application letter for college admission example

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How to Write an Application Letter for University (+Sample Included)

You’ve done the soul-searching and have finally figured out what you want to study in university. Great! Now, it’s time to apply. After preparing your transcripts, recommendations, and application form, you sit down for the most challenging part: your university application letter.

A well-written and attractive university application letter is an integral part of your university application package. Your university application letter is an extension of yourself and should clearly outline your motivation for applying to the university and how your acceptance can propel your future goals.

Writing the university or college application letter can be a daunting task; after all, it may mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. Universities place great importance on university application letters and an outstanding letter can not only result in your acceptance but also land you a scholarship! However, writing your application letter for university is a good exercise in figuring out how you apply what you want to study to what you want to do in the future!

This article will cover everything you need to know about the university application letters and will give you the tips and tricks you need to take yours to the next level!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Is a University Application Letter?

What to include in a cover letter for university application, how to write and format an application letter for university, tips on how to write an application letter for university admission, university application letter example, cover letter for university admission template.

A university application cover letter is unique from other application letters such as motivation letters for university, letters of interest for university applications, and recommendation/reference letters for university applications. Here is the difference between the three:

University application letter : Describes your motivation for studying at a particular university, your academic and future professional goals, and your accomplishments.
University motivation letter : Speaks about your motivation for studying and focuses more on why you have chosen to study a particular subject at the university.
Reference/application letter : A letter that is written for you as an assessment of your accomplishments and character by a past employer, teacher, or other senior individuals.

A university application letter is highly personalizable, yet contains the following base points:

Motivation for applying to the university
How will you benefit from and apply what you want to study
Relevant accomplishments and skills
Strong closing with a call-to-action statement

When reading your college admissions cover letter, admission officers expect to find all of these points, so they should be specifically tailored to both the university and program you are applying to!

📚 Further reading: Cover Letter vs. Application Letter [Differences, Pros & Cons, and Writing Tips]

Now, let’s break down a college application letter into its parts.

Reason for your interest in the school

University seats are always in limited demand and high supply; this makes proving your choice of university all the more important.

In your college application letter, you can begin by briefly outlining why you chose the university you are applying to and how the program you are enrolling in can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Your university application letter can also include things that make the university stand out from the competition making it a more appealing choice!

Above all, remember to keep your university application letter honest and genuine. A disingenuous letter can be easily sniffed out by an admissions officer!

For example, here is an excerpt from a political science student’s university application letter:

I am writing to formally express my interest in pursuing my studies at Hopkins University. After conducting thorough research into universities, I have chosen your institution because of the great attention that is paid to the political science department. The curriculum is unique in that it takes a more practical approach to learning and I believe that this unique method of instruction aligns perfectly with my personal and academic goals.

Your academic goals and interests

In your college admissions letter, highlight your academic goals and interests. Admissions officers like to see applicants have the potential and drive to not only succeed in the program of their choice but thrive and apply the knowledge they gain in things that they are interested in!

Here is a short example of how you can express your academic goals in your college application letter:

I wish to pursue my undergraduate degree in History. While my immediate focus will be my studies, I wish to realize my childhood dream of becoming a historian and author upon graduation. The History department at ABC University is my top choice and I believe that my admission will allow me to advance my academic career in the best way possible.

Your background and future interests

Your university application cover letter should provide a little bit of context as to who you are and what you want to do with your life. Your college admission letter, therefore, should briefly mention your reasoning for applying to the program you have chosen and how it will benefit your future professional endeavors.

Consider this example from an art major’s university application letter:

For as long as I can remember, I have nurtured and developed my love for the arts and have dreamed of becoming a painter. Throughout my life, my parents have encouraged me to live a life doing things that make me happy; I am blessed that my source of happiness directly relates to my academic and future professional life.

Connections to the school that you may have (if any)

When possible, take advantage of existing connections within the university in your college admission letter. These connections can come from previous or existing graduates or faculty and staff and can help you increase your perspective and knowledge of the university.

Here is an example of how you can mention your connections in your college admissions letter:

After consulting numerous Dale University graduates and faculty, I am confident in my choice of your university.

Your application documents

In your university application letter, be sure to mention the documents you have included in your application package. This subtle indication should be included in your concluding remarks and helps to show your proactivity and interest in moving forward in the admissions process.

Here is an example of how you can mention your application documents in your university application letter:

I have attached my high school transcripts, recommendations, and application form as part of my university application package. Please refer to them at your earliest convenience.

A CTA for considering

A strong call to action in your college application letter, or CTA, is a good way to display your genuine interest in moving forward with your university application! A CTA is essentially a statement of intent for how you would like to progress with the application process.

Take this CTA from a psychology student’s university application letter:

Thank you for your evaluation. Should any supplemental documents be required, I am available at any time. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your contact details

Your college application cover letter should include your contact information! This information, while included in other parts of the application package, is a good addition to your admissions letter to help university admissions officers organize your information and potentially contact you, should further information be required.

This section can be incorporated in many ways into your cover letter for college admission. Here is an example:

I can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 123-456-7890 should any further information be required.

Now, let’s take a look at how to write an application letter for a university.

Write your contact details.

The contact information that should be included in a university application letter is the same as what you would include in a standard cover letter. This information includes:

Your full name
Your position
Your address
Your telephone number and email

Write the date.

Your university application cover letterhead should also Include the date you wrote the letter beneath your contact information.

Write the school/admission office’s contact details.

Your college admissions cover letterhead should also include the contact information of the admissions office/university. This is similar to your contact information and should include:

Admissions officer/university name
Their position (if writing to the admissions officer)
University address

Use a proper salutation.

Begin your college application letter with a formal salutation. The standard, in this case, is “Dear”. Be sure to avoid informal salutations such as “Hey”, “Hi”, and “Hello”.

💡 Tip: Do your best to personalize your university application letter in every way that you can. You can personalize the salutation of your college admissions letter by finding out the name of the admissions officer you will be writing to. This information can be found either on the application form, on the university website, or by calling the university!

Write the contents of your letter.

This is the meat and bones of your college application letter. The contents of your college application letter should include:

Your motivation for applying
Your personal and academic goals and interests
Your future plans
A reference to your connections
A strong call to action

Include a sign-off.

Close off your college admissions letter with a strong sign-off. Thank the admissions officer for reading your letter, refer to the documents you have attached to your college application package, and end with a strong call to action!

You can increase the impact of your university application letter by restating how your admission into university will help you realize your dreams!

