Cover letters are usually written to accompany scholarship applications or other academic applications. They describe the training and characterizing skills of the candidate, as they fit together with the program in question. Learn how to start a cover letter by carefully reviewing the application and writing a personal story of how the program does for you.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part 1: Demand Analysis
Step 1. Research the course or university you are applying for
Try to analyze, as thoroughly as possible, what you consider the highlights of the course.
Put together 5 reasons why you would want to go to this university or attend this program more than any other
Step 2. Answer a few questions about your motivation before you start writing
The following are good things to consider before trying to write about yourself at a university.
- Ask yourself what parts of your life have to do with your interest in that field. Think about the difficulties, the mentors who have influenced you and the growth gained through this course of study.
- List the things that set you apart from other candidates. It can be your family situation, health status, successes, special projects, or anything else that sets you apart.
- Specify your career goals. This program should help you fulfill your ambitions.
- Explain the work you have done, academic or any other type (but related to the program). Make sure you can link your question to compelling reasons why you have experience and qualities that will help you succeed.
Method 2 of 4: Part 2: First Draft
Step 1. Write freely about yourself for 5-10 minutes and why this university is perfect for you
Admissions officers often find themselves reading the same generic expressions of excitement about a program. Ask yourself if you are repeating something you have already heard.
- Freewheeling writing can give you a chance to dig deeper than you originally wrote. You are more likely to be able to move beyond a generic answer after clearing your head and writing about your two real reasons for a while.
- If you find yourself repeating that you have wanted to study that subject since you were little, you will probably not be particularly precise and original. If your answer applies to most candidates, then your presentation won't be effective enough.
Method 3 of 4: Part 3: Revisions
Step 1. Structure your cover letter to tell a story
Write a first draft and structure it as if you were writing the plot of a story about your relevant life and academic experiences.
- The first one or two sentences should introduce you with a distinctive trait of your interest and passion for the subject.
- Follow this introductory paragraph with tests of why you are exceptionally motivated to attend the school in question. Include information about your qualities, experiences, and goals. This is the chance to show the research you have done on the school itself and why the program is perfect for you.
- Back up any claims about your abilities with evidence or statistics. Don't just tell the admissions officers how great you are; try it with prizes, achievements, scores and work goals, if relevant.
- Address possible objections. If there are holes in your academic or work history, talk about them.
Step 2. Review your answers to make sure you answer the specific questions posed in the application
Some applications make very specific requests, others more general.
Keep in mind that you should write a new cover letter for each program you are applying for. Writing bespoke admissions questions, just like CVs, is the best way to avoid the hackneyed answers that will be scrutinized in the admissions offices
Step 3. Remove statements, or even paragraphs, that are not important to the examining board
You are writing about yourself in connection with the program, so delete irrelevant information.
Step 4. Check that the information is not repeated in multiple parts of the question
This is your opportunity to explain why you should be chosen, beyond the questions you have already answered.
Method 4 of 4: Part 4: Fix
Step 1. Read the cover letter aloud and check that the form is not verbose
Step 2. Correct carefully to check for spelling and grammatical errors
These are common mistakes in autobiographical essays, but they can also lead directly to your application being rejected. Never rely solely on automatic spell checking.
Step 3. Ask a friend to check the content and grammar
Edit where necessary.
Step 4. Contact anyone you know within the program, or job, or university
Ask them to read your question and suggest changes they might like in the assessment.
