letter of intent sample for phd application

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PhD Letter of Intent Template

Showcase your dedication to your PhD aspirations by crafting an exceptional letter of intent with our easy-to-use template

Updated August 2, 2024 Written by Yassin Qanbar | Reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Letter of Intent , also known as a Statement of Purpose, is a pivotal document in your PhD application. It introduces you to the admissions committee, detailing your academic interests, career objectives, and motivations for pursuing a PhD in your chosen field. This letter is crucial in offering a comprehensive view of your qualifications and aspirations, helping the committee determine your fit for their program.

Research-oriented graduate programs, such as Master’s and PhD degrees, often require applicants to submit a letter of intent. This letter serves multiple purposes in the application process:

• Alignment with Program Goals: Admissions committees use the letter to assess if your academic and career goals align with the program’s objectives and the expertise of its faculty.
• Matching with Supervisors: The letter helps in pairing successful applicants with suitable supervisors whose research interests match yours.
• Showcasing Fit: It demonstrates how well you fit within the program’s academic community and how your research interests complement the department’s strengths.
• Highlighting Your Vision: Your letter provides an opportunity to outline your long-term vision and how the program will help you achieve your academic and professional aspirations.
• Demonstrating Preparation: It shows that you have researched the program thoroughly and understand how it aligns with your research interests and career goals.

How to Apply for a PhD Program

Tips for writing a phd letter of intent, phd letter of intent sample.

Applying for a PhD program involves several critical steps, each demanding careful preparation and attention to detail. Here is a detailed guide to the typical process:

Step 1 – Identify Your Research Interests and Potential Advisors 

• Define Your Research Interests: Clearly outline your specific areas of interest within your field.
• Research Potential Advisors: Investigate faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Review their profiles, publications, and current projects.
• Contact Potential Advisors: Initiate conversations to discuss your research ideas and confirm their availability to supervise your PhD.

Step 2 – Research PhD Programs and Institutions

• Program Fit: Look for programs that support your research interests and career goals.
• Faculty Expertise: Ensure the faculty has a strong background in your area of interest.
• Research Facilities: Check the availability of necessary research facilities and resources.
• Funding Opportunities: Investigate funding options such as scholarships, assistantships, and grants.
• Program Curriculum and Academic Environment: Assess the curriculum and overall academic culture of the institution.

Step 3 – Prepare for Standardized Tests (if required) (12-18 Months Before Application Deadline)

• Verify Test Requirements: Check if the programs you’re interested in require standardized tests like the GRE .
• Test Preparation: Prepare thoroughly, focusing on sections relevant to your field.
• Schedule Tests: Book your test well in advance to ensure your scores are available by application deadlines.

ETS offers free online GRE prep resources, including webinars, two practice exams, sample questions, and section guides.

Step 4 – Gather Required Documents (9-12 Months Before Application  Deadline)

• Transcripts: Obtain official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of Recommendation : Request letters from professors or research supervisors who can vouch for your academic and research capabilities. Provide them with ample time and necessary information.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Compile a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, publications, presentations, and relevant work experience.
• Writing Samples: Include samples of your academic writing or publications to showcase your research and writing skills.
• Draft Research Proposal: Outline your research interests and potential projects.

Step 5 – Write a PhD Letter of Intent (6-9 Months Before Application Deadline)

• Introduction: Introduce yourself and state your purpose for applying.
• Academic Background: Summarize your academic journey, emphasizing key achievements and experiences that have prepared you for a PhD.
• Research Interests: Clearly outline your research interests and their alignment with the program and potential advisors.
• Career Goals: Discuss your long-term career aspirations and how the PhD program will help you achieve them.
• Reasons for Choosing the Program: Explain your choice of the specific program and institution, mentioning the faculty members you wish to work with and how their research aligns with your interests.

Step 6 – Submit Applications (3-6 Months Before Application Deadline)

• Tailor Applications: Customize each application to highlight how your research interests align with the faculty and program strengths.
• Complete Applications: Ensure all required documents are included, and your personal information is accurate.
• Submit Applications: Use the respective school’s application portal to submit your applications.

Step 7 – Prepare for Interviews (After Submission)

• Research Presentation: Be ready to present and discuss your research interests, academic background, and career goals.
• Department Fit: Prepare to explain how your proposed research fits within the department and aligns with potential advisors’ work.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions and consider preparing a brief presentation of your research proposal.
• Decision and Acceptance: Await responses, prepare for possible waitlist scenarios, and finalize decisions.

1. Use Specific Metrics to Showcase Impact

When discussing your research and career goals, include specific metrics to illustrate the impact of your work. Instead of saying, “My research improved data processing efficiency,” say, “My research reduced data processing time by 35%, enabling faster data analysis and saving $50,000 annually.” This demonstrates a clear, quantifiable benefit of your work, making your contributions tangible and impressive to the admissions committee.

2. Highlight Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Emphasize any interdisciplinary knowledge or experience. For example, if your research combines computer science and biology, detail how this unique blend enhances your ability to tackle complex problems and contributes to the program’s diversity.

3. Cite Influential Works

Mention specific influential works or researchers that have inspired your proposed dissertation. This shows you are well-versed in the current literature and helps align your interests with those of potential supervisors.

4. Demonstrate Long-Term Vision

Articulate a long-term vision for your research and career beyond the Ph.D. Explain how your dissertation will lay the groundwork for future projects and how you plan to contribute to your field over the next 10-20 years.

5. Include Soft Skills

Don’t just focus on technical skills and achievements. Highlight soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, which are crucial for successful collaboration and project management in research.

6. Tailor to the Program’s Strengths

Customize your letter to reflect the specific strengths and resources of the program you are applying to. Mention particular labs, facilities, or faculty members whose work aligns with your interests and explain how these will support your research goals.

7. Align Your Thesis with Program Goals

Ensure that your proposed thesis aligns with the goals and research focus of the program. Explain how your research topic fits within the broader objectives of the department and contributes to ongoing projects or future initiatives. This demonstrates that you have thoughtfully considered how your work integrates with the program’s mission.

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Cover Letter for PhD Application: Guide for Writing One & Example From a Real PhD Student

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated March 27, 2023 9 min read

When applying for a PhD research position, you usually need to submit certain documents, including an academic CV and a cover letter for PhD application .

A PhD cover letter, also referred to as an academic cover letter, should be carefully crafted, well-formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to do exactly that, along with a sample of an academic cover letter from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

And if you're not sure how to go about writing your PhD CV, check out this article: CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example) .

Table of Contents

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What is an academic cover letter?

What to include in a cover letter for phd application, how to write a cover letter for phd application, how to format an academic cover letter, phd cover letter sample.

An academic cover letter is a document that PhD candidates submit alongside their academic CV when applying for a PhD. 

Essentially, it's a cover letter for a PhD application.

It's not exactly the same as your regular business cover letter. Nor is it the same as a personal statement or a motivation letter .

The purpose of a cover letter for PhD application is to explain to the reader, who's likely a researcher or a professor, what you can contribute to their institution and/or field.

Moreover, in a PhD application cover letter, you should explain why you're a good match for the research position on the program.

Differences between academic cover letter and business cover letter

Both these documents serve different purposes and people use them in different settings:

• Academic cover letter is used when applying for positions in academia — most often for a PhD. More emphasis should be on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Moreover, it should explain what your contribution to the institution or field could be. It should also point the reader to your academic CV.
• Regular (business) cover letter is normally used when applying for any kind of job . Hence, more emphasis should be on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. You should also explain why you're a good fit for the position at the given company. It should point the reader to your resume.

There are also other documents people often mistake for an academic cover letter. These include:

• Motivation letter is especially relevant for fresh graduates when applying to a university, a non-profit organization, or voluntary work. A motivation letter focuses more on your interests and motives for applying.
• Personal statement. Also used in an academic setting. It's always written by an applicant, often a prospective student, applying to college, university, or graduate school. You explain why you've chosen a particular course and why you'd be good at it. Other names include a statement of purpose or a letter of intent .

Like every cover letter, an academic one also needs to include specific elements and content sections. These are:

• Header. Here, provide your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email in the header of the document.
• Formal salutation. In an official letter like this one, you should address the reader in a professional and formal way. If you know who'll be reading your cover letter, go with Dear Dr. [Surname] or Dear Professor [Surname] . If you don't, go with Dear Sir/Madam .
• The specific PhD program or position. Clearly state in your letter which research position you're applying for or the name of the PhD program. A cover letter is usually read before a CV, so you need to make sure everything is clear.
• Your motivation. Explain why you're interested in the specific PhD position — it's one of the key elements you should include.
• Your academic background. Now, we don't mean you should list in detail every single university course you ever took. Instead, focus on the most relevant course for the PhD and describe in detail what you learned, any projects you worked on, why it was interesting (and optionally, what knowledge gap you identified). In this way, you also show a certain level of understanding of the field.
• Your ambition. Briefly mention what your ambitions, intentions, and plans are regarding your contribution to the field when securing your PhD position. How is your research going to enrich the field? How will the institution benefit from it?
• Conclusion. Keep the conclusion short. Contrary to a regular cover letter ending , there's no place for reiterating everything here. Simply thank the reader for your consideration and prompt them to read your academic CV.
• Formal sign-off. Just pick from the usual: Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards... Then throw in your full name in the following line.

And that's all you need to include!

Now, let's take a look at how to write your cover letter step-by-step.

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow these tips on how to write a cover letter for a research position:

Consider researching the background of the organization, department, ongoing research projects, and their past and current projects. All that before you start writing your cover letter. Knowing these things will help you tailor your letter to the specific PhD opening.

Before you actually start writing, try to sit down and take a moment to think first. Assess how your past experiences helped you prepare for the PhD position and scribble down those that are most relevant and significant for the specific program. These include any research experiences, research projects, courses, or internships.

In the first few sentences of your letter, you need to convey some basic information about yourself and what specific position you're applying for. The opening should also state firmly why you're a strong candidate for the position/program, by using a persuasive and convincing wording. Here's an example: "As an MChem Chemistry graduate with a narrow focus on the sustainable synthesis of biologically active molecules from the University of Dundee, I am excited to apply to a "Synthesis Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Using Enzymes" PhD programme at an institution with such a strong foundation and numerous research groups in this field."

This is the place where you may explore more extensively on the educational journey that brought you here. Set the foundation for demonstrating how your Master's degree and research experience seamlessly translate into the next phase — the PhD program. Emphasize how your thesis contributes to the field's body of knowledge. Mention any other publications that support your thesis. And, if you can, identify any knowledge gaps or topics that can be explored further.

This paragraph provides the opportunity to neatly tie in together everything the reader has learned about you so far. You can show how your previous experience, coupled with what you'll learn during the PhD program, will come together to produce something novel to enrich the field. First, identify the courses or topics within the PhD program that interest you the most and how they relate to you developing your research further. Second, introduce your future research aspirations and goals. Third, point out how this future work will enrich the field and what will the intellectual merit be.

When ending your PhD cover letter, briefly refer your reader to your academic CV and encourage them to examine all of the remaining projects, courses, publications, or references . Finally, thank the reader for their time and consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off.

Put the letter in a drawer and don't think about it for a day or two. Then, when you read it again, you'll have a fresh pair of eyes to see the cover letter in a new light. Maybe you decide some things are redundant, or you think of something that's more relevant. Or you know, find a typo here and there.

