How to Write a Letter of Intent for Graduate School

Many graduate schools will ask you to include a letter of intent along with your application when applying for graduate school. This is a short statement usually limited to one page. In this letter, you will outline your accomplishments and let the admissions office know why you want to attend the school.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Create an outline of points you want to make sure you cover in your letter of intent. This will allow you to create a plan that can be used to compose your letter in a logical fashion.

2. Plan to be enthusiastic and honest throughout your letter. You want to convince the admissions officer that you really want to attend the school and you have passion to bring to your studies. You also want to make sure that you are honest about yourself and the details of why you want to attend the school; they will be able to check the facts you present. If you inflate the truth or lie about your background, it's easily tracked.

3. Introduce yourself and let the admissions officer know who you are and why you want to attend the graduate school. Talk about your background and clearly state why you would be a good fit for the school.

4. Examine your strengths and weaknesses. When addressing your weaknesses, explain what you are doing to change them into strengths and convey confidence that you know you can do so.

5. Write about your plans after graduate school. Let the admissions officer know the impact this particular graduate school will have on your future. Painting a picture of success for yourself will also show that you are confident and determined.

6. Proofread the letter several times and ask someone else to proofread it for you. Spelling or grammar mistakes are very noticeable to someone who reads many letters a day. Errors will provide a reason that you can be eliminated as a choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't boast when writing your letter. Be confident in a realistic way without sounding over confident.