Here are some tips and tricks to spice up your university admissions letter!

💡 Include your research about the institution.

You should avoid applying to universities arbitrarily. Conduct research into any university you are thinking about applying to. That way, you can make the most informed decision for your future and your college application letter will reflect this!

💡 Show traits that make you a competitive candidate.

Distinguish yourself from other applicants in your university admissions cover letter. Highlight your skills and relevant qualifications that make you both an interesting and competitive candidate.

💡 Be unique and include a personal touch.

Remember, your college application letter is an extension of your personality, skills, and qualifications. Including a short anecdote or personal story in your letter lends a level of personality and gives admission officers a clearer understanding of the person you are outside of academics!

💡 Ask for others’ opinions and advice.

University is unlike any other educational environment that you have experienced. Consult others who have been through college and learn from their experiences.

💡 Always proofread and use the correct letter format.

As a rule of thumb, you should avoid submitting anything you have not proofread at least once. Your university application letter is no different. Ensure that your letter format is consistent and correct and that your punctuation and tone are suitable. If you have trouble proofreading your own work, asking a friend or family member for their input is always okay!

Let’s begin with a sample university application letter to give you a better idea of its layout.

Joe Adams Student 40 North Avenue Tampa, FL 11111 +1 (421) 123-4567 [email protected]

September 1, 2023

Mark Sanchez Admissions Officer Orion University San Francisco, CA 90231

Dear Mr. Sanchez,

I am writing to formally express my interest in undertaking my bachelor's studies at Orion University. After consulting many alumni and current faculty, I am confident that Orion University and its well-rounded and holistic curriculum that focuses on practical application as well as theory is the best fit for me both in terms of character and academically.

Throughout my academic career, I have maintained a high degree of participation in my studies and extracurricular activities. I have maintained a 3.9 GPA and have participated in several capacities, including student association vice-president, volleyball captain, and Rotaract Club member. I believe that these experiences have taught me many lessons and have reinforced the skills that will allow me to succeed at your institution. I wish to apply what I learn here in my future career as a political analyst for the government, as it has been a longstanding dream of mine to serve my country in any way that I can.

Per your request, I have attached my transcript, recommendations, and essays to my application package. If you require further information, I can be contacted via email or telephone at any time. Thank you for your time and evaluation and I look forward to hearing from and meeting you soon.

Sincerely,

Here is a complete template of a university admission cover letter.

[Your name] [Your job title] (if any) [Your home address] [Your email address] [Your telephone number]

[Name of admissions officer/university] [Job title of admissions officer] (if applicable) [University name] [University address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.][Admissions officer’s last name] ,

I am writing to express my interest in undertaking my [degree level] studies at [university name] . After consulting many alumni and current faculty, I am confident that [university name] and it's [reason that makes the university unique] is the best fit for me both in terms of character and academically.

Throughout my academic career, I have maintained a high degree of participation in my studies and extracurricular activities. I have maintained a [GPA] and have participated in several activities, including [2-3 activities that you participated in during high school] . I believe that these experiences have taught me [skills that will help you in university] and allow me to succeed at your institution. I wish to apply what I learn at [university name] in my future career as a [future professional goal and reason why you have chosen this field of work] .

Per your request, I have attached my [documents that were requested to be attached to your application package] . If you need any further supplemental information, I can be contacted via [email and telephone information] at any time. [Thank the admissions officer for reading your letter] . [Call to action that expresses how much you look forward to hearing from them] .

[Signature]

[Your full name]

Cake offers a plethora of free resume templates for you to use. Check them out!

When submitting your CV , it is crucial to include an application letter. This letter provides an opportunity to showcase your communication skills, express your interest in the position, and highlight why you are the ideal candidate for the job. By including a well-crafted application letter, you can demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail, which can ultimately increase your chances of securing a job interview.

And there you have it! At this point, you should be well on your way to crafting the best university application letter. Here’s a quick recap of the most important parts:

Do your research on the university and the program you are applying to before writing your letter. You must make the most informed decision!
Include all the necessary college application letter sections to avoid missing out on information that is important for the admissions officer to know.
Be unique! Find ways to incorporate bits of your personality inside of your college application letter.

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— Originally written by Alexander Coye —

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application letter for college admission example

College Application Letters: Cover Letters & Letters of Continued Interest

College application letters.

College application cover letters support your college applications, college resume, and college application essay prompts. In combination with the other elements of your college applications, particularly your college entrance essay, college application letters help establish your “why.” In short, a college application letter is a cover letter for your college applications that describes your background, skills, and interest in the school. When looking at college application cover letter examples, pay attention to the values that they express. College application letters and college entrance essays are similar in that they are exercises in personal branding. When reading college application cover letter examples, pay attention to the messages they convey.

If you’re wondering how to write a college application letter, CollegeAdvisor.com has advisors who can walk you through every part of the process. If your goal is to get into top colleges, CollegeAdvisor.com can help. We’ll analyze examples of college application letters and discuss the letter of continued interest to help you craft successful applications.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different kinds of college application letters you may encounter when completing your college applications. We’ll discuss the college application letter and the letter of continued interest, as well as teacher recommendation letters.

If you want to read college application cover letter samples, you’ve come to the right place!

What is a college application letter?

To learn how to write a college application letter, you must first understand its purpose. Do this by checking out college application cover letter examples. College application letters and college resumes serve as introductions for your college applications. Unlike college application essay prompts, there are no specific questions to answer in your cover letter. Instead, include the essential elements of university application letters: your background, what makes you unique, and your reasons for wanting to attend that particular college. In short, what makes you, you .

As you’ll see when reading example college application letters, college application cover letters are not all that different from what you would write in a cover letter when applying for a job or graduate school. The purpose of college application cover letters, college entrance essays, and college resumes is to persuade colleges that you are the strongest candidate for admissions.

College application cover letters are not the time to be shy, but they’re not the time to be pretentious either. When reading college application cover letter examples, you’ll see that there’s a fine line. Your tone matters. In your university application letters, show your experiences and accomplishments while portraying character traits that colleges value. To get into top colleges, find a balance between being proud of your accomplishments and being humble.

College application letters – Who requires them?

Unlike college entrance essays, college application letters are required by very few colleges. However, the skills you’ll develop by writing university application letters will serve you well as you approach your college application essay prompts. When researching college application examples, you’ll notice that there are optional materials to submit. If you’re serious about your college applications, submit university application letters to show your interest.

