky,” but it should be designed with a certain amount of flair.

Cover letter greeting example

The cover letter greeting, also known as a salutation, is the line where you say “Dear Ms. Smith,” “Dear Mr. Hernández” or “Dear Dr. Patel.”

Don’t get too creative here — in a letter seeking employment, “Hey, y’all” is obviously not going to work. Do attempt to find out the name of the person to whom you should address your job application letter. People like to read their own names, and it shows your attention to detail and your interest in this employer if you’ve gone to the trouble of finding out who is processing the applications for the job you want.

Cover letter introduction example

To catch a fish, you have to throw out some enticing bait. And your cover letter introduction, the opening paragraph, should both identify the job you’re seeking and make a convincing case that you’re the right person to fill it.

For a university application, mentioning your top-notch alma mater may be one way to bait the hook. If you have years of experience in your field, that may be another. Lead with your strengths, and try to write a paragraph that makes it impossible for the recruiter to stop reading.

Here’s an example of a good university cover letter introduction:

During my seven years as Head of Modern Languages at Northwestern, we saw a 35% uptick in admissions and 25% improvement in over all grades. The oriental studies program was 150% oversubscribed and 95% of all our professors published critically acclaimed research in industry-leading linguistic journals.

Cover letter middle part example

The body of your cover letter — i.e. the middle paragraphs — should contain the heart of your pitch. If your introduction has hooked the fish, the body is the part where you reel it in.

Given a one-page limit, you have a lot of work to do here in a short amount of space. Here you must list all of your top qualifications for the job you want. Again, this will usually include experience in your field, and in a university cover letter, it will generally address your education.

Be specific about your work experience, using facts and figures wherever possible, and try to relate at least one anecdote about how you solved a thorny problem in a previous job.

Also, try to mention the name of the university where you’re applying, and explain what it is that makes you want to work there. Let the employer know that you aren’t just mass-mailing job applications to random universities, but that you specifically want to work for this one. For example:

How to end a cover letter (conclusion example)

The conclusion of your cover letter should contain a call to action, in which you suggest that the hiring manager take some action as a result of your letter. You can say that you look forward to a reply, that you’d be happy to follow up with a phone call, or that you’d be delighted to be invited for an interview, in person or remotely.

Your interest in receiving a reply should let the recruiter know that you’re really interested in this job. You don’t want to sound either desperate or overconfident, but you do want to convey your sincere interest in exploring this job opportunity further.

Layout and design of a university cover letter

Your letter needs to say the right things, but it also needs to have the right look. Choose the right layout and design for your cover letter, and don’t squander your golden prose on a badly designed letter that sounds great but looks ugly.

You need to use a legible font — nothing avant-garde or strange-looking. You want to choose a font size between 10 and 12 points, big enough to read but not so big it looks like you’re writing a children’s book.

You need to use 1-inch margins at the top, bottom, right and left of your letter. You need to add a space between your paragraphs, which should not be indented, and hold all paragraphs to a reasonable length.

When it comes to visuals, Resume.io’s cover letter templates offer a professionally designed, ready-to-go solution to quickly create a beautiful cover letter in minutes flat.

Always remember that you’re writing this letter to a human being, so you need to sound like one. Avoid robotic language or HR-speak about how you’re a “team player” who “thinks outside the box.” Beware of clichés that a recruiter has read a thousand times before, and beware of “fluff,” which is fancy language that says nothing.

A cover letter is a way of establishing a personal relationship with a hiring manager, someone whose help you desperately need in order to get the job. It’s a business letter, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be personal. In places, you score points by using rational language that speaks to the head, but in other places you gain ground by using emotional language that speaks to the heart.

Remember that nobody owes you a job, and you don’t need to convince anyone that you deserve one. You need to convince employers that you can help them more than they can help you, making the company stronger, more profitable and more efficient.

Pay close attention to your tone, making sure that it’s friendly, professional and confident, but never arrogant or presumptuous.

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

Here are some mistakes you want to avoid in your university cover letter.

