Crafting a Winning Letter of Intent for Graduate School
A letter of intent for graduate school serves as your introduction to the admissions committee, showcasing your academic background, research interests, and why you believe their program is the perfect fit. It’s more than just stating your intention to apply; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your passion, highlight relevant experiences, and articulate your future goals. A well-crafted letter can significantly enhance your application.
Understanding the Key Elements
Before diving into the samples, let’s outline the crucial components of an effective letter of intent. Begin with a strong opening that clearly states your intention to apply. Follow this with a concise summary of your academic qualifications and relevant experiences. Then, elaborate on your specific research interests and how they align with the program’s faculty and research areas. Finally, express your enthusiasm for the program and articulate your future career aspirations. The samples below illustrate these points effectively.
5 Sample Letters of Intent for Graduate Programs
Sample 1: Focus on Research Alignment
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Intent – Application for PhD in Biology
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in applying to the PhD program in Biology at [University Name]. My research experience in [Specific Research Area] at [Your University] has instilled in me a deep passion for [Specific Research Area]. Professor [Professor’s Name]’s work on [Professor’s Research] particularly resonates with my interests. I am confident that my skills and research background align well with the program’s focus on [Program Focus]. I am eager to contribute to the research being conducted at [University Name] and pursue a career in [Career Goal].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Highlighting Relevant Experience
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Intent – Application for Master of Public Health
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my intent to apply to the Master of Public Health program at [University Name]. My two years of experience as a [Your Role] at [Organization Name] has provided me with firsthand experience in addressing public health challenges, specifically in [Specific Public Health Area]. I am particularly interested in the program’s emphasis on [Program Emphasis]. I believe my skills in [Relevant Skills] and my dedication to improving public health outcomes make me a strong candidate. I am confident that this program will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in [Career Goal].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Career Goals and Program Fit
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Intent – Application for Master of Computer Science
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to formally express my intention to apply to the Master of Computer Science program at [University Name]. My career goal is to become a [Your Desired Role] specializing in [Specific Area of Computer Science]. I was particularly drawn to [University Name]’s program because of its focus on [Specific Program Focus] and its reputation for producing graduates who are leaders in the field. I have a strong academic background in [Your Academic Background] and I am confident that I possess the skills and dedication necessary to succeed in your challenging program. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant learning environment at [University Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Showcasing Unique Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Intent – Application for Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my strong intent to apply to the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at [University Name]. As a writer with [Number] years of experience in [Genre], I have honed my skills in [Specific Writing Skills] and developed a unique voice that I believe will contribute positively to your program’s diverse literary landscape. I was particularly impressed by [Professor’s Name]’s workshop on [Workshop Topic] and believe my writing style would resonate well with their approach. I am eager to further refine my craft and explore new literary avenues within the supportive and challenging environment offered at [University Name]. I aspire to publish a [Type of Publication] and contribute to the literary community upon graduation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Combining Academic and Professional Experiences
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Intent – Application for MBA
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my intention to apply to the MBA program at [University Name]. My academic background in [Your Academic Background] combined with my [Number] years of professional experience in [Your Industry] at [Your Company] have equipped me with a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills]. During my time at [Your Company], I successfully [Quantifiable Achievement]. I am particularly drawn to [University Name]’s program because of its emphasis on [Program Emphasis]. I believe my analytical skills, leadership experience, and passion for [Industry/Area of Interest] will allow me to thrive in your program. My goal is to leverage the knowledge and skills gained at [University Name] to become a [Career Goal] and contribute to the success of [Type of Company].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Crafting a strong letter of intent is a crucial step in your graduate school application. These samples provide a solid foundation for you to adapt and personalize your own letter. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific program you’re applying to, highlighting your unique skills, experiences, and aspirations. Good luck with your applications!