College application cover letters are particularly effective if the college does not have college application essay prompts that ask you to explain why you want to attend the school and/or why you want to study your major. They are even more strongly recommended when applying to colleges that don’t have any supplemental essays. You’ll see many college application cover letter examples that focus primarily on academics, but you can include so much more.

Though university application letters are rarely required, they provide an ideal way to introduce yourself. After all, you’ll notice when reading college application cover letter samples that the goal is to help the admissions committee get to know you as a person. You are more than just your grades and scores.

If you want to get into top colleges that don’t allow you to submit a college resume or don’t provide interviews, you need to take extra steps to earn acceptance. Often, you can repurpose content from college application essay prompts that ask why you want to study your major! The college application essay format differs from that of a college application letter, but they serve a very similar purpose.

Test your knowledge about other aspects of the college admissions process in our quiz below!

What is a letter of continued interest?

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a letter you send to a college when you are deferred or placed on the waitlist. So, not everyone will need to write a college application letter of continued interest.

Your letter of continued interest has three primary goals:

Reaffirm your interest in the school.
Provide additional context for your application.
Discuss accomplishments on your college resume that have occurred since you submitted your application.

In this guide on how to write a college application letter, we discuss all forms of college application letters in detail. We’ll expand on the above goals to explain the strategies for writing effective letters.

Explaining teacher recommendation letters

In addition to submitting a college application cover letter and, potentially, a letter of continued interest, your application will also include recommendation letters . These letters enhance your college application entrance essay and build on answers to supplemental college application essay prompts.

Due to the shift away from standardized testing, other parts of your college applications are inevitably getting more attention in the evaluation process. When assessing your college applications, admissions committees will often rely on letters from your teachers and counselor in place of interviews.

When reading sample college application letters of recommendation, you’ll observe that some are better than others. But, it can be a bit harder to find example teacher recommendations than it is to find college application cover letter examples. To ensure high-quality letters, create a plan well in advance of your senior year. You’ll want to ask teachers to write your recommendations who know you best beyond your grades. The strongest sample college application letters of recommendation speak to both your personal and academic strengths.

College application sample recommendation letters with the biggest impact typically come from teachers from your core junior year courses – math, science, English, and social studies. If there’s a teacher from your junior year who taught you during your sophomore or senior year too, even better! Teachers who know you through multiple environments – clubs, classes, sports, or other areas – can often do the best job speaking to your growth and achievement over time.

Choose teachers who know you best

Ultimately, the most effective sample college application letters of recommendation are written by the teachers who know you best. Pay attention to the college application requirements for each school on your list. Note when reading example college application letters of recommendation who the intended audience is. Some schools require math or science teachers for STEM and business majors , while others require English or social studies teachers for humanities majors .

For example, when looking at college application sample requirements, MIT writes “One recommendation should be from a math or science teacher, and one should be from a humanities, social science, or language teacher.” Caltech also requires one math or science teacher evaluation and one humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation.

Some applicants are tempted to send more letters than the college applications require. However, aim for quality over quantity. If you want to ask another teacher to write a recommendation letter for you, ask yourself what perspective they will bring to your college applications that isn’t already covered in your college entrance essay or other recommendation letters.

Don’t hesitate to provide materials to help your teachers and guidance counselor write their letters of recommendation for you. In fact, you should! When reading college application sample letters of recommendation, you’ll note that they are specific and provide examples where possible. Some teachers will even have you fill out a standard form to gather information from you. So, by having additional information already prepared, you are helping them tremendously.

Here are some materials you can provide to help your recommendations augment your college applications:

College entrance essay
College resume or a list of your extracurricular activities and awards
Responses to college application essay prompts.
A sample college application letter that you’re sending to one of your colleges.
A few paragraphs about why you want to study your major or pursue your intended career.
Key elements of the course you took with them, such as a favorite project or unit.

When preparing materials to give to teachers, read the instructions given to recommenders by MIT. Even if you aren’t applying to MIT, the information can still be helpful to know. By understanding the process of writing recommendation letters on the teacher’s side, you can see what information will help them write a strong letter for you.

Don’t wait until you’re submitting your college applications to ask your teachers for recommendations. Some teachers limit the number that they will write, and you want them to have plenty of time to write a quality recommendation. To make sure you have the best recommendations , ask teachers late in your junior year or early in your senior year.

The College Application Letter

As we’ve mentioned, a college application letter is a cover letter for your college applications. It describes your background, skills, and interest in the school. It’s different from both the college application essay format and the letter of continued interest. When reviewing college application samples, you’ll see that your cover letter works together with your college resume and college entrance essay to help admissions officers get to know you.

Below, we’ll discuss how to write a college application letter and walk through a sample college application letter. But remember, you want your letter to be original! Don’t feel limited by what’s in any examples of college application letters.

Do all schools require a college application letter?

No — few schools actually require college application letters. However, learning to write a strong college application letter can help you in other aspects of the college admissions process. Reading college application cover letter examples can also help you learn how to write for the admissions committee audience.

One of the ways to learn how to write a college application letter is to read sample college application letters. For instance, the same skills that help you write a strong and concise college application letter will help you in the college essay format, too.

The college application letter – What should I include?

So, you know the purpose of college application letters, but what should you include in them? Reading college application cover letter samples can help you determine this. While the college application essay format lends itself to focusing on one topic or story, college application cover letter examples highlight the importance of covering several different topics.

College application letters should contain the following elements:

1. school name and address.

You college application letter should follow formal letter formatting guidelines, which include writing the full name of the college or university you are applying to in the upper left hand corner of the letter. Try to be as specific as possible with the address you choose to use.

2. Salutation

A standard salutation is suitable for your college application letter. However, it is a great idea to do your research and use the full name of the admissions officer assigned to your region.

3. Introduction

The best examples of college application letters open strong. Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application, and introduce yourself. Do you have a unique connection to the school? Can you hook the reader in some way to make them want to keep reading?

4. Explanation of academic interests

Your primary purpose in college is to earn a degree, so notice that in example college application letters most of the space is often devoted to discussing academic plans. Include your intended major and career path, as well as interdisciplinary interests.

5. Discussion of extracurricular interests

The college application essay format may be a place for you to discuss extracurricular involvement, so use this space to elaborate or discuss additional interests. These could be connected to your academic plans, but they don’t have to be.