Key takeaways

Other helpful educative cover letters and resumes examples:

If you’re looking for other cover letters and resumes, check out our related education cover letter examples :

Cover Letters examples for:

Resumes examples for:

Free professionally designed templates

Writing an University Application Letter [Free Samples]

The application l etter that helps determine whether or not you will be accepted into the university of your choice is a big feat. The admissions process has increasingly become more competitive.

No specific letter-writing approach can promise that you will get admission, but a few tips help you to have a better chance at obtaining acceptance.

Research The University

Study and read everything there is about the university. The main objective is to convey how much you adore this university and that it is perfect for you. Think about it as if you were trying to convince someone to date you.

When looking for someone to go on a date with, you want to know all there is about this person. You would want to know a great deal about this person to be able to communicate effectively.

Dating is a long process that lets two people to get to know each other better to see if the relationship can develop further.

An university application letter is very similar to the dating process in how it works. The goal is to let the admissions counselor know all about you and to give them enough that they think you might be a good fit for what they have to offer.

The main thing that the letter needs to convey is why you want to attend this specific university. It is important to not embellish too much and end up sounding unrealistic.

Avoid statements like “I think Washington State is the greatest university in the entire world and I’ve desired to go there since I was a child.

Try to honestly lay out all the reasons why you think this university is perfect for you. After all, isn’t this whole reason you’re applying to this university anyway.

Market Yourself

Every university has a type of student that they specifically look for, market yourself as that student. Clearly, you must mention the academic qualifications you have, especially if you are on the honor roll.

While applications do look at academics, admittance is not all based on a person’s academic standing.

If the university is known for having an outstanding drama club or sports team, and those areas are something you excel in, then be sure to make mention of this.

Take a look at the brochure for the university ; does it talk about community or civic events? If you are involved in different things around the community, mention that. Reading all documentation on the school can give you an advantage.

Clarify that you have something unique to offer. After talking about why you are perfect for the university, start focusing on what the university offers that is good for you.

You can focus on anything from the local art club to the desire to be a part of the football team. Just because you are an honor roll student won’t necessarily give you an advantage.

Keep in mind that there will be thousands of other individuals who have great greats applying as well. It is important to showcase why you will be a great addition to the university campus.

Double Check The Letter

The worst thing you can do is submit a letter with grammatical or spelling errors. Have others look over the letter and make sure it is error free.

While it may be a pain, one of the first reasons that and choose one application over another is a badly spelled letter.

Below are sample entrance application letters.

Sample 1 - University Application Letter

Andrea Hughes 15th Street, Apt. 546 Washington, DC, 20008

April 28, 2022

Name of Head of Admissions Rutgers University 57 US Highway 1 New Brunswick, NJ, 08901

Dear Name of Head of Admissions:

This letter is a formal application for Rutgers University admission. I researched numerous universities that offer Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Applications and decided on Rutgers University because of its environmental dedication.

Your program is quite comprehensive, covering many more aspects of global warming than those offered by other universities in the state.

You, for example, offer classes on the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Forest Stewardship Council, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

My ambition is to help shape government environmental policies, and I believe that the university’s name is the finest way to equip me for this task.

At the past two years, I’ve worked for a waste management company, where I assisted in the development of novel techniques of recycling particular things.

Learning as much as possible about sustainable living in various parts of business enterprises will assist me in developing fair and helpful public policy.

I’ve sent my application form as well as all of the needed paperwork. I am hoping for a positive reaction from you.

I may be reached at 555-505-1234 or [email protected] if you’d like to set up an appointment or have any inquiries. Thank you for taking the time to review my application.

Andrea Hughes Enclosure: Application Form, high school marks list, Advanced Placement scores, SAT scores and all other required information

Sample 2 - University Application Letter

Kathy Smith 79809 St. Rt. 139 Jackson, Ohio 45640

Ohio State University 1739 N High St Columbus, OH 43210 Attn: Admissions Department

Dear Admissions Department,

I am applying to Ohio State University because of its remarkable reputation and the excellent evaluations I have read from other recent alumni after conducting extensive research regarding universities in the area that offer a psychology degree.

Furthermore, I am interested in Ohio State University’s psychology school because of the graduate psychology degrees available.