Just like an academic cover letter needs to contain certain content components, the formatting should also align with the structural expectations for this type of document.

How long should a cover letter be? How to finish a cover letter? And what about the cover letter font and spacing?

Here's a recommended academic cover letter format:

• Length. While STEM PhD candidates should aim for half a page to one page, humanities candidates can do 1–2 pages.
• Font. Use one of the classics: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Just no Comic Sans, we beg you. Keep the size between 10–12 points. Also remember to keep the text clean — no underlining, no bolding, and no color. However, you can use italics if appropriate.
• Spacing. Cover letter spacing isn't complicated. Just single-space your text, make sure there's a space between each paragraph, and leave a space between the concluding paragraph and your formal sign-off.
• Margins. The only rule here is that the margins on your cover letter should match those on your CV.
• Consistence with your CV. Your academic cover letter should match your academic CV in all formatting aspects — including the cover letter font and spacing. For example, Kickresume lets you choose a matching template for your CV and your cover letter, so no need to worry about this.

If the institution provided any instructions for formatting your academic cover letter, don’t get creative and follow their guidelines.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, here's a cover letter sample from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

These things ensured Herrera's cover letter was successful:

• She clearly states her motivation in the opening. In the first two paragraphs, Herrera introduces herself and her motivation to apply for the given PhD program.
• She describes educational and research background thoroughly. The main body of the letter is dedicated to describing Herrera's educational background, research projects, internships, and skills acquired throughout the way.
• She presents research aspirations in the letter. Herrera writes: "I have a history of proven results and profound findings. Given opportunity, I’m confident in my abilities to earn similar ground-breaking results while being part of your team."

Even though this example lacks some of the key elements, such as mentioning the specific PhD program or identifying the topics within the PhD program that interest her the most, this PhD cover letter still managed to impress the University of Lyon.

Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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Letters of Intent for Graduate School

40 best letter of intent for graduate school samples.

It’s customary practice for almost all graduate schools to require applicants to submit either a statement of purpose , personal statement, curriculum vitae, or résumé. Aside from this requirement students also need to submit a letter of intent. This letter serves as your intellectual autobiography as an applicant that lists the series of experiences and events of your academic life that motivated you to further your education. The letter should focus on your academic life where you would address specific questions and issues.

Table of Contents

• 1 Letters of Intent for Graduate School
• 2 What is a letter of intent for graduate school?
• 3 Letter Of Intention For Graduate School Examples
• 4.1 How well you follow directions?
• 4.2 To showcase your writing skills
• 4.3 Your attention to detail
• 4.4 Your personal background
• 4.5 Your professional and academic achievements
• 5 How long is a letter of intent for grad school?
• 6 Letters Of Intent University
• 7.1 Opening paragraph
• 7.3 Closing paragraph
• 7.4 Concluding statement
• 8 Tips for writing your letter of intent
• 9 Letters Of Intent For School
• 10.1 Content

What is a letter of intent for graduate school?

A university letter of intent template usually comes in the form of a brief essay that outlines your skills, goals, and achievements within your field of study. Providing this information will strengthen your application to graduate school. The admissions committee searches for applicants who express a genuine interest in their field and prove that they will become an asset to the program. It’s important that in your letter, you list your professional interests, research, accomplishments, skills, and other success areas.

You should also provide other background information like volunteer or work experience, previous projects, studies, programs, essays, and mentors you’ve worked with as these would substantiate your passion for your field of study.

Also, remember that graduate schools and the programs that they offer vary. There can be slight to the guidelines regarding the required information and in this letter. There are schools that request a personal touch while others prefer that you focus more on your professional and academic accomplishments, goals, and qualities.

Letter Of Intention For Graduate School Examples

What is the purpose of a letter of intent for graduate school?

A graduate school letter of intent for school should contain more information about you that will convince the admissions committee to consider your admission request. The specifics of your letter will depend on the program you’re applying for and what you want to include in it. In general, the letter serves the following purposes:

How well you follow directions?

The worst way to make an impression is by not following instructions. By fulfilling the requirements of the school, you’re already showing respect for the process. This also shows that you’re willing to make the effort when they need you to do something in the future.

To showcase your writing skills

One of the reasons why you need to submit this letter is to show how articulate you are as a writer. How you structure the letter will show whether you can write a well-edited and professional letter with clear prose and the correct format.

Your attention to detail

The letter is also a way for the admissions committee to find out about your attention to detail. A letter that is well-researched, well-written, and focused will show the committee that you pay attention to the school and what they ask of you. Make sure that your letter has the correct grammar, format, punctuation, and spelling as this will show your level of care for details that you could also apply to your studies.

Your personal background

This letter isn’t all about your ability to write. The letter is also about yourself. It’s your opportunity to introduce yourself to those who will read your application. This is why you should also show them your personality, how much you care about your field of study, and your reasons for wanting to pursue your studies. This way, when you meet the committee for an interview, they will already have an idea of who you are.

Your professional and academic achievements

Showcasing your achievements is the most important purpose of this letter. The items to include here could make you an excellent candidate for the schools. Be very careful when writing this part. Don’t make it sound like a rehash since the committee already knows this information from your application. Instead, provide context for your application where you talk about your experiences in the best possible light. This way, the committee will better understand your application.

How long is a letter of intent for grad school?

Although you can write a letter of intent for graduate school using a personal or formal approach, one important thing to remember is to make it precise, short, informative, and concise. It should contain all of the essential sections and elements. The key to writing a successful letter is to prepare well and pay attention to all of the details. Make sure to include all of the vital sections and points. In terms of length,  keep it between 300 to 450 words and not longer than 2 pages.

Letters Of Intent University

What should be in a letter of intent for graduate school?

In most universities, a letter of intent for grad school is part of the admissions process, especially when you will apply to graduate programs that are research-oriented. A sample letter of intention for graduate school is closely scrutinized by the admissions officers since the letter is the venue where applicants talk about themselves, their goals, and their reasons for wanting to attend graduate school.

Since the admission board will examine your letter closely, you have to be well-organized, written, and constructed. The university will use the letter to determine if your career goals are in sync with the program you’re applying to. To make a great letter, it should include the following:

Opening paragraph

Open your letter by going straight to the point. Mention the program you’re applying to, whether this is a doctorate or master’s degree.

Describe the experiences that served as the basis of your future graduate work. Also, discuss how you developed your interest in the field, and your academic plans to reach your goals. Talk about your undergraduate studies in general, your major, and your specialization within your major. Mention any academic accomplishments and achievements too. Include any specific learning experiences that show your inspiration and motivation for continued research or study like:

• Independent research or study courses
• Undergraduate research, conferences, or presentations
• Teaching assistantships
• Published work
• Research internships
• Laboratory experiences
• Honors thesis
• Seminar courses
• Independent writing
• Any education abroad
• Academic honors
• Closely-related work experiences

Closing paragraph

Explain using specific terms the reasons why you want to attend the university and the specific program. Also, describe how the graduate curriculum of the university matches your long and short-term career and academic goals. Also, show evidence of how you researched their program, faculty, research, and departmental facilities and resources. Indicate how your intellectual and academic interests match with the department or program’s research interests.

Concluding statement

In a concise manner, provide a summary of why you believe you have the skills and experience needed for the university’s program. Explain that you’re motivated and qualified and that you plan to succeed in graduate research and study.

Tips for writing your letter of intent

It is in the body of your letter where you will introduce yourself to the admissions committee and make your case. There are many ways to do this but the one you should choose will mainly depend on your purpose for writing the letter. Although the approaches may vary widely, they should have the following goals:

• To guide the attention of the readers to specific elements of your application including certain experiences, accomplishments, skills, and more.
• To personalize your application. This approach will give the readers a more holistic view of who you are and why you’re applying.

The best approach for you will mainly depend on your background and the other information in your application. For instance, if you will apply and you already have an impressive resume and GPA with very high assessment scores, you might not need an element of personalization to set yourself apart. If this isn’t the case, you can emphasize your most notable achievements. In the case where you have stellar qualifications, the organization of your letter would be fairly straightforward. Here is how you can pattern your letter:

• You can use the first paragraph to state the opportunity you’re applying for.
• The second paragraph could be about your skills and how you have shown or used them.
• End with your career or educational background information related to your application.

There could also be a case where your curriculum vitae is just a little above average or if you struggled in the past with personal issues that caused you to get a low GPA. In such a case, it’s recommended to take a different approach. Narrate your personal story instead of your achievements.

By giving your application context and identity, you might draw the attention of the admissions committee to who you are and how passionate you feel about the program you’re applying to. In this case, how you organize your letter may vary depending on what you want to say and your story. Usually, you would do this chronologically although it’s recommended to put some thought into how you plan to organize your letter. After you write a draft, review it again to make sure that you have a good strategy.

An ideal letter should always be short. precise, informative, and concise. It should contain all of the essential and expected elements. Avoid using clichés and generalizations. Instead, focus on your career and academic goals. It also isn’t recommended that to blow your horn about how hard-working, conscientious, and diligent you are.

Often, the admissions committee might see this as something negative. It’s better to show prudence by only providing the readers with relevant information in your application. It also isn’t advisable to include extraneous points or information that don’t communicate your letter’s intent effectively. Aside from the crucial suggestions and observations discussed, here are some tips that will help you write a successful letter:

• Gather information from the program guide, college website, or student prospectus before writing your letter.
• Analyze the information you have gathered to find out if the program is right for you and it covers all of your objectives.
• Brainstorm and take down notes that you could potentially include in your letter.
• Prepare a template and start writing your first draft.
• Review your draft, then make any revisions changes if needed.
• Write your second draft. Review the letter, then check any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, typos, and vocabulary.
• Have a few prominent people review your draft. These people should be within your family or people at school who you trust. Choose those who have a strong command of the English language and have at least some experience writing letters like the one you’re making.
• Make the necessary corrections and changes based on the feedback you receive.
• Prepare your final letter, then go through it one last time.
• Print your letter on crease-free, crisp sheets of plain white paper. Don’t fold the letter. If the school requires that you submit the document online, create a PDF version, then email it according to the instructions.

Letters Of Intent For School

Formatting your letter

Formatting your letter is also important. This is highly recommended because a well-formatted letter will immediately draw the attention of the readers so they will feel compelled to read it. How you format your letter will depend on how you will write the content. You need to make sure to present your content properly. It’s recommended to keep the following stylizing and content tips in mind when formatting your letter.

• Be as straightforward and concise as possible.
• Use an active voice, not a passive one.
• Be both precise and accurate.
• Use transitions to make connections to each of the paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow.
• Limit the number of words you use to between 300 and 450 unless otherwise specified.
• Limit the number of pages to 2 unless otherwise specified.
• Use a simple, legible, and clear official or business font for your letter.
• Use a font size between 10 to 13pts depending on which font you use.
• Space lines by 1.2pts if you think the single-line spacing is the best option.
• Don’t use bold colors in the header of your letter or anywhere else.
• Don’t use italics unless you need to emphasize a certain point.

Maintain equal and reasonable margins all around your letter.