6. Conclusion

Express your interest in the school! Impactful example college application letters have a clear and brief conclusion that reaffirms your desire to attend and enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the next class of undergraduates. Point to specific classes, professors, programs, organizations, and aspects of the college that pique your interest. No one is going to hold you to your plan, but colleges want to see that you have one.

8. Complimentary Close

Lastly, every good college application letter should include an expression of gratitude alongside your close and your signature.

In the example of a college application letter above, there are a few key details to highlight. The letter is essentially a five-paragraph essay, with one paragraph for each of the five elements. This differs significantly from the college application essay format. In this college application example, the college application letter has clear and distinct sections, and this is very common in college application cover letter samples.

Depending on your interests and plans, you could take a more integrated approach. You’ll read some examples of college application letters that center around a theme or broad plan rather than separated into individual paragraphs.

This sample college application letter is a narrative. The applicant’s goal is to tell her story to the admissions committee. The best sample college application letters paint a picture for the reader and draw the reader into the storyline. Though it can feel like being vivid and descriptive is a waste of your space, “showing instead of telling makes for stronger college applications.

How to format your college application letter?

When reading sample college application letters, you’ll observe that they are formatted very similarly to professional cover letters. Your university application letters should be one page single-spaced. The heading should also be consistent across college application letters.

Your full address
The date you will send the letter
The admission officer’s name
The college name
The college address

Then, open your letter with a salutation. Many examples of college application letters open with “Dear” and are addressed to the admission officer. If you cannot find your regional admissions officer, it is fine to address the letter to the admissions office as was done in the sample college application letter above. Once you write the body of your letter, don’t forget your closing salutation – “Sincerely,” and then your name.

Once you read several sample college application letters, you’ll understand the best practices. After writing a university application letter for one school, you don’t need to start from scratch for additional schools. Adapt what you have to fit the next college’s context and your specific interests on their campus.

Being concise is key. Your university application letter should not be redundant. If it exceeds one page, see where information you mention is repeated elsewhere in your application. In your cover letter, focus on the content that makes you as original and unique as possible. Most importantly, don’t forget to proofread your university application letters!

Can a college application letter help me with other parts of my application?

Think of the college application cover letter as the glue that holds your college applications together. When writing it, think about it as your opportunity to show your best self. After brainstorming the content, you’ll be better equipped to craft your candidate profile into a cohesive narrative and articulate why you want to attend the college.

Though many parts of your college applications will be out of your control by the time you reach your senior fall, the college application cover letter is one that you can control. Use it to elevate your college applications, show interest in your top schools , and make yourself stand out among other applicants!

The Letter of Continued Interest

Another form of college application letter is a letter of continued interest . In sample college application letters of continued interest, you’ll see that the primary purpose is to reaffirm your candidacy for a spot in the next incoming class of undergraduates.

Though it can feel like a waiting game, the waitlist should not be passive. As soon as you are waitlisted or deferred, begin crafting a letter of continued interest. The best college application sample LOCIs are submitted promptly. Put in the effort to show you’re serious about attending.

College application example LOCIs should focus on recent updates. Likely, a lot has happened since you submitted your application, particularly if you applied by the early deadlines. Strong college application sample LOCIs convey accomplishments and experiences that either add to previously mentioned ones or provide another dimension to your application.

Letter of continued interest – When and where to submit?

Learn as much as you can by reading college application example LOCIs, but know that each school’s process for when and how to submit them is different. Additionally, the process may vary based on whether you were deferred to the regular decision round of admissions or waitlisted after the regular decision round. It’s important to follow each university’s directions.

Many schools will request that you upload your letter of continued interest to a portal. Some will request that you email it to an address – typically the admissions office. Others won’t allow you to submit any additional materials. If you’re in doubt, call or email the admissions office and ask.

What to include in your letter of continued interest?

You’ll notice common trends when reading college application sample LOCIs. Effective college application example LOCIs convey a tone of sincerity, gratitude, and enthusiasm for an opportunity to attend. A strong sample college application letter of continued interest includes four elements.

First, reaffirm your interest in attending the school if offered the chance to matriculate. Then, discuss relevant developments to your application, such as additional extracurricular accolades and continued academic successes. Sometimes, you’ll see a sample college application letter of continued interest that mentions how a student improved a lower mid-year grade or discusses a new leadership role.

When reading a sample college application letter of continued interest, remember that colleges are looking for reasons to admit you, so don’t be shy! Offer to answer any questions they have and provide additional info in the conclusion of your letter.

It’s important to back up your claims with supporting evidence. Strong college application sample LOCIs provide examples and specific details, just as you would in a cover letter or essay. Be vivid and descriptive as you share your story!

However, college application example LOCIs that include overly emotional appeals or merely complement the university are unlikely to be effective. Your letter of continued interest should be all about you. Though it can be difficult to realize this when reading college application example LOCIs, recognize that the content of your letter should fit within the context of the rest of your application.

The many types of college application letters – Final Thoughts

In this guide, we covered several types of letters associated with your college process – college application cover letters, teacher recommendation letters, and letters of continued interest. Reading sample college application letters, whether they are college application cover letter samples or LOCIs, can help you do your best work. But, remember that every applicant’s college application process is unique.

Our final tips for writing college application letters:

Proofread. College application letters with typos or grammatical errors reflect poorly on your effort and candidacy. Use a polished and professional tone in everything you write for your college applications.
Be yourself. Though this goal can get lost in the requirements, scores, and grades, you should focus on helping the colleges on your list get to know who you are .
Follow the requirements. Each college has their own requirements for how they want you to submit materials. Pay close attention to the details for each college as you go through the admissions process.

CollegeAdvisor.com can help guide you through every step of the college application process. Check out our blog , webinars , or register with CollegeAdvisor.com today. Good luck!

This guide to college application letters and letters of continued interest was written by Caroline Marapese, Notre Dame ‘22. At CollegeAdvisor, we have built our reputation by providing comprehensive information that offers real assistance to students. If you want to get help with your college applications from CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Applications

College Admission Application Letter

A college admission application letter is a professional letter a student writes to send to a college with their college application. Writing a college admission application letter is a great way to make your college admission application stand out in the highly competitive application process. Write your letter in a professional format and tone and double-check for errors.

You want your letter to stand out for the right reasons , not because it contains errors! A well-written letter should explain why you feel you are a good fit at the college and detail your best points.

How to Write a College Admission Application Letter

Before applying for college admission, it is essential to do detailed research about college. Collect the data and sort it out in a list before submitting an admission application letter to the college. Here is a quick guide with sample letters to help you in writing your application.