I’m just getting started on my journey and am excited to plunge into the undergraduate studies program. My ultimate goal is to graduate from Ohio State University’s psychology school.

My ambition after completing my undergraduate degree in psychology is to continue my education and pursue a doctoral program in psychology so that I can work as a child counselor.

Because I grew up in a family where my father was a counselor and my mother was a social worker, I feel confident that this is the right professional route for me. My father graduated from Ohio State University, and my mother from the University of Oklahoma.

Given that both of my parents have taken similar career paths, I believe that by working in this field, I would be honoring them and their commitment to helping others.

My long-term aim is to major in psychology, and I plan to begin by receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ohio State University.

As specified in my applications packet, I have attached my application, transcripts, an essay, and all of my letters of recommendation. I thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Kathy Smith

Enclosure: Application Form, high school marks list, Advanced Placement scores, SAT scores and all other required information

Sample 3 - Appeal Letter To University For Admission

Your Name Your Address City, State, Zip Code

Admission Officer’s Name Admission Officer’s Title University’s Name College’s Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Name of Admission Officer:

This is a formal letter requesting that you rethink my application to [Name of University].

My application was turned down on [DATE], and the rationale given was that my SAT scores were lower than the university’s admission requirements.

[DATE] was the source of the scores I included in my application. My father had died at the time, and my mother needed support and assistance to get her life back on track.

I was unable to study properly for the SAT examinations because I was their only child and needed to assist her at the time. I knew my results were too low, so I took the exam again on [DATE].

I was able to study effectively and raise both of my grades. My quantitative score rose from 550 to 720, and my writing portion improved from 570 to 750.

My new results, I understand, are higher than the needed score for admittance. I’d like to attend [name of institution] since you have the greatest program for [Environmental Applications], which is my preferred topic of study.

I am seeking that you rethink your previous de cision to deny my admission and grant me admittance for the following semester based on these higher scores and the lower marks being due to circumstances beyond my control.

If you have any questions or would like any more information, I can be reached at [555-123-4567] or at [[email protected]]. Thank you for your kind consideration of my application.

Signature Your Name List of Enclosures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. what should be included in a university application letter.

2. How long should a university application letter be?

A university application letter should typically be between one and two pages long.

3. How formal should a university application letter be?

A university application letter should be formal and professional. Use a business letter format and avoid using casual or informal language.

4. Can I use a pre-written template for my university application letter?

While it may be helpful to use a template as a guide, it is important to personalize and customize your letter for the specific university and program you are applying to.

5. How can I make my university application letter stand out?

Tailor your letter to the specific university and program you are applying to. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, and demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the program. Show them how you will be a great fit for their institution.

6. What should I do if I have a low GPA?

If you have a low GPA, it’s important to acknowledge it in your letter and provide context or an explanation for why your grades may not be as high as they could be. Also, highlight your strengths and achievements in other areas, such as relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work.

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How to Write an Application Letter for a University

Marissa willman.

When applying to a university, it is important to include an application letter or personal statement to introduce yourself. Each university has its own requirements for application letters, and you must comply with them. Often, a university will ask you to write about your motivation, goals and experience as they relate to higher education. The application letter should reflect your best writing, because it is the first sample of your writing skills the university will see.

Gather your application documents and a list of the university’s requirements for application letters.

Create a rough outline of your application letter by writing down the points you want to address and organizing them in a logical manner.

Write your letter in the first person; application letters are personal statements, so it is acceptable to use the “I” pronoun.

Include personal stories or anecdotes to make your application memorable. You may want to touch on the obstacles you have overcome to apply to college or a role model who has inspired you to pursue higher education.

Refer to the application-letter prompt you were given by the university. Every paragraph you write should relate to the prompt.

Keep your statement brief and within the word count established by the university.

Proofread your letter or have someone with proofreading skills do so. Make corrections as needed.

About the Author

Marissa Willman is a Palm Springs-based travel journalist and content writer. She has been writing professionally since 2007 for such publications as Viator.com, VisitPalmSprings.com and Palm Springs Life. Willman is also the local guide for the Palm Springs section of travel website 10Best.com. Willman holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from California State University, Fullerton.