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How to Write a Standout Letter Of Intent For Graduate School

While not all graduate programs ask for a statement of intent, this is a requirement for many grad school applications. A letter of intent for graduate school sets the tone for your application: it introduces you as a person to the selection committee, and provides context to your academic record, qualifications, and professional experience.

Therefore, it’s essential to make your letter of intent as compelling as possible to give you the best chance of admission, especially if you’re trying to get into one of the Ivy Leagues .

Table of Contents

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Grad School

What is a letter of intent for graduate school admission.

A letter of intent is a brief statement which explains your educational background, experiences and motivations for applying to grad school. Some, though not all, graduate programs require you to submit a letter of intent as part of the application process.

A letter of intent is different from a personal statement. While a personal statement deals more with your personal background and passions, a letter of intent focuses more on academic history and professional goals.

The format and content of a letter of intent can vary widely, depending on the graduate school’s preferences. Note that the same is true for both in-person and online Masters programs .

What to Know Before You Start

Before writing a letter of intent for grad school, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

First, each grad school has their own preferences or requirements for letters of intent. Therefore, it’s critical to check the guidelines with the admissions committee before you start preparing your application. Be sure to ask them about the required format, as well as what information you should include.

It’s also important to conduct your own research into the program to determine the kind of things the selection committee will be looking for. This could include factors such as a particular faculty member, the curriculum structure, or learning content.

There’s another important consideration. That’s your academic and professional goals.

• Why are you interested in this particular program?
• What do you want to get out of it?
• How does it fit into your broader career goals?

Answer these questions to help you decide what to include in your letter of intent. This ensures authenticity in your submission. It also sets you apart from anyone else. Your specific desires are your own. They won’t mirror thousands of other applicants.

When you’re ready, daft an outline of the letter. This should cover the main points above. This is an important step to make sure your letter of intent is concise, informative, yet covers all the essential information the admission committee is looking to see.

Once you’ve done all this, you’re ready to start writing your letter of intent.

Read on to learn more about the sections to include, top tips, and letter of intent grad school samples!

Why is a letter of intent important?

If required, your letter of intent plays a vital role in your grad school application that could make the difference between rejection and moving on to the next stage. It provides context to your academic resume, transcripts, and other documentation that gives the reader an idea of who you are as a person.

This can be very compelling to the selection committee, if your letter of intent is strong enough.

It also gives you the opportunity to detail your research interests. This is very valuable if the program has a research component, as you can use your letter of intent to explain your skills and passions in this area.

Through your letter of intent, you can also tell the selection committee about your academic and career goals, helping to convince them that you’re a good fit for the program. Finally, it allows you to showcase your written communication skills, which is a vital skill set for any grad student.

Related: How to Get into Harvard

The Key Parts of a Graduate Letter of Intent

Although the exact format may differ depending on the program’s requirements, there are certain key sections that a letter of intent should typically include.

A letter of intent should generally be structured in the same way as a formal business letter. As such, it should have a header with the name and address of the recipient, usually the admissions counselor or director for the program you’re applying to.

Below this and on a separate line you should put the date that you’re printing the letter.

Directly below the header, be sure to include a formal salutation, typically “Dear…” followed by the recipient’s name. If you don’t know the name of the admissions counselor or graduate program director – find out.

This should be the person in charge of selecting candidates for that particular program. Check the program’s website, and if you can’t find the info that way, send the admissions office an email to ask!

Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph is one of the most important parts of a letter of intent graduate school. This is your chance to capture the attention of the selection committee and encourage them to keep reading.

In the introduction, you should briefly explain why you want to apply for the program and summarize your academic experience. You can also introduce the key points that you’ll elaborate on later in the letter.

Qualifications and Educational Background

Following your introductory paragraph, you can launch straight into talking about your qualifications and background. This is the time to flesh out the information in your academic resume. You can mention important awards, and impressive academic results.

Along with your academic history, you can also describe relevant professional experience.

Although a letter of intent is mostly focused on the academic sphere, professional experience is worth mentioning if it directly relates to the field you want to study, or if you’ve been working for some years since completing your undergraduate degree.

Research or Study Projects

The next section of the letter should detail your key academic accomplishments, such as major research and study projects. You could also include your professional achievements, if you’re an experienced professional rather than a recent graduate.

You can also mention relevant prizes and awards you’ve received, either in the academic or professional sphere. Be sure to include anything that demonstrates your ability to complete the work required of graduate students.

Goals and Motivations

The previous paragraphs are designed to convince the selection committee that you’re a great fit for their program. This final section is geared towards explaining why the program is a great fit for you.

This is crucial, because admissions counselors look for candidates who are motivated and passionate about the program, rather than those who may drop out due to lack of interest.

Here, you should talk about what draws you to this grad program specifically, whether it is the unique curriculum, a renowned faculty member, flexible program structure, excellent opportunities for internships, or something else.

This is also a great time to describe your future goals, and how the program will help you to work towards them. A strong statement of intent for grad school will cover both educational goals and career goals. You could also mention personal reasons and motivations, such as a desire to increase your knowledge in a certain area, or a particular passion for the field.

Closing Paragraph

End your letter of intent with a short paragraph of around two sentences, summarizing your key points. You may also want to thank the reader for their time or note that you’re looking forward to hearing from them regarding your application.

Don’t skip over or rush your closing statement. Though brief, this is a vital part of your letter of intent: it should bring everything together and leave a strong impression that convinces the selection committee to move your application on to the next stage.

As you are following a business letter format, be sure to include a formal sign off (such as “Sincerely” or “Kind regards”) followed by your full name.

Graduate School Letter of Intent Template and Example

Grad school letter of intent template.

Fill in this template to create your own masters program letter of intent, or adapt it to create a letter to accompany your application for a doctorate or professional program:

[Name and Address of Admissions Counselor]

Dear [Name of Admissions Counselor]

Opening paragraph:

• Introduce yourself and explain why you want to apply in one sentence
• Briefly summarize your qualifications, education history, key motivations, and what you will discuss in the rest of the letter

Paragraph 1: Qualifications and Educational Background

• Detail your undergraduate studies and qualifications
• Describe your major academic accomplishments

Paragraph 2: Major Projects

• Explain your major research and/or study projects
• Cover your professional journey and describe experience relevant to the program

Paragraph 3: Goals and Motivations

• Talk about why you’re interested the program
• Mention your professional and academic goals

[Your signature]

Letter of Intent Example Grad School

Here’s a sample letter of intention for graduate school based on fictional details to show the key sections, formatting, tone, and type of content you should look to include.

Dr. Rosario Ortega Northwestern University School of Professional Studies 339 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611

September 12, 2023

Dear Dr. Ortega

[Opening paragraph]

Through my undergraduate studies at Brown and internship at the New York Public Library, I’ve developed a strong passion for North American literature. I’m therefore writing to apply for the Master of Arts in Literature at Northwestern University.

[Qualifications and Educational Background]

I completed my Bachelor of Arts at Brown University in 2023, with a concentration in Literary Arts, with an overall GPA of 6.0. Following graduation, I completed a three-month internship at the New York Public Library, where I worked with the archives department, assisting with a range of archiving tasks as well as completing a major project.

[Major Projects]

During my undergraduate studies, I completed a major research project into leading female African American writers of the 20th century. I received the Harriet Tillman Award in recognition for the high standard of work of my project.

As part of my internship with the New York Public Library, I was responsible for a project to provide access to African American history through the holdings of the library’s collection. Working under the guidance of one of the library’s archive specialists, I applied archival standards to process materials and make them available to researchers and the general public.

[Goals and Motivations]

I’m interested in earning my master’s degree from the School of Professional Studies because of the program’s strong faculty and emphasis on diversity. I am particularly excited to work with Dr. Margaret Hedelman, whose pioneering work on the underrepresentation of African American poets is truly inspiring. I believe that literature is a vital part of North American culture and a reflection on society and, as such, it is essential that we acknowledge authors from all communities, and promote underrepresented voices.

[Closing Paragraph]

I believe that the Master’s of Arts in Literature will best allow me to achieve my goal of becoming an archivist and educator in order to share knowledge of diverse authors and poets with the broader community. Thank you for your consideration.

Robert Garman

Related: Does GPA Matter for Grad School ?

Tips for Writing the Best Letter of Intent for University

Your statement of intent can be a crucial part of your grad school application, so it’s important to make it as strong as possible in order to stand out from the other candidates. Here are some important things to keep in mind to help you put your best foot forward.

Remember the Key Purposes of the Letter

As you write your letter of intent, it’s essential to keep in mind why you’re writing it. This will help you to stay on track and optimize your letter to make it as effective and compelling as possible.

A letter of intent has two primary purposes:

• Highlighting the most important information in your application: your key qualifications, experience, and achievements.
• Showing the selection committee who you are as a person, including your own interests and goals.

Your letter of intent should be concise and closely focused on achieving these two goals. This means that everything you share should contribute to these aims. If you find yourself writing something that doesn’t support one of these two goals, delete it! This is merely unnecessary fluff that detracts from your core message.

Related: Looking for extra flexibility with your finances? Consider this year’s best student credit cards .

Leverage Your Strengths

Though a statement of intent should generally focus on academic history and broadly follow a set  format, you can play with standard templates in order to make your letter as compelling as possible.

You may have an impressive level of professional experience that demonstrates your ability to excel at grad school, but your academic history is lackluster or outdated. In this case, it would be better to focus on your professional experience and achievements and only briefly mention your academic history.

On the other hand, if you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, you could focus entirely on your academic qualifications, projects, and awards.

If you feel like both your academic and professional history is lacking, talk about your personal story and why you have a passion for the subject matter.

It’s all about leveraging your strengths to present the most compelling case for why the admissions committee should accept you into their program.

Take the Opportunity to Showcase your Writing Skills

Though primarily designed to explain your abilities, experience, and interests, one of the secondary purposes of a letter of intent is to showcase your written communication skills. Written communication is a big part of any graduate program, especially programs with a thesis or dissertation component. This is your chance to show that you can write well.

Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your letter is well-written in a professional style, using proper formatting, grammar, and spelling. If writing is not your strong suit, or if you’re not accustomed to preparing format business letters, take your time to do some prep work.

Read up on the required formatting, style and flow for these kinds of letters. You may even want to practice your formal writing skills through writing exercises.

Carefully Edit your Letter of Intent

As with all aspects of your graduate school application, it’s important to carefully proofread and edit your letter of intent. Graduate programs can receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, and they may quickly cull applications based on a range of factors, including poor editing.

Even small errors could result in your application landing on the “discard” pile instead of moving on to the next stage.

Good editing goes much further than checking your letter for stray commas and spelling mistakes. First of all, you want to carefully review the content of the letter to make sure it is compelling, informative, and includes all key information. Then, take another pass to check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as ensuring that the writing flows well and sounds professional.

Impress with a Winning Letter of Intent

The best graduate programs are highly competitive, so it’s essential to make your application as strong as possible in order to stand out from potentially hundreds, if not thousands of applicants.

This is particularly true for your letter of intent which, if required, sets the tone for your application and can help convince the admissions committee to move you forward to the next stage.

Craft a compelling letter of intent for graduate school by keeping it concise and well-written, and focused on explaining why you’re a great fit for the program, and it’s a perfect fit for you.

While you’re preparing your winning grad school application, take a look at our guide to how to ask a professional for a letter of recommendation .

