Writing A Letter Of Intent For Grad School

When applying to grad schools, applicants are customarily asked for either a Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose, Résumé, or Curriculum Vitae (CV). But there is one other document some schools require to be submitted – the Letter of Intent (also known as Letter of Interest). The Letter of Intent for graduate school is, in its essence, an intellectual autobiography that chronicles the series of events and experiences in a student's academic life that have motivated them to pursue higher education. Thus, this statement of interest in graduate school focuses on a student's academic life, addressing questions such as why, where, and with whom, and answers the same questions from a future perspective.

Important: It is worth noting that each graduate school and/or program may have its independent and unique requirements for a Letter of Intent. The contents, suggestions, and opinions in this article can only serve as guidelines. Therefore, students are advised to check for the school's exact requirements, including specific content, format, sections, length, etc.

There are largely two ways of writing a Letter of Intent, one keeping it formal – emphasizing specific achievements about the application and one's goals, and the other keeping it personal – with emphasis on who one is and why one is committed to completing grad school. However, irrespective of the chosen style, it is important to keep in mind the style, format, and nuances of a letter and invoke all that was learned throughout the academic years about effective letter writing.

Writing the best Letter of Intent for graduate school must always be short, precise, concise, and informative and contain all the expected and essential elements. It is also best to avoid generalizations and clichés, focusing instead on one's academic and career objectives. Students should also not blow their trumpet about being diligent, hard-working, and conscientious, which may be construed as a waste of space and time. Instead, it would be prudent to get straight to the point and convey to the reader only pertinent information to the application. Writers should also refrain from including extraneous material and points that do not effectively communicate the letter's object.

Aside from these crucial observations and suggestions, here are some simple steps to writing a Letter of Intent:

(a) Collect information from the student prospectus, program guide, or college website.

(b) Analyse this information to see if the program in question is suitable and covers all career objectives.

(d) Prepare a template with simple pointers and start writing the first draft.

(e) Review the draft, editing and making changes as necessary.

(f) Write the second draft and review it for spelling errors, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and typos.

(g) Show this second draft to at least 2 or 3 prominent people within the family or at school, preferably to those whose English is strong and have at least some experience writing similar documents.

(h) Make changes and corrections based on the feedback received on the second draft.

(i) Prepare the final Letter of Intent and review it one last time.

(j) Print the Letter of Intent on crisp, crease-free sheets of white paper and do not fold them. If the school requires the document to be submitted online, create a PDF (Portable Document Format) version, and upload it as instructed.

Based on all that has been explained in prior sections of this article, a Sample Letter of Intent for graduate school becomes easier to write. This sample letter can also serve as a preliminary template for students to write their first draft.

Below is a graduate school letter of Intent example that is entirely fictional and more from a personal approach than a formal one. Students can use this as a guide or as a reference to get started with writing their completely original Letter of Intent:

< The Applicant >

< My Communication Address >

< My Phone Number & Email Address >

< Today's Date >

Attention: Mr. Tim Burton, Graduate Admissions Committee, The University

Dear Mr. Burton,

Opening Paragraph: A brief introduction and the reason/s for pursuing graduate study.
I am applying for the Fall 2021 Master of Art Therapy graduate program at The University. My recent discovery of exemplary work in art and psychology, done by the staff and alumni, has inspired and convinced me beyond the shadow of a doubt that pursuing my graduate studies at The University meets my personal, academic, and professional objectives.

Main Paragraphs: Explain why the field was chosen. Mention academic, professional, or volunteer background and how they may have led you to your interest in obtaining graduate education.
I completed my formal education at The School in 2020 and have strived to maintain a good academic track record throughout, right up to my Bachelor's in Psychology. Ever since my early childhood, I showed a leaning towards art and discovered how it helped me express myself and balance my emotions, even under trying circumstances. As I grew up, I observed that others around me took to various forms of expression – dance, music, pottery, sculpting, and painting – and these seemed to do the same for them, what art did for me. This realization kindled my interest in the psychology behind art, and it was then that I decided that Art Therapy is my calling.

With my newfound passion, I used my summer and winter breaks in the recent bygone years to work with volunteer groups that catered to children with disabilities or senior citizens who feared their sunset years. I taught them to sketch, draw, and paint, and no matter how good or bad they were at it, they showed a marked improvement in their mental health and emotional wellbeing. In July 2019, I was awarded the 'Most Valuable Volunteer' by The Charitable Organization, based on feedback from The Old Age Home residents. I know I have a long way to go before I can impact society, but graduate studies in Art Therapy at The University, I am sure, are certain to teach me all I need, to change and touch the lives of many.

Closing Paragraph: Answer the question – why you? And mention how the graduate program and/or college will assist in reaching goals.
I am certain that my qualification in psychology and my passion for art can be of value to The University, the Master of Art Therapy graduate program, faculty, and student. And in turn, they will fuel my desire to acquire deeper knowledge, develop new skills, and help me drive my research in inventing more effective therapies and techniques for disadvantaged people. In closing, I would like you to consider me for admission to the Master of Art Therapy program, commencing in the Fall of 2021. I would deem it a privilege and an honor to be part of The University. Sincerely, The Applicant.