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24+ Sample College Application Letters – PDF, DOC

College application letters are used in various academic applications when college students request an entrance or transfer. It may be a requirement of the academic institution where they currently attend or it can also be used for special functions that the college or university student would like to undertake. Whether it’s nursing, engineering, architecture, accounting, or medical students, application letters are prominent in college enrollment processes.

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How to Write Your University Application Letter (Personal Statement)

Writing a personal statement is one of the most important parts of applying to a university. It therefore requires plenty of time, attention and most importantly, work. To make that process a little easier, take a look at our advice for writing a good personal statement.

What to write about

The scope of a personal statement can be quite broad, meaning some feel a bit intimidated when they first start. But remember, the focus of the statement will be you.

Now writing about oneself will come as a great pleasure for some and a terrifying prospect for others. If you’re in the latter group, we are sorry that you will have to go through this, but writing positively about oneself and in a sense, ‘selling’ what is good about you is a vital skill for a successful career. And after a while, though it may not seem like it, you will come to enjoy it too.

So firstly, why are you applying? It’s important to be honest. Honest writing shines far brighter than platitudes and clichés. What interests you about the subject? What interests you about the college? What are your ambitions? If you are enthusiastic about the course, this will be clear to the reader.

Do not forget either, you get a lot of time to revise your writing, so the first time you try, don’t go back and edit yourself or think too carefully about what it is you want to say; just write. Give it a day or two and look back over what you’ve written. Does it make you feel excited about your course?

Secondly, what makes you the right person for the college and course? So you’re enthusiastic about the course but why are you right for them? List relevant skills, experience and achievements, whether they are from school, work, or anywhere else.

Extracurricular activities

Now this is something that may cause some grief to readers, but it’s good form to include some things you have dedicated yourself to outside of school or work. The reason this may cause some grief is that you may be thinking, ‘I’ve done nothing else worth writing about’, which is wholly inaccurate.

You may feel this way, but if you really sat down and thought about what it is you do, you can paint a phenomenal picture of what interests you, how it has changed you and how useful those experiences have been, no matter how distant they may seem from the traditional understanding of ‘work’.

Typical examples may include:

If you still feel like you haven’t done any of these, there should hopefully be some time to begin one or if not, what do you do when you get home from school? What hobbies do you have? How do they benefit you? Be creative and write about your interests in a constructive way.

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International students

As an international student there are a few extra things you should mention.

Why do you want to study in your country of choice? The course? The culture? The language? The food? Again, be honest (though it doesn’t hurt to mention how great you think the college is).

You should mention your language skills , how fluent you are in your prospective language and any courses or tests you’ve taken. If you don’t have any experience, mention that as well and say that you see this as a great opportunity to expand yourself and learn a new language (perhaps also start taking lessons).

Explain why you want to be an international student rather than study in your own country. What are the differences between the two countries? The potential colleges? This is also a good opportunity to prove yourself ambitious and adventurous- institutions love this sort of thing.

How to write it

So these are all ideas for what to put in but how should they be put together?

The structure is ultimately dependent on who you are, as you should focus mostly on your strengths, which is appropriate as each statement should be personal to you.

However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t give you some general advice on how to put it together.

Generally speaking, you want to start with the ideas, skills and qualities you think universities and colleges will value the most. Follow these ideas through, then shortly detail the drier details. You should then end with what you feel is the best example of why this college is right for you.

For example, begin with who you are, and why you are applying. Detail your experience, challenges you have overcome and what makes you super special awesome. Then what it is about the course and college you like the most. The extracurricular activities, then your international student credentials. Finally, finish with why you think you are right for the college.

Some brief writing tips:

And there you have it. After lots of careful consideration and hard work, you should have a piece of writing that sells you as a person. You will also have experience of doing so, which will surely come in handy when you start looking for that job you are after.

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Overview of University Application

Applying for a university is a very competitive process that demands good skills on how to prepare the required documents.

Accordingly, various documents will come in handy when seeking enrolment to a university.

Note that due to the stiff-neck competition for university places, you need to stand out among respective applicants.