Do All Schools Require a Letter of Intent?

No – not all schools require a letter of intent. While some graduate programs ask for a letter of intent as part of the application process, others demand a personal statement instead. Always check the application requirements well in advance of the deadline, so you’ll have plenty of time to put together a strong application.

How Long Should a Letter of Intent Be?

A letter of intent for a masters program or other graduate program should be around 3-4 paragraphs long, as well as short opening and closing paragraphs, header, and sign off. Generally speaking, an ideal letter of intent is between 300 and 450 words, and no more than one page. However, each program may have its own requirements, so be sure to check with the admissions office before preparing your letter.

How Should You Format a Letter of Intent?

Some programs require specific formatting, so be sure to ask the admissions office if they have any specific requirements for the letter of intent. If they don’t, you should standard formatting for a business letter: a header with the recipient’s name and address, the date, formal greeting, opening paragraph, body with 3-4 paragraphs describing your history, achievements, and interest in the program, a short closing paragraph, and a formal sign off. Be sure to use a professional font, size, spacing, and margins, in line with a business letter.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Home » Writing an Impressive Letter of Intent for Graduate School

Writing an Impressive Letter of Intent for Graduate School

A letter of intent for graduate school is an essential part of your application package. It’s an opportunity for you to showcase your motivation, academic achievements, and professional goals to the admissions committee. It’s also a chance to demonstrate your writing skills and prove that you’re a strong candidate for the program, so take this opportunity seriously.

Writing a letter of intent for graduate school can be a confusing and possibly daunting task, so we’ll tell you what you need to know to create a compelling letter that sets you apart from other applicants and makes the adcom members go “WOW, we NEED this person in our program”.

What is a Letter of Intent for Graduate School?

Before we dive into the writing process, let’s first define what a letter of intent for graduate school is. A letter of intent, also known as a statement of purpose, is a document that outlines your academic and professional background, your reasons for pursuing graduate studies, and your future career aspirations.

When writing a letter of intent, you want it to be concise (no one is going to be impressed with a 10-page document), well-organized, and tailored to the specific program you’re applying to. You can think of this like a cover letter when you’re applying for a job – you don’t want to make it obvious that you wrote one template that can be sent to anyone. The letter should demonstrate your knowledge of the specific program, the faculty, and the research opportunities available.

How to Write an Impressive Letter of Intent for Graduate School

Now that you understand what a letter of intent for graduate school is, let’s go through the steps to writing one that will actually knock someone’s shoes off.

Step 1: Research the Program

Obviously, the first step in writing your letter of intent for graduate school is to research the program you’re applying to. This includes learning about the program’s faculty, curriculum, research opportunities, and any special requirements or deadlines. Take it one step further and research the clubs and social activities so you can talk about how you intend to contribute to the program. 

You should also read the program’s mission statement and values to understand what they look for in potential candidates. This will help you tailor your letter of intent to their specific needs and requirements. You can find information on their website, blogs, forums, and even by reaching out to current and former students.

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas for your letter of intent. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Why do you want to pursue graduate studies in this field?
• What are your academic and professional achievements?
• What research or projects have you worked on that are relevant to this program?
• What are your future career goals?

Make a list of your ideas and organize them into a logical order. Nothing is more distracting to a reader than a letter that is all over the place.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Using your list of ideas, create an outline for your letter of intent. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your letter flows logically and smoothly.

Your outline should include the following sections:

• Introduction: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the program.
• Academic Background: Highlight your academic achievements and any relevant coursework.
• Professional Background: Discuss your professional experience and any relevant projects or research.
• Future Goals: Explain your future career goals and how this program will help you achieve them.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and express your enthusiasm for the program.

Step 4: Write Your Letter of Intent

Now that you have your outline, it’s time to start writing your letter of intent! Grab some coffee. Turn on some music to inspire you. Do whatever you need to do to motivate yourself to write. Starting is always hard, but once you have a workable draft, it’ll be much easier to go back and edit. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be concise and clear. This isn’t the time to write a dissertation. 
• Be specific and provide examples to support your claims. 
• Tailor your letter to the specific program and faculty.
• Avoid clichés and generalizations.
• Use transitional phrases to connect your ideas. Remember, it needs to flow.
• Proofread your letter carefully for spelling and grammar errors.

Step 5: Get Feedback

Once you’ve written your letter of intent, it’s a good idea to get feedback from others. Ask a mentor, advisor, or colleague to review your letter and provide feedback on its content, structure, and overall effectiveness.

Getting feedback can help you identify areas where you need to improve and make your letter of intent even stronger.

Why Write a Letter of Intent for Graduate School?

While a letter of intent can be a powerful tool in your graduate school application, there are situations where it might not always be necessary.

• A letter of intent allows you to showcase your motivation, achievements, and goals in a more personal and detailed way than other application materials.
• A strong letter of intent can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting accepted.
• Writing a letter of intent can help you clarify your academic and professional goals, and articulate why you’re the right fit for the program.
• Writing a strong letter of intent can be time-consuming and require a lot of effort and research (although if you’re scared off by a letter, you might want to consider whether you want to invest the time and money to go back to school).
• A poorly written or generic letter of intent can harm your chances of getting accepted. To avoid this, read our strategies above. 
• Some programs may not require or place much weight on a letter of intent, so it may not be worth the effort for every program. You should do some research on your program before deciding to write a letter.

Ultimately, the decision to write a letter of intent for graduate school depends on the specific program and your personal goals and circumstances.

Final Tips Before Sending the Letter of Intent

Yes, we have even MORE tips! We like to be helpful 🙂 

• Highlight your unique qualities and experiences: Your letter of intent is an opportunity to showcase what makes you unique and stand out from other applicants. 
• Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating that you’re passionate about the field or program, provide specific examples or experiences that demonstrate your interest and commitment.
• Avoid repeating information from other application materials: Your letter of intent should complement, not duplicate, your other application materials, such as your resume or transcripts.
• Use active, rather than passive, voice: Active voice makes your writing more engaging and dynamic. Instead of saying, “I was involved in a research project,” say, “I conducted research on…”
• Address any potential weaknesses in your application: If there are any weaknesses in your application, such as a low GPA or gap in your academic history, address them in your letter of intent. Explain how you’ve overcome these challenges or how they’ve helped shape your academic and professional goals.
• Start early: Writing a strong letter of intent takes time and effort, so it’s important to start early and give yourself plenty of time to research, brainstorm, and revise.
• Use a strong opening and closing: Your opening should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading, while your closing should summarize your main points and express your enthusiasm for the program. 
• Follow the guidelines and instructions: Be sure to carefully read and follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the program. This includes any word count limits, formatting requirements, or specific questions to address in your letter of intent.
• Be authentic: Your letter of intent should be a reflection of your own voice and personality. While it’s important to present yourself in a professional and polished manner, you should also strive to be authentic and genuine in your writing. Don’t try to sound like someone else or use overly flowery or complex language if that’s not natural to you. Instead, write in a way that feels comfortable and true to yourself.

FAQs about Writing a Letter of Intent for Graduate School

• A letter of intent should typically be one to two pages in length, depending on the specific requirements of the program.
• While you should avoid overly casual or informal language, you don’t need to use a highly formal writing style. Instead, aim for a clear, concise, and professional tone.
• Your letter of intent should include your academic and professional background, your reasons for pursuing graduate studies, your future career goals, and how the program will help you achieve them.
• While you can reuse some (emphasis on SOME) elements of your letter of intent for different programs, it’s important to tailor each letter to the specific program and faculty.

A letter of intent for graduate school is an important part of your application package that allows you to showcase your motivation, achievements, and goals to the admissions committee. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can create a compelling and effective letter of intent that increases your chances of getting accepted into your dream program.

Remember to do your research, brainstorm your ideas, create an outline, write your letter, and get feedback to ensure that your letter of intent is as strong as possible. With a little effort and dedication, you can craft a letter of intent that’ll set you up for success!

Letter of intent for your PhD application

You have to submit a letter of intent when applying to the Doctorate in Philosophy in Education (PhD). This letter of intent is the opportunity to show your research interests, your professional goals and to describe how your previous academic and work experiences have prepared you for this program.

Below you will find quick tips to help you write your letter of intent

• Font: Times New Roman 12
• Spacing: Single-spaced
• Number of words: 1000 words maximum (4 pages)
• Margins: 2 cm minimum

Keep in mind that a PhD is about honing your key research interests and producing your own unique ideas.

Your letter must be clear, concise, precise and structured, and must include the following:

• Talk about your motivation to pursue graduate studies in education by connecting your research interests to your potential career.
• Describe the problem or question you are interested in.
• Describe what your proposed research will focus on, how you will study it, what you hope to learn and what your contribution will be.  Be detailed and specific .
• Explain why this research is important by outlining your research objectives.
• Situate your research in a  specific   context .Highlight the related literature. Show how your research is relevant and original and how it will contribute to the field of education.
• Explain your methodology, theoretical approach and framework.
• Summarize the assets that make you a qualified PhD candidate, one well suited to researching your proposed topic.

Overall tips

• Briefly summarize and emphasize your goals and purpose.
• Link your experience, current interests and goals.
• Restate what you expect from the program and the Faculty and how you will contribute to the academic and scholarly community.

A letter of intent is also required for a selection of Master programs. The requirements for a letter of intent for the Master programs are different from the ones for a PhD letter of intent. Find our what are the requirements for the Master programs letter of intent . 

Letter Of Intent For Graduate School: Sample & Tips

Are you planning on applying to graduate school? If so, you know the many materials needed to submit as part of your application. But have you considered including a letter of intent? 

“ The Letter of Intent ” is a unique document that allows you to share your motivations and goals for pursuing a graduate degree. It is typically a one-page letter (also part of your application) that allows your college committee to hear from you directly and learn about your interests. 

In this article, we’ll explore what a letter of intent is and provide tips for crafting a compelling one that will set you apart from other applicants.

What is a Letter of Intent for Graduate School?

A Letter of Intent for Graduate School , also known as a statement of purpose or a personal statement, is a document that applicants submit to graduate programs to express their interest, qualifications, and goals.

It serves as an opportunity for applicants to showcase their motivations and convince the admissions committee that they are suitable candidates for the program. Writing a compelling letter of intent is crucial in the highly competitive process of applying to graduate school.

What is the Purpose of Writing a Letter of Intent for Graduate School

Here are the crucial purposes of writing a letter of intent for graduate school:

• Declare your goal: A letter of intent serves as a formal cover letter where you declare your goal of applying for admission into a graduate program. It clearly states your intention to pursue further education and highlights your interest in the program.
• Provide context for your application: The letter of intent provides the necessary context for your application by explaining your academic achievements, research interests, professional skills, and future goals. It helps admissions officers understand your background and how you align with the program.
• Showcase self-advocacy: The letter of intent serves as proof of your self-advocacy. It allows you to present a compelling argument for your suitability for the program and emphasizes how your achievements and experiences make you a strong candidate.
• Demonstrate attention to detail: Writing a well-crafted and customized letter of intent demonstrates your attention to detail. It shows that you have conducted thorough research about the program, its curriculum, faculty members, and learning outcomes. Paying attention to formatting, grammar, and clarity also highlights your meticulousness.
• Display excellent writing skills: Your letter of intent is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills. Admissions officers will evaluate your ability to communicate effectively, express your thoughts clearly, and maintain a professional tone. Clear and concise prose, along with correct formatting, will leave a positive impression.