Create a List of Your Qualities

Grade Point Average
Extracurricular Activities
Class Government
Pom, Cheer-leading, Drill Team
Acting, Debate
Community Service

Do Some Research

Find out what qualities your target college prefers in their students. Decide in what ways you fit the qualities your target college prefers. Outline those qualities on a separate piece of paper.

Find the name of the college admissions representative’s name to whom you should address your letter. Personalization is key to making yourself stand out. Writing a letter addressing “To Whom it May Concern” is inappropriate for any professional letter. It’s a good way to get your letter tossed into a dust bin, however.

Writing your Letter

Your goal is to be a step above applicants who do not think to write a letter. You need to discuss why you feel the college is a good choice. How does the specific program in which you want to enroll fit your future career plans? How will you represent the college as a student and future alumnus? These are the thing a college wants to know about you, so determine your goals and prepare to express them clearly.

Parts of Application Letter for College Admission

These are the specific parts you should include in your college admissions application letter:

Your Full Name, Address
College Name, Address
Introduction
Why you want to attend college, you are applying to
Your academic interests
How the college fits your interests and goals
Why you are a great candidate to consider
Personal connections to the college: Did any relatives or friends attend? Is the college in your hometown?
Explanation of how the college will receive your application: Is it enclosed? Will you send it at a later date?
Request for admission to the college
Complimentary close
Name – Signature
Your Contact Details

College Admission Application Letter Format

Here is the basic format of a college admissions application letter. Note: You can center your personal information at the top of the page to make it stand out if you would like.

{your full name, as written on your college application}

{your address}

{college admissions representative’s name}

{college name}

{college address}

Dear {Admission representative’s name}:

{Use this space to discuss why you have chosen this college to apply to attend. Did you take a tour? Has it been a long-term goal?} {Use the next few lines to discuss why you feel the academic program fits your career goals.} {Wrap up this paragraph with a strong statement about your determination to succeed at this college and your career.}

{Here, discuss why you are a good fit for the college. Match those qualities you found in your research. Highlight the qualities that make you a great candidate.}

{Here re-emphasis your conviction that you are a great student for the college to consider.} {Explain how you are sending your application – is it attached or coming later?}

{Thank the college for their time and consideration. Express your interest in speaking with them about your future attendance. Offer your telephone number and your email address.}

{your signature}

{your name}

Sample College Admission Application Letter

Here is a sample letter based on the format above. You can use this sample to help you understand how to write your perfect college admissions application letter.

Elizabeth Ann Montgomery

2000 South Meridian Avenue

Los Alamos, NM 89776

March 22, 2039

Mrs. Janice Emory

University of Olympia

2008 South Livingston Place

Los Alamos, NM 89779

Dear Mrs. Emory:

My goal to attend the University of Olympia became a driving force in my high school years. I have lived in Los Alamos since I was young, and I have always dreamed of attending my hometown university. I have always wanted to teach History and the Humanities at the University level, and Olympia’s history and art history programs are highly acclaimed. I am certain these amazing programs are key to my future success as an educator.

As you can see from my academic records and my test scores, excellence has always been my highest priority. I have spent the last two years serving in my class government. This has allowed me to participate in making my graduating class successful at helping younger students prepare for higher education. My fellow classmates and I tutored students who needed some extra help to succeed. In addition, I have been active in my school’s drama and debate programs for three years.

I believe my skills and experiences have prepared me to succeed at the University of Olympia. I have no doubt I will represent Olympia well in debate teams and conferences. I look forward to adding to Olympia’s reputation of producing leaders in the fields of education and history. I am excited to enclose my application to the University of Olympia.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon regarding my future at the University of Olympia. I can be reached at (918) 999-3558 or at montgomeryeli @ email . com.

College Admission Application Letter #01

Your goal is to encourage your target college to consider you for admissions. Pitch your best qualities in your letter. Write in a professional but upbeat tone, and express your excitement to attend. Always be certain your application letter is double-checked for errors. This is the beginning of your career, so display your qualities in a way that will get your application noticed!

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Thank you for your feedback.

University Admission Application Letter (with Samples & PDFs)

I have listed sample templates to help you craft an effective and professional university admission application letter.

Successful Application Letter for University Admission

First, find the sample template for university admission application letter below.

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], resident of [Your Address], am writing this letter to show my keen interest in applying for the [Name of the Course] at your esteemed university for the academic year [Year].

I am particularly drawn to the [Name of the Course] at [Name of the University] because of its reputation for providing high-quality education and its focus on practical learning. I am confident that this course will help me achieve my academic and career goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to hear from you soon.

Below I have listed 5 different sample applications for “university admission application letter” that you will certainly find useful for specific scenarios:

Crafting a Persuasive University Application Letter to Showcase Leadership Skills

To, The Admissions Committee, [University Name], [University Address].

Subject: Application for Admission to [Desired Course Name]

I have consistently excelled in my studies, but more importantly, I have taken the initiative to lead and guide my peers through various activities. As the Head Boy/Girl of my school, I’ve learned to inspire and motivate my fellow students, organize events, and address issues efficiently. These experiences have honed my leadership abilities and have taught me how to balance my academic commitments with extracurricular responsibilities.

I played a pivotal role in initiating a ‘Clean Campus Drive’ in my school, where I led a team of students to maintain cleanliness and fostered a sense of responsibility among them. This initiative not only improved the school environment but also instilled a sense of community and teamwork among the students.

If given the opportunity to join [University Name], I assure you that I will bring these leadership qualities to contribute positively to the university community. I am eager to leverage my experiences to participate actively in student-led initiatives and further develop my leadership skills.

Yours Sincerely, [Your Full Name], [Your Contact Information].

Writing a Compelling University Application Letter Highlighting Athletic Achievements

To, The Admissions Committee, [Name of the University], [Address of the University]

Subject: Application for Admission and Highlighting Athletic Achievements

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am [Your Name], a student from [Your School Name], [Your City], intending to apply for the [Course Name] at your esteemed university.

Academically, I have consistently performed well, securing a GPA of [Your GPA] in the previous year. However, I am not just a diligent student in the classroom, but also a passionate sportsperson. I believe my athletic achievements will contribute to the vibrant sports culture at your university.

My commitment to sports has not only honed my physical abilities but has also helped me develop leadership skills, team spirit, and resilience. I believe that these qualities will not only aid me in my academic pursuit but also contribute to the overall diversity and vitality of your university’s student community.