That said, different universities may demand various application requirements and documents, including:

1. Application letter,

2. Motivation letter,

3. Admission essay ,

4. Personal statement ,

5. Curriculum vitae , etc.

Whatever the application requirement, you have to ensure that it matches the expected standards.

For the application letter, sometimes referred to as admission letter , you need to ensure that it creates a good first impression to persuade the admission committee members to further scrutinize your other attached documents.

This requires that you develop essential skills on how to write an application letter for university.

Tips for Writing an Application Letter for University

There are various tips you could adopt to ensure that your formal letter to college admission committee is top quality.

Some of these tips include:

1. Researching the University

This is a critical tip and usually the first step when drafting your request letter to university admission. It entails finding the background information about the institution you want to join.

Herein, you should find pertinent information about the university before you start writing the letter.

The admission committee members need to see that you know the institution as it significantly reflects your interest in being part of the university community.

In some cases, the information about the institution that you might need to include in the letter to university for admission include:

1. Your familiarity with the provided programs,

2. Your awareness of key achievements by the respective department or its current or past members,

3. Your knowledge about the academic staff in the respective department.

2. Listing your Unique Attributes

This is another important feature to consider when crafting an application letter for university admission.

It requires you to list down the different attributes that make you unique compared to the multitude of fellow applicants.

Note that the admission committee is not solely looking for your academic qualifications as there are so many other people who have attained the required grades.

As such, your letter to university for admission should focus on your distinctiveness as a key selling point.

Areas to consider for unique attributes may include:

1. Special circumstances involving you or your family,

2. Your ethic or cultural background,

3. Distinctive experiences in life.

3. Exploring Areas with Competitive Advantages

Your application letter for university enrollment should seek to concisely highlight the different areas that give you a competitive advantage over other applicants.

This entails the things you will bring along with you to the college. Note that the admission committee is also looking for the value you will add to the institution.

For this reason, your formal letter to college admission committee should explore your different talents and abilities.

Some of the key areas you should look for competitive advantages should include:

2. Extracurricular areas such as activities related to sports, drama, etc.

3. Community activities that you have been involved in, like volunteering, mobilization, and

5. Finding Solid Reasons why you should be Considered

This entails finding the solid reasons to include in the application letter for university admission explaining why you should be considered.

It is important to sum up your unique attributes and competitive advantages into specific reasons as to why the admission committee should select you.

Make it clear why you have opted for the specific college among many other colleges. Your letter to university for admission must convince the committee that the college is also the best fit for you.

To do this, you should avoid unrealistic expectations or incorrect assumptions about the college.

6. Avoiding Grammatical Mistakes

Grammar is very critical when writing an application letter for university enrollment. This is more important particularly in the case of a motivation letter for study abroad applications.

Students must display a good command of the English language in their letters. Note that this is sometimes a challenge for foreign students.

Nevertheless, the application is a formal letter to college requesting to the institution to allow you to be associated with it in the future.

The college therefore needs to be sure that language will not impede you from learning is it would affect the quality of a graduate they produce.

All in all, ensure that you thoroughly proofread the letter or ask a friend to do so to ensure it is devoid of mistakes.

Format of an Application Letter for University

Format is very essential when it comes to application letter for university.

This is because it plays an important role in creating a good first impression. In this, a good university letter format should help clearly highlight the letter’s different key features.

That said, the format should be as explained below.

1. Addresses

This entails the first section of your admission request letter to university enrollment committee. It should therefore contain your address as well as that of the institution you are writing to.

The appropriate university letter format demands that the addresses be flash left.

In creating the addresses, you should start with your name, followed by your address, and then the date.

Then write the exact address of the institution or department your application letter for university should to be sent to.

2. Salutation

This is another important element in a request letter to university enrollment.

It is advisable to get the real name of the person supposed to be addressed in the letter. If you cannot get the real name you could use “Admissions Office” as the address entity.

Markedly, using a real name in your letter is one of the most persuasive tactics you can use to strike a good impression.

You can get the actual name through online research or even calling the institution to ascertain the person to address.

3. First Paragraph

This is an extremely important paragraph when it comes to writing a request letter to university for enrollment.