Important Steps Before Writing Intent Letter

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to take some important steps to prepare yourself for creating a powerful letter of intent. These steps will help you gather the necessary information and provide a solid foundation for your writing:

1. Research the Program and Institution: Familiarize yourself with the graduate program you are applying to. Understand its values, curriculum, faculty, and any specific requirements they may have.

2. Understand the Purpose of the Letter: Recognize that the letter of intent serves as a platform for you to demonstrate your passion, qualifications, and commitment to the field of study. It should align with your long-term goals.

3. Gather Information about Yourself: Reflect on your academic background, research experience, relevant skills, and personal accomplishments. Consider how these aspects relate to your intended field of study and your motivations for pursuing it.

4. Identify Your Goals and Objectives: Determine what you hope to achieve through the graduate program. Identify your specific research interests and career aspirations and how the program can help you realize them.

Template for Letter of Intent for Graduate School

While there is no fixed template for a letter of intent, it generally follows a specific structure and includes certain key components. Here is an outline of the common elements you should consider including in your letter:

1. A Header: Include your name, contact information, and the date.

2. Date Stamp: Add the date when you plan to submit the letter.

3. Addressee Information: Address the letter to the appropriate individual or department within the institution.

4. A Brief Greeting: Start your letter with a warm and professional greeting, addressing the recipient by name if possible.

5. Introduction or Opening Paragraph: Begin by stating your purpose and introducing yourself. Express your interest in the program and briefly mention your background and qualifications.

6. 2-3 Content or Main Paragraphs: In these paragraphs, expand on your experiences, achievements, and skills that make you a strong candidate. Discuss your academic journey, relevant coursework, research projects, internships, or any other experience demonstrating your passion and preparation for graduate studies. Highlight how these experiences have shaped your goals and contributed to your readiness for the program.

7. Conclusion or Closing Paragraph: Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program. Emphasize how the program aligns with your aspirations and how you can contribute to the academic community. End the paragraph with a strong closing statement that leaves a positive impression.

8. Name and/or Signature: Sign off the letter with your full name and, if applicable, your signature. If submitting the letter electronically, you can include a typed version of your name.

9. A Footer (optional): You can include additional information, such as your contact details or a professional website, in the footer section of the letter.

When it comes to formatting your letter of intent, there are some essential guidelines to follow. These tips will ensure that your letter looks professional and is easy to read:

Font and Margins: Use a clear and legible font, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. Maintain standard margins of one inch on all sides.

Length and Structure: Keep your letter concise and focused. Aim for one to two pages, but be sure to include all the necessary information. Divide your letter into paragraphs for better readability, and use headings or subheadings to organize your content.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Graduate School with Proper Formatting

After considering the template and format of the intent letter, here’s how you can write properly:

Letter of Intent for Graduate School Template

[Your Name]

[Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

[Your Email]

[Graduate Program Name] [

University Name]

[University Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Admissions Committee,

Opening Paragraph

[Express your interest in the program and briefly state why you’re applying. Mention the specific degree and any concentration you’re pursuing.]

Academic and Professional Background

[Discuss your relevant academic background, including your undergraduate degree, major, and any significant coursework or projects. Highlight any relevant work experience or internships.]

Research Interests and Goals

[Explain your research interests and how they align with the program. Mention any specific faculty members whose work interests you, if applicable.]

Why This Program

[Explain why you’ve chosen this specific program and institution. Highlight unique aspects of the program that appeal to you.]

Your Potential Contributions

[Discuss what you can bring to the program, including any unique perspectives or experiences.]

Career Goals

[Briefly outline your long-term career goals and how this graduate program will help you achieve them.]

[Summarize your main points and restate your enthusiasm for the program. Thank the committee for their consideration.]

[Your Signature (for hard copy)]

[Your Name (typed)]

Qualities of a Good Letter of Intent for Graduate School

A strong Letter of Intent can greatly boost your graduate school application. Here are the key qualities to aim for:

• Clear and focused: Your letter should clearly state your goals and reasons for applying.
• Specific to the program: Show that you’ve researched the program and explain why it’s a good fit for you.
• Highlight your strengths: Talk about your achievements and skills that make you a great candidate.
• Well-organized: Use a logical structure that’s easy to follow.
• Professional tone: Write in a formal, respectful manner.
• Error-free: Check carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Concise: Stay within the word limit, usually 1-2 pages.
• Honest: Be truthful about your experiences and goals.
• Forward-looking: Explain how this program fits into your future plans.
• Engaging: Start strong to grab the reader’s attention.

Here’s a table summarizing these qualities for quick reference:

Remember, a good Letter of Intent shows who you are, why you’re a great fit for the program, and how the program will help you achieve your goals.

Tips to Consider Before You Submit Your Letter

Before submitting your letter of intent, here are some important tips to consider:

1. Proofread and Edit: Ensure that your letter is free of spelling and grammar errors. Proofread it multiple times and consider seeking help from friends, mentors, or professional editors to ensure clarity and coherence.

2. Seek Feedback: Share your letter with trusted individuals who can provide constructive feedback. They can help you identify areas for improvement and offer suggestions to strengthen your letter.

3. Tailor the Letter to Each Institution: Customize your letter for each program and institution you apply to. Highlight specific aspects of the program that align with your interests and goals. Show that you have researched and understand why that particular program is the right fit for you.

4. Be Concise and Clear: Keep your letter focused and avoid unnecessary details. Use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively. Admissions committees review numerous applications, so making your letter easy to read and understand is important.

5. Personalize Your Letter: Inject your personality into the letter by sharing personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your passion for your chosen field. This will help create a connection between you and the reader.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Letter of Intent

Even the most qualified candidates can stumble when writing their Letter of Intent. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

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Conclusion: Writing A Letter Of Intent For Graduate School

Writing a compelling letter of intent for graduate school requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a strong and persuasive letter that showcases your qualifications and motivations. Remember to tailor your letter to each institution, maintain proper formatting, and seek feedback to ensure a polished final draft.

By putting effort into crafting a well-written letter, you can significantly increase your chances of standing out among other applicants and securing a place in your desired graduate program.

About The Author

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Letter of Intent

Graduate School Letter of Intent

Applying to attend Graduate School implies that you have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, have the marks to support your application, and the interest in pursuing a specific area of study. Each school or even program within a school may have different guidelines regarding the information they require to decide on acceptance into the program.

Before preparing a Graduate School Letter of Intent, take the time to investigate the expectations of the school regarding format, academic, professional, and professional accomplishments. These should be highlighted in your letter and match these guidelines.

What is Graduate School

Graduate school is a program of study that is focused on one field and more advanced than undergrad studies. The grad school emphasizes building on a student’s:

• Knowledge and skills
• Academic discipline
• Producing original research
• Building a career along with professional skills in a field of study

Graduate students graduate typically with a grad degree:

• Master of Arts
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Masters of Business Administration
• Medical Doctor

Students applying for graduate school are expected to have already attained a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study and usually must maintain a high GPA.

What is a Graduate School Letter of Intent?

The Graduate School Letter of Intent is a short description, usually no longer than one page describing the person’s achievements, skill sets, and stated goals relative to the field of study. Acceptance decisions are usually made by committees, who look for people who have a genuine interest and can demonstrate they would be an addition to the program.

The Graduate School Letter of Intent should list:

• The applicant’s skills
• Their research and professional interests
• Their accomplishments
• Background information such as previous work, studies, projects, essays
• Mentors in the field of the proposed study

This is your opportunity to convince the Graduate Schools committee that your contribution to the field of study and the school will be a positive one.

How to Write a Graduate School Letter of Intent

The Graduate School Letter of Intent should always be personalized to the graduate position applied for. Keep the letter to one page, introduce yourself and highlight your skills, knowledge, accomplishments, and research interests. Match your skills etc. to the grad program and the research area. Show that you are interested in pursuing and advancing the knowledge of this field.

Each letter of intent should be professional, free of grammatical and spelling errors. Many research committees will immediately remove a candidate, especially if they have many candidates for the graduate program.

What to Include

The Graduate School Letter of Intent should include the following:

• Address information for yourself and the contact on the committee or school
• An introduction paragraph
• Research and professional interests, skills, and experience summary focusing on matching to the graduate program
• Call to action

Address information: include your full name and address with phone number and the chair of the committee or person the letter will be sent to including, address, and phone Introduction: introduce yourself, why you are writing to the graduate school, the program applied to, and your interest in studying in this field.

Skills Summary: Identify key skills, experience, and education and how they match the needs of and support the ongoing research in your field of interest.

Call to Action: Summarize your interest, state your follow-up plan, and indicate your interest in joining this graduate school’s program.

Tips and Things to Avoid

• Always use a letter format tailored to the graduate school
• If sending your letter by email, include a concise subject clearly showing why you are sending the email
• Include your contact details in the email signature
• Research the school – learn about the culture, mission, and field of study, the decision-makers on the committee, their expectations specifically related to your field
• Review how you will add value to the graduate school and the program in your field of study
• Highlight your strongest credentials and skills related to the graduate school’s needs
• Do not repeat your resume in the Graduate School Letter of Intent
• Make it short, 3 or 4 short paragraphs, one page in length
• Always proofread your job letter of intent, check for grammar and spelling

Format – Graduate School Letter of Intent

Your Name, address, and Phone number

Name of the person the letter is addressed to(or committee), University Name, address, phone number

Body – Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Body – Paragraph 2 – Describe Skills, Abilities & Credentials

Body – Paragraph 3 – Next Steps and/or Call to Action

Your Name printed under the signature

More Details – Graduate School Letter of Intent

Your name, address, and phone number: Include these details in your contact information area if sending an email

Date: date letter is being sent. There is no need to include the date when sending the letter electronically.

Name of the person the letter is addressed to, address, phone number: address the letter to the person chairing the admissions committee. If there is no name, call the university to obtain the full name, address, and phone number, otherwise use the admissions committee address.

Salutation: Keep it professional, Dear XXXX, use the appropriate salutation, e.g. Mr., Mrs., Ms., or keep it impersonal i.e. To The Admissions Committee

Body – Paragraph 1 – Introduction: Introduce yourself and cover why you are sending the letter. Mention the graduate program and position you are applying for.

Body – Paragraph 2 – Describe Academic Skills, Abilities & Credentials: Match your academic skills and credentials to the requirements of the graduate program. Focus on your strengths and why you are interested in this area of academic specialization and study.

Demonstrate how your undergrad degree, work experience, and other skills will benefit the university graduate program and areas of research.

Body – Paragraph 3 – Next Steps and/or Call to Action: Indicate your plan to follow up with the admissions committee. If the graduate program requests that follow-ups are not accepted, indicate that you look forward to hearing from the admissions committee.

Closing: Use professional business terms such as sincerely, respectfully, or best.

Signature: sign the letter, include your resume, and any other details requested. Send these items to the University admissions committee.

