Tips to Writing Admission Winning Essays
Okay, so after taking some time to think on when to go for my postgraduate degree, I decided to go for it now. During my search and applications to universities for my postgraduate degree, I was responsible for coming up with letters of motivation, also known by some institutions as a letter of intent or statement of purpose. I applied to several institutions abroad, choosing courses around my field of interests, each one requiring a motivation letter – it was quite the task!
This article will be covering few personal tips on how to write admission winning essays or letter of motivation. The letter among other requirements went a long way in determining my admission in each of the school I applied to, and yes, I secured admissions into a few of the schools I chose. You win some and lose some yeah?
A letter of motivation is a personalized document written like a formal letter where you give short, relevant and insightful information about yourself with regards to your chosen course of study. I would call It an avenue to sell yourself.
Below are some tips that would guide you in writing admission winning essays.
1. Be original.
This is one tip I would prioritize as very important. In my first attempt at writing a letter, I found myself copying most of the contents on the internet. Then I had a rethink, “what if I get busted for plagiarism?” I had to get down and do the work. Please do not copy what you see on the internet as your own motivation letter. You can get ideas on the internet, however, let them simply remain as guidelines. Everyone has their unique traits and reasons why they have chosen a course. Pen down yours and develop it. It might seem a little challenging, but you can do it!
2. Make research/due diligence.
The Internet is filled with the bulk of resources about how to write a letter on that particular field you have chosen to study. Make research about the course, the school you have chosen what makes the school stand out among other schools. Facts you got about the institution. This goes a long way in proving you didn’t just choose the school randomly but because of the great and excellent features they’ve got.
3. Ideas and main points.
Start with penning down ideas. Write a summary of the key points you would like to cover in your letter as it comes to mind. It doesn’t have to be organized. Just write as it flows, then you can subsequently pick out more important points, develop and organize them.
Some of the points might be:
- Why are you going for a postgraduate degree? Here, you should focus on your motivation behind going for a graduate studies program
- What motivated your interest to take the course? This can be an array of things like your childhood experience, a course you took sometime back, your environment, government, and anything whatsoever that fueled your interest.
- Why do you think the program is suitable for you? Here you should focus on your qualification, achievements, experiences, and qualities, all in respect to the chosen course. Be precise and detailed.
- State why you have chosen the school and how you would like to benefit from the wealth of knowledge in the school and many other good things you have read or heard about them.
- You can conclude by reaffirming your interest in the program. Appreciate the opportunity given to express your interest and to study the course if given, and how well you would utilize it.
Finally,
4. Be professional and consistent.
You don’t want your letter to seem like that of a toddler. Look out for spelling errors, abbreviations, punctuations, and fonts. Do not shorten your words because you assume the reader would understand, they most likely wouldn’t, so spell them out in full. Above all, structure and organize your letter so as to aid easy understanding.
Let’s know your thoughts below on other tips that may help. Please, feel free to ask us questions in the comment section below, or click here