Almost every sentence in this paragraph has a purpose as expounded here:

Sentence 1 : In this sentence, you should explain what is in the package the reader has just received.

Sentence 2 : In the second sentence, you should clearly highlight the objective of writing the letter.

Sentence 3 : In this sentence, you should explain the role of the letter within the context of the whole application process. You should go ahead while using bullets to list:

1. What the reader has already received,

2. What has accompanied the letter, and

3. The documents that have been sent separately.

4. Second Paragraph

The second paragraph of your application letter for university admission should focus on providing details that emphasize your suitability.

As such, the paragraph should explain:

1. Why you are the most suitable applicant,

2. Why and how the institution suits you and your study endeavors, and

3. Extra details about the institution that are tailored to your needs.

5. The Final Paragraph

This the last part of your request letter to university enrollment committee and entails two key sentences.

In the first sentence, you should highlight the challenging nature of the application process while humbly restating that your qualifications have been completely documented.

In the second sentence, you should politely thank the person reading the letter for their time and then conclude with “Sincerely,” followed by your names.

Sample Application Letter

A sample application letter for university could be as illustrated below.

Source: Blog.4tests

College Application Cover Letter Examples

Mary teaches communication skills to college freshman and sophomores, including dual enrollment and early college students who are taking courses for college credit while completing their last two years of high school.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

When you are applying for college admission, it's important to do everything possible to make sure your application really stands out. Sending a cover letter in support of your application materials can be a great way to capture admissions officers' attention in a positive way while also giving them a chance to learn a bit about your personality and unique circumstances.

Example Cover Letter Templates for College Applications

You can use a cover letter whether you are applying via the Common Application or if you are submitting an individual admission packet. Choose the sample letter below that best fits your needs and adjust it to convey key highlights of why you should be considered for admission. To access each letter, simply click the image. It will open as an editable PDF file that you can customize, save and print. This guide for Adobe printables can be of assistance if you need help with the documents.

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Sample Cover Letter for College Application Packets

If you are submitting a school-specific applicant packet, include the letter with all of your other materials (such as your application form, essay, and application fee ).

Example Cover Letter to Pair With the Common App

If you are using the Common App, also known as the Common Application, you may still want to send an individualized cover letter to the schools that you're most interested in attending. Consider sending your cover letter to each school's admissions representative at the same time you complete your Common App, or even a few days before.

Writing Your College Application Cover Letter

While the samples here are great starting points, you will need to adjust them to focus on your specific situation. You will need to include:

Stand Out to College Admission Officers

A well-written cover letter can be a terrific add-on to your college application package. Not everyone will think to send this kind of document, so it just might help you stand out among the other applicants. Of course, a poorly written letter can have the opposite effect. So, be sure that your letter follows an appropriate business letter format , really presents you in a positive light, is well-written, and error-free .

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College Application Cover Letter: How To Write One
A college application cover letter refers to a document that expresses your intent and interest in applying for a collegiate program.
College Application Letter
Unlike college application essay prompts, there are no specific questions to answer in your cover letter. Instead, include the essential elements of university
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A cover letter must accompany and be tailored to any application you submit. STEM letters ... obtaining a faculty position at the University of Texas
University Cover Letter Example
The format of a university cover letter is defined by its five key elements, its structure, and text volume. In most cases, a university cover letter should be
Writing an University Application Letter [Free Samples]
Your personal information (name, address, contact information) · The name of the university and the program you are applying for · A statement of
How to Write an Application Letter for a University
When applying to a university, it is important to include an application letter or personal statement to introduce yourself. Each university has its own
24+ Sample College Application Letters
Quickly Prepare a Document for Entrance into Any College or University. ... Simple University College Scholarship Application Letter.
How to Write Your University Application Letter (Personal Statement)
How to Write Your University Application Letter (Personal Statement) · Be clear. · A new paragraph for every new idea. · Generally, you want to
Application Letter for University
Application Letter for University · 1. Your familiarity with the provided programs, · 2. Your awareness of key achievements by the respective department or its
College Application Cover Letter Examples
Writing Your College Application Cover Letter · Why you want to attend this particular school · What your academic interests are · How the school is a good fit for