Your Name (printed under the signature)

Sample Graduate School Letter of Intent

Your name, address, and phone number

Current Date

Name of the person the letter is addressed to

Full University name and address, phone number

Dear Mr., Mrs. Miss (Name of Person), or To The Admissions Committee

I am writing to the university admissions committee and submitting my application to the graduate program in the university applied robotics program. I graduated from (name of university) and received my bachelor’s degree (name of degree) with an (x.xx GPA). I have followed your robotics program and believe it to be the best in the country.

My bachelor’s degree in (name of degree) provides an excellent background to the area of specialization I would like to pursue in my graduate program. I am intensely interested in this subject area and wish to explore the area further to contribute to advancing our understanding of this (subject). I have also included letters of recommendation from several professors supporting my bid to join the graduate program. During my final undergraduate year, my GPA was x.xx. I also ran tutorial classes for year 1 & 2 undergrad students. My grades, experience, training, and strong interest in the graduate program make me an excellent candidate for your program.

I look forward to hearing from the admissions committee. Please do not hesitate to contact me if further information is needed to support my application.

Respectfully

Signature: (sign the letter)

Graduate School Letter of Intent (Word Template)

The purpose of the Graduate School Letter of Intent is to make an introduction to the university and the members of the admissions committee. The letter should show how you will contribute to advancing the university graduate program in the area of study you are choosing. Customize the letter to match the requirements of the university and the graduate program. Keep it to one page and highlight your strongest skills and abilities related to the program.

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• Graduate School

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

Reading over some PhD motivation letter samples will give you an idea of how to make yours a strong, central component of your application to get into grad school . In addition to your grad school CV , a PhD motivation letter is a chance for you to demonstrate objectively why you are an excellent candidate for the faculty to which you are applying. Unlike a personal statement, a PhD motivation letter is distinct in its unique focus on your academic and research background with little mention of your personal story. This article will take you through the significance of the PhD motivation letter, describe what makes a stellar motivation letter, and provide examples. 

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Article Contents 11 min read

Do you need to write a phd motivation letter .

Yes, you must write a PhD motivation letter. It is mandatory for most, if not all, PhD programs, regardless of your field of study. Disciplines ranging from arts and humanities to physics and computer science all consider motivation letters (aka “statement of purpose” in some countries) a major component of your application.

Of course, you will also have to fulfill the other documentation requirements, like submitting your transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, but a motivation letter has a specific intent: to summarize your academic achievements up to the present and what you plan to achieve in the future at this particular school.

The faculty who ultimately consider your application look for how you and your PhD topic match with the mission and values of their program. Personal details and other motivations are best left to your personal statement or letter of intent because the motivation letter is strictly an academic summary.

A great PhD motivation letter should highlight how and why you are prepared for the rigors of PhD-level work. It should include the details of your academic career that have propelled you further into your field of study, like an inspiring professor or undergraduate course that sparked interest in your field.

The following list will provide more insights, but you should remember that whatever you write must be backed up by a concrete, real-world demonstration. It is not enough to say, “I am interested in XYZ because of XYZ.” You must include specific events in your undergraduate and graduate studies where you excelled.

If you are applying for a PhD, that in itself suggests you have a bevy of academic and extracurricular experience to glean from, be it co-authoring a published paper, your time as a TA, or some type of academic recognition. Many stand-out motivation letters single out specific instances when you showed an outsized passion for your studies.

Dos and Don’ts in a PhD Motivation Letter

1. Gain Skills and Experiences

The track to obtaining a PhD degree is a long one, which is why anyone who wants to become a PhD should commit early on to what it entails. All PhD candidates must have both an undergraduate and a master's degree to even apply, so that means structuring your studies around those requirements.

You should gain as much experience in your field, learn new skills related to your studies (a new language, for example, or technical skills), and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Gathering the necessary skills and experiences to enter a PhD program should be the first step, since they are a reflection of your commitment.

2. Start Writing Early

You should begin drafting your PhD motivation letter at least a few months before the deadline. Because it is one of the most important parts of your application, you want to give yourself time to refine it. Refining means going through multiple drafts, soliciting and receiving feedback from other candidates, getting professional grad school application help, and making changes as you go along.

3. Consider Your Audience

The people who will read your motivation letter are renowned academics who have devoted their lives to one particular subject. Your letter needs to reflect your respect not only for them, but for the field of study that you both share. You should write with genuine verve when talking about your topic. Remind them of why they committed so full-heartedly to their career by demonstrating how enthralled you are with your studies.

4. Use Active Voice

You should put “you” in your story. Avoid using the passive voice and hiding behind your achievements as if they spoke for themselves. The admissions committee members want to read about how you approached your studies and learn about your insights into the future of your field of interest. They do not want a cold recitation of your CV but a spirited defense or explanation of what you value most about your topic.

1. Don’t Forget About the Formatting

PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length. A rambling, incoherent letter is the last thing you want to submit, so make sure to keep it within the guidelines.

2. Don’t Include Personal Stories

A personal statement is the place for formative stories from the past, not your motivation letter. You can include personal thoughts and opinions about your field of study, even unfavorable ones, to show you have a unique perspective, but steer clear of using personal elements like early childhood experiences or anything unrelated to your program.

3. Don’t Ramble

Keep in mind that your writing and organizational skills are also on display when you submit your motivation letter, along with everything else about you (grades, college letter of intent , transcripts). Again, remember who you are writing for: professors with years of experience researching and writing. They, more than anyone, know what good writing looks like, so be concise and clear in your writing.

4. Don’t Shy Away from Failures

The collected experience of those reading your essay guarantees that they know a thing or two about failure. Whether it was an unpublished paper, or a failed experiment, showing your determination in the face of adversity paints a complete picture of who you are as a researcher and academic.

But, again, setbacks in your personal life should not be mentioned. Limit your story to problems you encountered during your undergrad, graduate, or research fellowships and how you sought to overcome them. Mention a class or subject you struggled with or a drop in your grades and how you improved them.

Structure of Your PhD Motivation Letter

The structure of a great motivation letter is easy to follow because its focus is so narrow. The body of your letter should only mention highlights from your academic career, in a very specific chronology starting with your undergrad and progressing from there. But the structure should also cover three main points:

You can adjust the structure based on the requirements of the PhD program you are applying to, but it should cover the reasons you want to commit yourself to this program, what you plan on achieving, and how you have prepared yourself to accomplish those goals. If you already went to grad school, then you can rework your college statement of purpose to use as a template.

PhD Motivation Letter Sample #1

Dear Members of the PhD Selection Committee,

My name is David White, and I am writing to you to express my interest in pursuing a PhD in the Migration Studies program at X University. I recently completed a Master of Ethnography at Y University with an emphasis on the cultural exchange between migrant communities and their adopted homelands viewed through the lens of shared trauma and memory.

In the media, migration is often described as a “crisis,” a designation that has always made me bristle. I assert that migration is one of the most fundamental aspects of our species, yet it has been flagrantly mislabeled to serve the political and socioeconomic interests of a few.

My research is centered around the ways that migrants form new identities based on their experiences. Conversely, I have also explored how an innate identity based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation impacts a migrant’s journey and how those markers expose them to further exploitation or, at the other end, fortify their resolve and inspire perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

The need for further investigation into identity and the interplay of migration and culture came into focus for me during my second-year undergrad Political Science degree at XYZ University. I was influenced by the work of writers like Franz Fanon and Edward Said, who questioned the foundations of a post-colonial identity and whether it was ever possible for colonized people to form an identity separate from their colonizers. I took an anthropology course, The Nature of Humans, that impacted me greatly. It prompted a Cartesian examination of my own beliefs around identity, as it firmly associated the emergence of human societies with factors such as migration, evolution, adaptability, and diversity.

During my time as a graduate student, I secured a place on a research project headed by Prof. Mohamed Al-Nasseri, a diaspora studies expert. Professor Al-Nasseri's thesis was that policymakers were ignoring the psychological profiles of migrants when assessing their material needs and financial assistance levels.

Our four-person investigative team liaised with a local, non-profit resettlement agency who connected us with volunteer migrant families based in University Town. Under the supervision of Professor Al-Nasseri, we formulated a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V for traumatic events, while taking into account the newly revised definitions.

Mindful of the possible triggering effect our questions could have, we invited a peer, fellow survivor/migrant, and, in some cases, a religious leader before we conducted the interviews or to sit-in on our interviews.

During the interviews, I felt both inspired and indignant. I maintained my composure and objectivity, but the fire within raged. Unfortunately, our findings were inconclusive and what we discovered in our interviews did not wholly support Dr. Al-Nasseri’s thesis. But the experience and motivation I took from the project were enough to fuel my desire to explore the topic of identity formation in migrant communities who have undergone severe trauma.

The Migration Studies program at your institution will provide what I consider the perfect research and support network to further my investigation of these topics. I have followed the work of the esteemed Dr. Ellerman whose research into the treatment of post-traumatic stress has informed the direction of my own research. Dr. Ellerman has opened new pathways for thinking about trauma that I wish to incorporate into my thesis project when the time comes.

Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this institution and am ready to discuss my future with you should my candidacy prove successful.

David White

My name is Melanie Hicks, and I am writing this letter to fulfill the admission requirements of the Visual Arts PhD Program at Z University. I have already submitted my audiovisual portfolio, CV, and transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from, respectively, my master’s degree supervisor, Dr. Dana Redmond, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Allan Lee, and my research colleague, Mark Fowler.

I would like to take this opportunity to expand further on the conceptual themes I have focused on in my artistic output over the past decade, contextualize the pieces I have submitted, and elaborate on the goals I have should my application to this program be successful.

My artistic career, from very early on, has been defined by modes of observation, the interplay of observation and reflection between subjects and objects within a sociopolitical realm, and the harnessing of Blackness as a form of radical self-interpretation – all of it couched within the media of still and moving images.

During my undergrad as a Fine Arts student at X University, I was lucky enough to be showcased at the Kepler Gallery for my series, Painted Faces, a collection of photographs I took while working as a freelance photographer for an independent newspaper in Chicago. My focus in that series was the effort and preparation female congregants of an all-Black church put into readying themselves for Sunday services.

After my undergrad, I traveled to Boston to volunteer in local after-school programs with children from minority backgrounds who had an interest in photography. All of them had grown up with easy access to a phone capable of taking crisp, digital images and had never taken film photographs, so it fell to me to show them how to develop prints in a darkroom.

As part of my portfolio, I have submitted photos I took during that time, along with selections from my Painted Faces series. I never constructed a specific narrative with the photos I took during my volunteer work, but they were informed by the social realist photographers and photojournalists who captured the Civil Rights Movement by participating in protests and documenting the unrest.

Gordon Parks is a major influence and part of the reason I am pursuing my PhD studies at this institution. Prof. Alys is a foremost expert on Parks’ work and curated the Parks Retrospective at the Local Museum. Parks himself said that the subject was always more important than the photographer, and I agreed with that statement for a long time, until I began reading Arthur Danto and his artist-centered philosophy of art. While many disagree with Danto’s definition of art as an elitist utopia, I would argue that he opens the gates to everyone, and that anyone can gain entry to the “artworld.”

There is no better exemplar, I think, of the democratization of the “artworld” first posited by Danto than Basquiat, who was not only “allowed” access to the “artworld” but redefined it, in his indomitable way. Basquiat’s quality of outsider-turned-insider and Danto’s liberating of the parameters of what defined art are central themes of my project to understand whether “outsider” artists still exist, given how new technologies and platforms have pushed Danto’s definitions beyond their logical boundaries, if not obliterated them completely.