I am enthusiastic about bringing the same dedication and spirit to your esteemed university and contributing to its athletic teams. I am certain that the comprehensive education and diverse opportunities provided by your university will help me grow, both acadically and athletically.

Articulating Academic Excellence in a University Admission Application Letter

The Dean of Admissions, [University Name], [University Address], [City], [State], [Pin Code]

Subject: Application for Admission

I have always been passionate about [subject(s) related to the course], and I am confident that my academic achievements reflect this. I have consistently maintained a high academic standing in my schooling years, ranking in the top [percentage/rank] of my class. My teachers have commended me for my dedication and commitment to learning, which is evident from my grades and participation in various academic competitions.

Moreover, I have been an active participant in various extracurricular activities that have helped me develop a holistic understanding of the world. I have led [mention some leadership roles], worked on [mention any projects or initiatives], and engaged in [mention any community service or volunteer work]. These experiences have taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and responsibility, and have fuelled my desire to further my learning.

I am committed to maintaining my academic excellence and contributing positively to the university community. I am hopeful that I will be given the opportunity to bring my passion, dedication, and academic prowess to your esteemed institution.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to and learning from the [University Name] community.

Tailoring a University Application Letter to Highlight Community Service Experiences

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am [Your Name], a student of [Your School Name], seeking admission to your esteemed university for the upcoming academic year.

I am writing this letter to express my keen interest in the [Course Name] program at your prestigious institution. I have always been intrigued by [Subject Name], and I am eager to explore this field under the guidance of the accomplished faculty at [University Name].

In addition, I volunteered in the ‘Joy of Giving’ initiative, aimed at providing essential supplies to underprivileged children. This experience truly humbled me and made me realize the value of giving back to society. I believe these experiences have shaped me as an individual and have taught me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and leadership.

I am certain that these experiences will enable me to contribute to the diverse community at [University Name]. I am eager to bring my commitment to service and dedication to learning to your campus, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing my skills and experiences to your distinguished institution.

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Penning a University Application Letter Expressing a Deep Passion for a Specific Field of Study

Subject: Application for Admission in [Specific Field of Study]

I, [Your Full Name], a resident of [Your City Name], am writing this letter to express my deep interest in applying for the [Specific Field of Study] program at your esteemed university for the academic year [Year of Admission].

My passion for [Specific Field of Study] was kindled during my school years, when I found myself fascinated by [Mention something specific about the field that fascinated you]. Since then, my curiosity and interest in this field have only grown. I have spent countless hours learning and honing my skills, and now I aspire to take this passion forward and delve deeper into this field at a university level.

I have consistently excelled in this field during my school years [mention any achievements, awards, or recognition received]. I am confident that my dedication, coupled with the guidance of the exceptional faculty at [University Name], will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute positively to this field.

I assure you of my utmost commitment and dedication towards my studies, and I am eager to make the most of the opportunities offered at your prestigious institution. I am hopeful that you will consider my application favorably.

[Your Full Name] [Your Contact Information]

How to Write University Admission Application Letter

How to Write a Cover Letter for College Application (Free Template

Crafting a compelling college application cover letter is crucial yet challenging. It’s a single-page document that can set you apart from thousands of applicants. Learn how to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community service to make your application stand out.

Written by:

Dr. Moina Rauf

Dr. Moina Rauf, fluent in English and Dutch, is a distinguished writer and editor with a PhD in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Economics. With extensive experience in both academia and industry, she excels in elucidating complex concepts about business management, human resources policies, legal documentation, employee leaves, appointments, contracts, and workplace culture. Her proficiency in analyzing and simplifying intricate documents ensures comprehensive understanding for her audience. Published in academic journals, Dr. Rauf’s authority in her field is well-established.

Writing a great college application cover letter can be one of the most challenging prose pages that one has to put together in their high school career. On the one hand, it is just a simple single-page document, but on the other, how do you talk about the things you need to talk about without boring the reader? A well-written cover letter will give you an edge among the thousands of applicants sending in their applications for the same college. The letter should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular, athletic, and community service achievements that will help you stand out during the highly competitive selection process.

What is a College Application Cover Letter?

A college application cover letter is a written document submitted during the college admission process. It allows applicants to introduce themselves, share personal experiences, and explain why they are a strong fit for a particular college or university. The letter provides a more qualitative perspective beyond academic achievements and test scores, giving applicants an opportunity to showcase their personality, goals, and unique qualities.

How to Write a Great Cover Letter for Your College Application

Writing a cover letter, also known as a personal statement or statement of purpose, is a crucial step in the admissions process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective college application cover letter:

Understand the Requirements

Review the application guidelines provided by the college. Understand the word limit, formatting requirements, and any specific prompts or questions they want you to address.

Start with a Strong Introduction

Craft an engaging opening that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a personal anecdote, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question. Make it clear why you are passionate about your chosen field of study.

Provide Personal Background

Share relevant personal details, such as your name, where you’re from, and any unique aspects of your background that have influenced your academic journey.

Highlight Academic Achievements

Showcase your academic accomplishments, including your GPA, standardized test scores, and any honors or awards you’ve received. Discuss specific courses or projects that have contributed to your academic growth.

Discuss Extracurricular Activities

Detail your involvement in clubs, sports, or organizations. Highlight any leadership roles, responsibilities, or significant contributions you’ve made. Connect these activities to your personal and academic development.

Express Your Passions and Interests

Share your hobbies, interests, and passions outside of academics. Demonstrate how these aspects contribute to your well-rounded nature and connect to your chosen field of study.

Outline Your Career Goals

Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term career goals. Explain how the college’s programs and resources will help you achieve these goals. Show a thoughtful and informed approach to your future plans.

Explain Why You Chose This College

Discuss why you are specifically interested in attending this college. Mention particular programs, professors, or resources that align with your academic and personal objectives.

Address Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

If applicable, briefly discuss any challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them. Highlight your resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Summarize in the Conclusion

Summarize key points in the conclusion and restate your enthusiasm for joining the college. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a positive impression.

Proofread and Revise

Carefully proofread your letter for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to gain different perspectives.

Free Cover Letter Template

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[College Admissions Committee]

[College Name]

[College Address]

Dear [Admissions Committee or Specific Individual],

I am writing to express my sincere interest in applying for admission to [College Name] as a prospective student in the [Intended Program/Major]. With a passion for [Your Chosen Field] and a commitment to academic excellence, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to and benefiting from the vibrant community at [College Name].

