How to Write to the Director of Admissions
Writing to any college or university's Director of Admissions is an intimidating task. Your final written product is the first impression the Director receives regarding you and your character, as well as regarding whether you would fit with the school's academic environment. Consequently, that final written product could be the only impression the Director receives. If it is written poorly or inappropriately, the Director could elect to reject the application. But if you take your time, write carefully and enlist some help, you can, with effort, compose a successful letter to the Director of Admissions.
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Instructions
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Analyze your college's application and the writing prompt or prompts included. Is the Director of Admissions seeking a particular kind of answer? Is everything factual and to the point, or is there room for creativity? Is the Director looking for a direct letter or a distinct essay? If provided with multiple prompts, which question, when answered, would present your best self?
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Write openly and honestly, answering the question or questions at hand completely and without digressing. Say as much as possible in as few words as possible while focusing on maintaining clarity.
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Self-edit. First look for minute spelling and grammatical errors, then read thoroughly for content, ensuring that your entire piece appropriately fits the writing prompt. Revise as necessary.
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Seek other editors. Ask for help from peers who are adept with the written word, and progress to advice and revisions from tutors, guidance counselors and instructors. Revise as necessary.
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Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you are fully satisfied with the piece you wrote.
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Research the college's information. A letter to the Director of Admissions will look more impressive with a formal address using the Director's name rather than a generic "Dear Director of Admissions." Also, use your research to verify the proper mailing address and routing for your application and letter. Mail everything according to the instructions enclosed in your application (business letter envelope, manila envelope, etc.).
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Tips & Warnings
Research the school in question. Do they have extracurricular programs that suit your needs and desires? Schools like active participation in the campus community. If it fits with the theme of your letter, demonstrate your desire to contribute to the college.
Don't be afraid to brag. This is an opportunity to show the best of yourself through your written word. Just exercise proper judgment in your "bragging." Don't create an image of yourself if you can't live up to it.
Conversely, don't be afraid to talk about a time you erred or were humbled. This, when written well, can show more character than your accomplishments.
Concise and content-rich are key. Admissions Directors receive thousands of letters and essays every year. No Director wants to read through five pages of weak writing or minimal substance.
Feel free to use humor or creativity in your letter or essay to the Director of Admissions, but be judicious in your choices. Use them only if the writing prompt allows, and differentiate between well-thought-out humor and ill-attempted wit.
Don't "lose your voice." When going through the editing process, an essay or letter can subtly take on the tone and voice of each editor. Take your editors' opinions and constructive criticisms to heart, but ensure that your edits, tweaks and final product still sound like you.
Do not wait until the last minute! Colleges and universities often have application deadlines. Waiting will make you rush -- and potentially jeopardize -- your written work as well as risk the application not arriving in time.