I hope this program can help me refine my project while matching my urgency to further expand the definition of art and artists to be more inclusive of not only racial minorities, but non-binary and trans people, who are at the forefront of questioning the validity of assigned identities through the curation of their very genders or lack thereof.

I am grateful to this esteemed panel for considering my application, and I would like to close by expressing my profound admiration for the achievements in art, art theory, and the philosophy of art each of you has contributed to a long, continuing train of thought.

I would be honored to accept a place beside you as a PhD candidate.

Melanie Hicks

Motivation letters are used in areas other than academia, but a PhD motivation letter is different for several reasons. Regardless of your particular field of research, the letter should include important points about your academic achievements, research interests, and why you want to continue your research at the faculty to which you are applying.

Even though PhD motivation letters tend to be short – between 500 and 700 words – their length is often the most vexing thing about them. Because students have a hard time condensing their years of study and research into a few words, we hope this article will help you focus your writing and give you insight into what to include.

No, they are not the same. A motivation letter has many different applications but is primarily a summary of your academic and professional achievements. A personal statement is an essay explaining your personal reasons for wanting to enter a specific profession or academic institution.

You should focus only on concrete, real-world examples of how you performed, learned, or grew as the result of an event in your trajectory toward a PhD and how you plan on contributing something new to your field of study. You should also make sure to have enough material, in the form of experience or academic goals, to write a compelling letter.

PhD motivation letters are important because they let prospective PhD candidates distill their background and experience succinctly, so that selection committees can more easily judge their character, commitment, and potential. 

Some people do find it challenging to write a letter about themselves without rambling or sounding incoherent. But if you prepare ahead of time, think honestly about your answer, and write several drafts, you should be able to write an above-average letter. If you are still struggling you can also get application help from professionals. 

Programs tend to ask for either a one or two-page letter, between 700 and 900 words. 

You can talk about anything that has do to with your past work to get to the PhD level, including aspects of your academic career, internships, independent or supervised research, fieldwork in a specific context, and any work experience you have related to your field of study. 

You should not mention any personal motivations for wanting to pursue a PhD. You can write about your intrinsic motivations to become a doctor of philosophy in your personal statement, if you are asked to submit one with your application. 

PhD programs around the world have various entry requirements that differ among schools. Some institutions ask for a motivation letter, while others ask for a personal statement or letter of recommendation and letter of intent, which has elements of a motivation letter but is not the same. 

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Graduate School Letter of Intent

Letter of intent generator.

Before an individual is granted a school admission to a university or college to become a graduate student, he or she needs to submit an application to the particular school’s selection committee. Though there are few schools that do not require application documents, particularly letters of intent , the majority of the learning institutions necessitate them. If you are an individual who is looking to get into a prestigious school in pursuit of a master’s degree, then we highly recommend you check out our 9+ Graduate School Letter of Intent Examples that are available in PDF, DOC, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Apple Pages file formats.

9+ Graduate School Letter of Intent Examples in PDF | Ms Word | Google Docs | Pages

1. sample letter of intent for graduate school.

• Google Docs

Size: 200 KB

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5. Sample Graduate School Letter of Intent

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6. Simple Graduate School Letter of Intent

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7. Basic Graduate School Letter of Intent

8. Graduate School Campus Letter of Intent

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9. Letter of Intent for Graduate School in MS Word

10. Employment Letter of Intent Graduate School

What Is a Graduate School Letter of Intent?

A graduate school letter of intent is a document that acts as an application of a student who wishes to be enrolled in an academic institution to proceed in his or her advancement in schooling. According to Ellen McCammon in her 2017 article for PrepScholar, such a letter is used by a school’s admissions committee as a determinant as to why the applicant is interested in a graduate course, what his or her work will be, and why choose them to conduct the specified work. Needless to say, this type of document is going to need an ample amount of effort that should be carried out in the most meticulous manner.

Passion as a Key Factor

Admissions committees of schools have different standards in qualifying a graduate student. Though the factors vary depending on the institutions, it would not hurt to showcase how passionate you are on a certain line of studies. Being passionate about what you do can lead you to unimaginable things. That is the fact that many inspirational stories can very much relate to. In connection with a graduate school letter of intent, a student’s passion is one key to unlocking the door to achieving a successful application. How? Mainly by bringing out the excitement and sincerity of a student in stating his or her intentions and achievements about the field he or she is passionate about.

How To Write a Graduate School Letter of Intent

The previous sections made it clear how crucial a graduate school letter of intent is for a student who is applying to get into an academy. With that being said, composing this document must be done very carefully. To help you produce one flawlessly, we have placed our list of guidelines and insights for you below.

Step 1: Make a Brief Introduction

Every formal letter starts with a brief introduction from the sender. And, you should, too, in compliance with the long-established letter-writing tradition. Given that there are many applicants in an academy, it is very important to specify your name to ensure that your letter is most likely to be remembered by the receiver. Your introduction should be composed of three things, including a greeting, your name, and the school where you finished your undergraduate studies.

Step 2: State Intentions

As our letter’s name implies, you should include statements of your intentions. In your case, you are trying to get into an educational institution under a certain advanced degree program, so all you need to do is make the reason more elaborate. You can do this by mentioning how you knew of their advanced academic degree programs and why you are interested in entering your eyed program. Take note that colleges have many degree programs for graduate students. This is the reason why it is very important that you specify what program you want to become part of.

Step 3: Accentuate Accomplishments

One of the purposes of a graduate school letter of intent is to successfully get you into a university that offers the course that advances your line of studies, whether for master’s level or doctorate. For formal letters, the only way to persuade receivers in taking you in their university is to present your achievements. Hence, there is a need for you to recall what those accomplishments are. Moreover, it would be best if you attach proof of those accomplishments.

Step 4: Flatter the Academy

Allocate time and space flattering your eyed academy in your letter. Successfully do so by citing reasons why you chose them over their competitors which offer the same advanced degree programs. Aside from getting the receivers’ confidence, praising their institution also heightens their interest in your letter and the rest of your application documents, like your diplomas and school-related certificates.

What are the qualities of a good graduate school letter of intent?

An effective graduate school letter of intent must incorporate good qualities. These qualities must include a graduate student’s good communication skills on top of his or her persuasiveness, honesty, and commitment. The aforementioned features are what most universities’ application committees will be looking for. All of them focus on how you compose your document while showcasing the determination to get into the school.

What is the difference between a graduate and an undergraduate?

A graduate is a name that is given to a student who achieved a bachelor’s degree and is currently studying to get a master’s degree. On the other hand, an undergraduate is a name set to a student who is still currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Obviously, graduates are a level higher than undergraduates.

What are the major benefits of achieving a master’s degree?

There are many benefits when you hold a master’s degree. Few of the many include knowledge and skills specialization, advancement in career, higher earnings, and more professional connections. Since you took advanced course programs, your expertise in a certain field grows better than to what has been taught during your undergraduate days. Moreover, employers have higher regard to professionals who have master’s degrees. And with that, they put them in a job position that is higher than a regular employee that leads to higher earnings and more connections.

We cannot deny that education played a very vital role in an individual’s life. Because of the many benefits or advantages that it brings in employment or any aspect, seeking it out will never be easy. Admission to a graduate school is a good example of this situation. And, our list of examples is a great solution to any confusion you might have had about graduate school letter of intent.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create a letter of intent for applying to a specialized high school program

Formulate a letter of intent for a student seeking admission to an honors college.

Further Education

• Application Documents

Personal statement/letter of intent examples

Please do not copy these examples as Admission Directors will notice similarities with other candidates, and it will negatively impact your application.

Opening (example 1)

Opening (example 2), opening (example 3), fit: research-based (example 1).

The strong focus that [name of program, institution name] has in civil engineering and the particular research of Professors [name], [name], [name] align with my research area. I had the opportunity to meet with the three faculty members I am interested in working with and several of their graduate students, toured their research facilities and feel that my background of research in [area of research] would be a strong addition to this team. I plan to learn more about applying civil engineering through this degree in order to make a contribution to this field.

My research experiences include participation in a university research lab while holding an NSERC award where we collaborated with an industry partner, and my Fourth year design project as an undergraduate student. Both of these experiences enhanced my research abilities and understanding of the research process/methods to move forward on an area of research. During these research projects I collaborated with faculty members, post-docs, PhD candidates and undergraduate students. These collaborations highlighted the value of sharing ideas and reviewing current literature on a subject area.

Fit: Research-based (example 2)

One of the things that draws me to the [name of department] is the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. I know that [Professor’s name] is currently working on a SSHRC- funded project that looks at the philosophical underpinnings of planning and organizing space in urban contexts. My undergraduate Honours thesis looked at the effect of monuments on cultural memory, and I read a number of [Professor’s name] articles outlining [his/her] theoretical framework that ended up forming the basis for my work. I have spoken to [Professor] and [he/she] encouraged me to apply to [name of program], and has agreed to serve as my supervisor.

Fit: Course-based (example 3)

The breadth of courses focused on public health at [name of institution] is a strong fit for the area of public health I wish to pursue in the future. Additionally, the opportunity to complete a practicum in the field will allow me to bring the professional skills I have gained through my co-operative program to a new industry. My international volunteer experiences in public health have provided me with a unique perspective on global health and social determinants of health that I feel can be applied to public health agencies in Canada.

Fit: Professional (example 4)

I have been volunteering in several health care facilities for five years. My interaction with seniors in a long-term care facility, with children through Kidsability, and patients and health care professionals at Toronto General Hospital have allowed me to see various life stages and the struggle individuals and families have when impacted by an illness. Shadowing with a GP also showed me how a professional can struggle when there is not a positive outcome when a patient becomes ill.

Additionally, my natural ability to relate and be compassionate to others was emphasized while I was a Science Student Help Team Member. Many students that dropped into our office were distressed about their academic performance, work load, and ability to juggle volunteer positions. I provided a safe environment for them to talk, and because of the training we received through Counselling Services we knew when to refer students to other departments or resources on campus. Students have returned to our office to let me know that my support and advice made a difference in their lives. My goal is to continue that support as a medical professional.

Goals (example 1)

After completion of the Master of Science degree, my plan is to complete my PhD. I am currently working as an NSERC supported undergraduate research student, and this experience has given me exposure to a variety of analytical techniques and familiarized me with procedures and approaches in a lab environment. I am confident I want to pursue a career in research, whether in a university or industry setting, and pursuing graduate training will help me to reach this goal.

Goals (example 2)

With my interest in negotiation and mediation, and my experience in Human Resources, I am eager to enhance my knowledge through the Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources program at [name of institution]. My goal is to become a mediator and to further enhance my negotiation abilities that I developed through my undergraduate experience, in order to solve problems and resolve disputes with public and private organizations.

Goals (example 3)

Ever since I had the opportunity to serve as a Legislative Page when I was in high school, I knew that I wanted to work in public service, making a contribution to positive change in Canada. I know that my goal is not to become a politician, but the government has a strong need for people to serve as consultants in drafting policy. I am planning to complete my PhD in Philosophy of Ethics, and then pursue a Master of Public Service so that I can put the extensive knowledge and analytical skills to use in a very practical way.

