So you want to go to grad school? Good for you! Your first trial, oh worthy contender, is to get through the admissions process.
Your quest will demand transcripts, reference letters, and the all important letter of intent, which is where you'll prove to the admissions committee that you're the perfect fit for the master's program.
Fear not, brave scholar! I'm an admissions officer who reads letters of intent all day, and I’m here to share my top tips with you. Pay heed, so you can be on your way to craft a letter of intent that truly shines.
1. Research the Program
Any adventurer worth their salt knows a journey begins with gathering intel.
This may sound obvious...but RESEARCH the master's program you are applying to. You should understand the specific requirements, focus areas, and faculty interests. This will help you tailor your letter of intent to demonstrate how your background, interests, and goals align with the program.
For example, if there is a research experience requirement noted, you should describe your research involvement in your letter of intent.
Pro Tips for Your Letter of Intent 👍
Review the program's learning outcomes, courses, professional registration eligibility, etc. to make sure this program will meet your needs.
Note the application deadline and requirements so you can prepare well in advance.
Take note of specific faculty members, research, courses, or experiences you're particularly interested in and be prepared to include those.
If the program provides prompts or questions be ready to speak to these!
Quiz
Sonya is applying a clinical psychology master's program. Which of these experiences would be most relevant to include in a letter of intent? Select all that apply:
2. Use Appropriate and Clear Language
Communication in the common tongue is an invaluable tool for aspiring sages. This means that how you write your letter of intent is nearly as important as what you write.
You are applying to a graduate-level program and your ability to put together a polished and coherent argument will be key to your success in the master's program.
Pro Tips for Your Letter of Intent 👍
Be clear, concise, and professional.
Avoid fluff. Every sentence should serve a purpose.
Share your knowledge of the field using appropriate terminology.
Showcase your technical or academic writing skills if that will be expected in the program.
Don't plagiarize and don't get AI to write your essay. Many admissions offices check for plagiarism and can spot an AI-generated essay a mile away.
Proofread your work! Don't let typos and grammatical errors slip through.
If you must submit a letter of intent in a language that you are still learning, disclose if you use an editor or translator.
If you'd like to include a writing sample or publication, provide a link to it rather than attaching it.
3. Highlight your Experiences and Qualities
Now is the time to don your laurels and let your brilliance shine!
Emphasize your academic accomplishments, relevant professional experiences, and any research projects or publications that showcase your expertise and potential for success in the master's program.
Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges of graduate-level work and how they relate to your future goals.
Communication in the common tongue is an invaluable tool for aspiring sages. This means that how you write your letter of intent is nearly as important as what you write.
You are applying to a graduate-level program and your ability to put together a polished and coherent argument will be key to your success in grad school.
Pro Tips for Your Letter of Intent 👍
Include relevant and specific experiences as examples that show how you meet the admission criteria.
Include reflections on how your experiences impacted your academic or professional journey.
Avoid being vague or speaking in generalities; the admissions officer wants to hear about you and your experiences!
Don't lie! You may very well be asked to expand upon your disclosures.
Talk about your expectations of the program and what you hope to get out of it. Make sure these are aligned with the program outcomes!
If part of your interest is related to facilities, a study abroad opportunity, or finances, it's okay to say that. Authenticity is important to admissions officers!
4. Demonstrate your Commitment to the Field
Let your passion blaze like a beacon, guiding the way! Show your enthusiasm for your field of study and your dedication to pursuing this degree. Explain why you're passionate about your chosen field and how the program will help you achieve your long-term goals.
This part is tricky because admissions officers want to see genuine interest, but do not want to be pandered to.
Pro Tips for Your Letter of Intent 👍
Be prepared to explain, briefly, where your passion or interest comes from and where you want to go! How do you hope to impact the field or make a difference in your community?
Reach out to one or two individual faculty members to express your interest in their area of focus. Having a faculty member familiar with you (and hopefully interested in you!) is an excellent predictor of being selected.
Attend academic seminars, workshops, or talks at the college if possible. You'll stay current in the field and you'll get to meet faculty and current students.
You may be asked to participate in an interview. Brush up on the foundational information you'd be expected to know!
Quiz
Kenou doesn't have a very strong undergraduate GPA. He wants to find a way to express his commitment to the program he's applying for. What should he do?
Take Action
Assemble some trusted allies and steel your nerves. It's time to act!
Here are a few short tasks to get you warmed up for your letter of intent:
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