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is [Your Full Name], and I hail from [Your Hometown]. Currently enrolled at [Your Current Educational Institution], I come from a [Brief Description of Family Background] that has instilled in me the values of [Values]. These values have been instrumental in shaping my academic journey.

Throughout my academic career, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. My [GPA/Standardized Test Scores] reflect my dedication to achieving academic milestones. I have also engaged in [Relevant Courses/Projects] that have deepened my understanding of [Your Chosen Field].

Beyond the classroom, I have actively participated in [Clubs/Sports] and undertaken leadership roles in [Specific Clubs or Organizations]. These experiences have not only honed my leadership and teamwork skills but have also allowed me to make meaningful contributions to my school community.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am a dedicated [Hobbies/Interests]. This multifaceted approach to life reflects my belief in the importance of a well-rounded education.

My short-term and long-term goals include [Your Career Aspirations], and I believe that [College Name] is the ideal environment to nurture my ambitions. The [Programs/Resources] offered align perfectly with my aspirations, and I am eager to immerse myself in the rich academic environment at [College Name].

Upon extensive research, it became evident that [College Name] stands out for its [Highlight Specific Programs/Resources]. I am particularly drawn to [Professor’s Name] work in [Specific Area], and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with such esteemed faculty members.

In facing challenges such as [Briefly Mention Challenges], I have cultivated resilience and determination. These experiences have not deterred me but, instead, have strengthened my resolve to succeed in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to the [College Name] community and believe that my unique background and experiences make me a strong candidate for admission. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my application in an interview.

Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate your time and attention to my candidacy.

[Your Signature]

Practical Users

The template provided is useful for prospective students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs. Its utility lies in its adaptability, as it can be customized to suit the individual’s unique experiences, educational background, and aspirations. The template provides a structured format, saving time for applicants who may be applying to several institutions. By inserting their personal details and customizing the content, applicants can efficiently create tailored letters for different colleges without starting from scratch each time.

Key Components

Personalization is crucial in a college application cover letter. By providing placeholders such as “[Your Full Name],” “[Your Address],” “[Your Hometown],” and “[Your Current Educational Institution],” the template ensures that the applicant can easily insert their specific details. This personalization makes the letter feel more genuine and tailored to the individual’s unique background.
Mentioning specific details about the chosen program and the college demonstrates that the applicant has done thorough research. Placeholders like “[Intended Program/Major]” and “[College Name]” allow the applicant to customize the letter for each application. This adaptability ensures that the letter feels relevant and targeted to the specific institution.
Academic achievements and career goals are central to the letter. Placeholders like “[GPA/Standardized Test Scores],” “[Relevant Courses/Projects],” and “[Your Career Aspirations]” allow the applicant to showcase their unique academic strengths and aspirations. This flexibility ensures that the letter effectively communicates the applicant’s academic profile and future plans.
Extracurricular activities provide insights into the applicant’s character. Placeholders like “[Clubs/Sports]” and “[Specific Clubs or Organizations]” allow the applicant to insert details about their involvement and leadership roles. This customization ensures that the letter reflects the breadth of the applicant’s experiences beyond academics.
Demonstrating a genuine interest in the college is vital. Placeholders like “[Highlight Specific Programs/Resources]” and “[Professor’s Name]” allow the applicant to specify what aspects of the college attracted them. This customization ensures that the letter convincingly communicates the applicant’s alignment with the college’s values and offerings.
Sharing challenges and how they were overcome adds depth to the application. Placeholders like “[Briefly Mention Challenges]” allow the applicant to insert specific details about their resilience. This adaptability ensures that the letter authentically communicates the applicant’s ability to overcome obstacles.
Maintaining a formal tone and including proper salutations and closings is essential in professional communication. Placeholders like “[Admissions Committee or Specific Individual]” and “[Your Signature]” ensure that the letter adheres to formal conventions while still allowing for personalization.

Craft an engaging opening statement that reflects your personality. Consider using a relevant anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a personal reflection. Address the admissions committee or specific individuals if their names are known.

Sample Cover Letter

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in applying for admission to Elite University as a prospective student in the Computer Science program. With a fervent passion for technology and a commitment to academic excellence, I am eager to contribute to and benefit from the esteemed community at Elite University.

From the earliest days of my academic journey, the realm of computer science has captivated my imagination. As an aspiring computer scientist, the opportunity to apply for admission to Elite University is a dream come true. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Alexander Greene, and I hail from the vibrant city of Technoville, where innovation and technology intersect.

Coming from a family of engineers, I have been immersed in a culture that values analytical thinking and problem-solving. My parents, both accomplished software engineers, have instilled in me the importance of creativity and perseverance in the face of complex challenges. Their influence has been pivotal in shaping my interest in computer science.

Throughout my high school years at Technoville High, I have consistently demonstrated a dedication to academic excellence. With a current GPA of 4.0 and outstanding scores on standardized tests, I have sought to challenge myself by enrolling in advanced placement courses, particularly those in mathematics and computer science.

My academic journey has been complemented by hands-on experiences, including a notable project where I developed a mobile application to assist local businesses in managing inventory. This project not only honed my coding skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the practical applications of technology.

Beyond the classroom, I have actively participated in various clubs and organizations that have further fueled my passion for computer science. As the president of the Technoville Coding Club, I initiated coding workshops for local high school students, fostering a community of young tech enthusiasts.

Additionally, my role as the captain of the Technoville Robotics Team allowed me to merge theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving. Leading the team to victory in regional competitions highlighted my leadership abilities and reinforced my commitment to collaborative innovation.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am an avid participant in hackathons and coding competitions, where I continually seek to expand my knowledge and skills. My interest in ethical hacking has led me to explore the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and I am excited about the potential of these fields to shape our technological future.

My short-term goal is to pursue a degree in computer science at Elite University, where I aim to immerse myself in cutting-edge research and collaborative projects. Long-term, I aspire to contribute to the development of innovative technologies that address real-world challenges, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

My decision to apply to Elite University is grounded in the institution’s renowned Computer Science program and its commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment. The opportunity to learn from distinguished professors, such as Dr. Cynthia Innovator, whose work in artificial intelligence aligns with my interests, is particularly enticing.

Furthermore, Elite University’s emphasis on hands-on research, its state-of-the-art facilities, and the vibrant tech community on campus are precisely what I seek to propel my academic and professional journey forward.