Challenges/weaknesses

Challenges/weaknesses (example 1).

My grades in second year dropped due to my over involvement in extracurricular activities which included volunteering in several community agencies and clubs at the University of Waterloo. I evaluated all the activities I was involved in and identified the ones where I felt I had the most impact on others, and reduced my involvement in several. I have learned that it is better to provide better quality service instead of being spread too thin. I continue to try to use this format when making decisions about my involvement in activities. My grades now reflect my strong ability to succeed.

Challenges/weaknesses (example 2)

In my last year of university I reduced my course load in order to gain hands-on experience in several rehab clinics in my local region. This has enhanced my understanding of the speech language pathology profession as I was able to shadow several SLPs in different environments working with children and senior populations. In my previous undergraduate terms, I carried a full course load that often included one or more labs and was successful in the co-op process that required me to apply to jobs, interview for jobs, and secure a co-op position for each of my five work terms. My strengths will ensure I will be successful in a graduate-level program.

Focus on program/school

Focus on program/school (example 1).

I am very excited about the opportunities offered at Queen’s University in the Faculty of Law. Two opportunities that are most intriguing to me are the possibility of being able to participate in the Elder Law Clinic and completing an internship through the local hospice. I believe both these opportunities will provide me with a deeper awareness of working with a more senior population. Currently this is the population that I would most like to serve as a lawyer. Additionally, the courses on Alternative Dispute Resolution, Estate Legislation, and Health Law are of particular interest. I have attended the Queen’s Law Forum and talked to current Queen’s law students and believe I am the right fit for this program.

Focus on program/school (example 2)

As mentioned, my area of research focus aligns with several faculty members in the Department of Applied Health Sciences. I am excited to join the AHS research team, students, and faculty in order to resolve some of the challenges that society is struggling with around Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion Example 1

The skills I gained through my research, work terms, academic and extracurricular experiences will allow me to contribute to the research being conducted in the Department of [name of department] at the University of [name of institution]. I am excited about the possibility of conducting research in civil engineering and collaborating with the research group.

Conclusion Example 2

My five years of dedication to various health care agencies has proven that medicine is where I can have the most impact on others. My professionalism, academic excellence, leadership skills, empathy and compassion will be utilized in the MD program and in my future role as a physician.

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How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example)

Published: 11 Oct 2020 Scholarship Application 83,954 views

Do you want to apply for a scholarship and a letter of intent is needed. This article will guide you on how to write a good scholarship letter of intent (LOI) for your scholarship application. Further, in this article, we have made available over 4 PDF sample example letter of intent for scholarship application . You can download the LOI templates and study at your own convenient.

You will learn the following:

• What is a letter of intent (LOI)?
• Parts of a letter of intent (LOI)
• What to not do in a letter of intent
• Letter formatting for letter of intent
• Sample Scholarship letter of intent
• Sample Scholarship letter of intent pdf
• Examples of Scholarship letter of intents(LOI Templates)
• Letter of intent from parents
• Letter of intent for  masters degree
• Letter of intent for financial aid

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WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF INTENT

Generally, a letter of intent is a document that contains the writer's intentions to the reader. In the case of a scholarship award , a letter of intent can be referred to as a statement of purpose where you describe your plans for the future - while in the university or after, coupled with your educational background and other extracurricular activities to show that you are most eligible for the scholarship opportunity. It could be a letter of intent for government scholarship like a letter of intent for Turkish scholarship. The purpose of this letter of intent for scholarship is to express your personal motivation for choosing this particular course of study.

In this letter, you are permitted to write details about yourself that you believe would fascinate the committee. So let's see the different segments that make up a good letter of intent.

PARTS OF SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)

So what's the content of a brimming letter of intent for applying scholarship ? Well, university have varying standards. Whether, it’s a letter of intent for scholarship sample philippines or bursary letter of intent, every letter of intent should delineate certain facts that are very important to fulfill its purpose. Kindly follow along as we explain the following parts of a letter of intent.

• Paragraph 1: Introduction and educational goals
• Paragraph 2: Previous academic record
• Paragraph 3: Work - related experience and skills
• Paragraph 4: Future long term and short term goals

A cover letter for a job or a business has a mailing address on its top. So does a letter of intent for scholarship application. It should contain the sender's address on the right side followed by the date. The receiver's address will be placed on the left.

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Educational Goals

After you introduce yourself, you begin to analyse your study plan. That would mean that you have to relate the course of study you are interested in pursuing in the university you are applying for. Then continue with how the subject of your degree relate to career aspirations.

Paragraph 2: Previous Academic Record

In paragraph 2 and 3 lies your chance to show how passionate you are for the course of study. Specifically, in paragraph 2, you can discuss about your educational background, your courseworks and the knowledge you have acquired so far.

Paragraph 3: Work - Related experience and skills

So you must have some work - related experience. After all, that's why you want the scholarship - to study a course that would facilitate your career by enlisting your short - term and long term goals. So tell the committee about it. Let them know how serious you are for this venture in your letter of intent for school scholarship.

Paragraph 4: Future short and long term goals

In the concluding remarks of your letter, you can explain how intentional you are about your career by enlisting your short term and long term goals. In that way, letter of intent for scholarship template will sound purposeful and breathing a battery of inspirations.

SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF INTENT FORMATTING

The structure and layout of your LOI is as important as its content. This means that you have to pay undiluted attention on ways of making the letter of intent eye - catching and edible. Only a good letter of intent for scholarship format can give you that. So here are the following tips:

• Maximum number of pages will be 2
• Set one inch margin on all sides
• The content should be left align
• Line spacing is 1 or 1. 5 inch
• Double spacing between the paragraphs
• Send the letter of intent in a PDF file

WHAT NOT TO DO IN A SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF INTENT

In the section of Parts of Scholarship letter of intent, we exhausted the detailed information that must be shared when writing a letter of intent. Now we will give extra guidelines on writing a mesmerizing LOI by enlisting what you should not do when writing a letter of intent.

• Don't repeat what is composed on your CV

Don't make a flat introduction

• Don't sweat over making the letter sound numerous
• Don't write your letter on the last minute
• Don't fail to proofread

Don't repeat what is written in your CV

Your CV is your CV and the letter of intent is the statement of intent for scholarship. Granted, there might be areas where the two documents would meet (eg work experience, education etc). However, you would agree with us that not all details of your job responsibilities are included in your CV. If so, you can save them for the letter of intent sample for applying scholarship.

Learn how to write a good scholarship CV/Resume

In the following sample letter of intent for scholarship application, your letter of intent simply has to be engaging. The committee of the university will consider your application when your letter starts with an intelligent introduction. It doesn't have to be cliché. In the subsequent example of letter of intent for applying scholarship, you will see that it just has to be tremendously interesting.

Don't sweat over making the letter sound humorous.

So you want to steal the hearts of the committee? Awesome, sounding positive in the letter of intent for school application is key but trying to make it jocular might boomerang against you. Why? Well, because what is funny to you might not be funny to the reader. In essence, you might not be on the same frequency with the reader. So why jeopardize your entry to the school? So therefore, you are advised to stick to sounding optimistic and goal oriented.

Don't compose your LOI on the last minute

This point cannot be overemphasized. It is crucial that you take your time in writing the letter of intent for scholarship. Otherwise, you may omit valuable information that should be included. Start writing your letter of intent in scholarship as early as possible. Rush work is no good method.

Don't fail to proofread your LOI

You might be well - pleased with the content of your LOI. But the format of letter of intent for scholarship, grammatical and spelling errors are not overlooked by the committee. They will have a lot of gravity when the reader assesses your letter of intent scholarship template so always proofread. It is extremely vital.

EXAMPLE OF LETTER OF INTENT FOR SCHOLARSHIP (LOI TEMPLATE)

Based on the structure, content and tips aforementioned, we have a sample scholarship letter of intent that would bring the suggestion to life. Here is a sample letter of intent for scholarship from Jasmine Tigers, who plans to study International Marketing Management at the University of Texas. The template will serve as a guide while wrinting your own LOI. If you have not found any scholarship yet, checkout these ongoing masters scholarships you can apply for right now.

Jasmine Tigers,

55, Wellspring Street,

St Catherine, Ontario,

21 - 09 - 2020

Admission Committee,

University of Texas,

Austin, Texas

United States of America

Dear Committee,

My name is Jasmine Tigers. I am well - pleased to apply for a scholarship to study International Marketing Management at the University of Texas. I wish to obtain a Master's Degree in that course as it would augment my first degree in Public Relations and Advertising and parlay my work experience.

I can feel myself as incurably passionate about marketing. I have always had an uncontrollable fervor for promoting services and products that improve the standard of living. This zeal propelled me to study Public Relations and Advertising here in Ontario. While studying, I got acquainted with varying practices that can facilitate marketing schemes and support good corporate social responsibility. This course made me thoroughly involved in advertising. I spearheaded most of the project assignment and workshops in public awareness. I also left school campaigns on campus with measurable success.

My work experience was a continuation of the record I set for myself. I became the Assistant PR of two news agencies and the Director of Advertising of a media company. I plan PR campaigns and strategies, monitor the public opinion of my clients of my organization and maintained the desired image of the companies I worked for. My contribution to the companies I work for resulted to my motivation as the employee of the year.

My short term goals to obtain a Master's degree in International Marketing Management. I want to be exposed to broader aspects of marketing. Particularly, my long term goal is to lead a marketing department of a multinational company with International audience. I am looking forward to discussing about how we can have an interchange of ways in which we can actualize the goods of department and mine.

Best Regards,

Jasmine Tigers.

SAMPLE SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) PDF

So we hope you enjoyed reading the previous sample intent letter for scholarship. That's a perfect guide for you. But you can have the pdf version of it right here in this article. It is a downloadable pdf letter of intent for scholarship. Follow the link below to download the template

Download Letter of Intent (LOI) for Scholarship

LETTER OF INTENT (LOI) FOR SCHOLARSHIP FROM PARENTS

Parents, do you want your child to have a scholarship? Here is one thing you can do. Compose a smashing letter intent for scholarship. The following example of intent letter for scholarship would give a taste of what we mean:

Download Letter of Intent (LOI) for Scholarship From Parents

SCHOLARSHIP LETTER OF INTENT FOR MASTERS DEGREE .

Do you intend to study on a postgraduate level? Totally, understood. Let's make this right. A scholarship letter of intent  for Msc degree needs to have some key details to capture the attention of the committee. Here is a letter of intent sample scholarship.

Download Scholarship Letter of Intent (LOI) for Masters Degree

Find ongoing study abroad masters scholarships for international students

SCHOLARSHIP LETTER FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 

What if you are interested in studying at a postgraduate level but don't have the financial wherewithal to proceed with the studies. How can you compose an appealing letter of intent when you are in need of financial aid? The following example letter of intent for scholarship will answer that question. Follow  the link below to download the template

Download Scholarship Letter for Financial Assistance

Evidently, a letter of intent (LOI) for scholarship is a statement of purpose that needs to be written in a well - structured manner. Educational background, skills, work experience need to be captured. These are details that you will definitely see in sample letter of intent for scholarship application. When you follow the steps closely, you will have an excelling scholarship letter of intent.

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