Writing a college application letter does not have to be a stressful or difficult experience, but it should be taken seriously and written with care. You should consider your audience and the purpose of what you’re writing, just as you would with any other piece of writing. Make sure not only to promote yourself, but also to demonstrate how you, as a prospective student, would be a good fit for the college or university to which you are applying. The text of your college application letter is just as important as the content, so make sure it’s free of spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and texting slang or spelling.
You should approach your college application letter in the same way you would any other piece of writing, with a focus on the purpose and audience. The purpose of a college application letter is to get accepted into the college or university. This may seem self-evident, but it is something to consider as you write your letter. Mention specific college programs you’re interested in, as well as your own academic performance and extracurricular activities that align with the school’s programs.
When writing a college application letter, you must also consider your audience. This is something you should be aware of in both a general and specific sense. In general, keep in mind that you’re writing to someone in charge of admissions at a university who has probably read dozens or hundreds of similar letters. This implies that you want your letter to be noticed. Make points about who you are, why you should attend the school, and how you can make a significant contribution to the college.
On a more personal level, whenever possible, your college application letter should address a specific person. Do some research and find out who will most likely be reading your letter, then use that person’s name in your letter. Instead of “To whom it may concern,” address the letter to “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Peterson.” Instead of vague assertions of your interest in your future education, make specific references to programs at the school that you are interested in.
Your college application letter, like any professional or educational letter, should be free of spelling and grammatical errors. It’s a good idea to go over it several times and have others read it to make sure it’s clear and concise. In order to keep your letter professional in tone, you should avoid using slang or spelling commonly found in text messages. It’s also a good idea to thank the person for their time and include a positive note like “I hope to hear from you soon.”