In facing challenges such as navigating a demanding academic curriculum while actively contributing to extracurricular activities, I have cultivated resilience and time management skills. These experiences have not deterred me but, instead, have fueled my determination to excel in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, my passion for computer science, combined with my academic achievements and hands-on experiences, makes me a strong candidate for admission to Elite University. I am confident that my contributions to the university community will extend beyond the classroom, enriching the collaborative spirit that defines Elite University.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my unique background and aspirations align with the vision of Elite University.

Alexander Greene

[Signature]

The sample letter provided is useful as it effectively integrates key elements, including an engaging introduction, a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s academic and extracurricular achievements, and a clear alignment with the specific college’s offerings. The letter is personalized, demonstrating a genuine interest in the institution, and maintains a formal tone throughout. Furthermore, it showcases the applicant’s unique qualities and ambitions, contributing to a compelling and well-rounded application.

The letter by Alexander Greene begins with an engaging introduction that immediately captures the reader’s attention. This is important for making a positive first impression and encouraging the admissions committee to continue reading.
The inclusion of the personal background by the writer provides context to their journey, linking family influences and values to their interest in computer science. This adds depth and helps the admissions committee understand the applicant’s motivations.
Academic achievements, including GPA and standardized test scores, are highlighted by Alexander Greene, showcasing his commitment to excellence. The mention of advanced placement courses and a hands-on project demonstrates a well-rounded approach to education.
Alexander’s involvement in coding clubs, robotics, and leadership roles emphasizes not only academic prowess but also teamwork and leadership skills. This section illustrates a holistic engagement with the subject beyond the classroom.
Detailing participation in hackathons and coding competitions shows a genuine passion for computer science. The exploration of ethical hacking and the intersection of AI and cybersecurity adds specificity and uniqueness to Alexander’s profile.
The articulation of short-term and long-term career goals is beneficial for demonstrating a clear vision. Linking these goals to the desire for a degree at Elite University helps align Alexander’s aspirations with the institution’s offerings.
The writer provides specific reasons for choosing Elite University, including renowned professors and a commitment to hands-on research. This demonstrates that he has thoroughly researched the institution and understands how it uniquely fits its academic and professional objectives.
Mentioning challenges faced and overcome adds a human element to the application. It showcases resilience and the ability to manage demanding situations, contributing to Alexander’s overall character.
The conclusion effectively summarizes key points and reinforces Alexander Greene’s enthusiasm for joining Elite University. It leaves a positive and lasting impression on the reader.
Downloadables

Free College Application Letter Template - Word and Google Docs

Tips for writing an effective letter

Regardless of the recommended length, your college application cover letter should show evidence that you performed due diligence concerning the selected college. You don’t want to include any irrelevant information that you “think” should be included. Conduct your research and lay down the facts. You can visit the college website and look at local news to find out what is happening on campus.

Sound structure

An application letter should be both formal and professional. Structure your application letter in business letter format and include your contact information, your name, title, date, and address of the recipient. Also, make sure to use a proper salutation, e.g., “Dear Application Committee,” Alternately, if you already have their name and title, you can use “Dear (their last name).”

Even cover letters, although formal, can showcase a person’s personality, passion, and sense of humor. Just as college application essays are meant to add color to the applicant’s back and white representation, so too can the college application cover letter tell a little more about the applicant. Choosing a single area from your application on which to expound tells the recipient what you consider important.

College Connection

When writing your application, you should highlight how you see yourself fitting in on the college campus. Legacy students may speak to their family’s pride in their family’s rich history at the college. Others with political affiliations might refer to their intentions of becoming active student leaders. Athletes might talk about their previous high school success and how they expect to contribute to their college teams.

In the race to get into your dream college, every student wants to be noticed among the flood of application letters. With so many pouring in daily, writing a really good letter is your way to get a competitive advantage. Our collection of college application cover letter templates, some free and some with added features, is simple and special. They make your application look impressive. Pick and get these templates to make your writing better and ensure you stand out in the crowd.

Remember, your cover letter is more than just a summary of your grades or a request for your resume. It’s like a cover letter, introducing you and giving a little peek into how well you fit with the college. Writing with care is super important. Don’t send in a letter that’s not fully developed and still expects to stand out. Take your time to carefully write a letter that shows off your unique qualities. As you step into this journey, we wish you the best of luck with your college application process.

Free College Admission Application Letter Templates

A college admissions application letter is a formal letter that an aspiring student submits to a college along with other pertinent documents to get admission into that college.

Given that the college receives numerous applications, your letter is the perfect opportunity to explain what makes you stand out from other applicants. The application letter works as a tool to enhance your admissions process and speed up your chances of joining your dream institution. Your letter should capture important and specific details about why you are a perfect fit for the particular school.

It should outline the strengths you possess both as a young person and as a student. This means highlighting notable accomplishments, including achievements in a co-curricular activity, if you think you could benefit the school from that perspective. Practically, some schools can pick you because they believe you can earn them immense recognition due to your athletic prowess.

Your letter is significant as it solidifies your entire admissions application. It can boost your chance of securing a place at your dream college. This is because the personal information you provide, such as former leadership positions and exceptional academic excellence, can potentially portray you as a stronger applicant as compared to other applicants.

Free Templates

Free Printable Environmental Degree College Admission Application Letter Sample for Word Document

Writing a College Admission Application Letter

With the huge number of admissions applications your dream college receives, your letter should be well-written and capture the most unique qualities that could give you an edge over other applicants.

The following is the ultimate guide for writing a professional letter, assuming you have already taken your time to conduct enough research:

Write down your personal information

Identify yourself at the beginning of your admissions letter. This means writing down your full name and address. Use the conventionally accepted address format, whereby you indicate the street address, state, city, and zip code. This way, the admissions officers reading your letter will have an idea of who you are as they proceed to read your letter.

Include the date

After writing your name and address, indicate the date of sending the letter. Use a professional format, such as “November 15, 20xx.” Keep in mind that using a casual format could compromise the professionalism of your letter.

Write details of the college

Address the letter by using the standard, formal format as shown below. Remember to address the admission officer as discovered earlier during your research.

Name of admission officer, Name of college Street address City, state, zip code

Include a salutation

The admissions application letter is a formal correspondence, which means you must address the reader formally and try to avoid adding some sort of language such as To whom it may concern, Hi, Hello, or Good Morning. The best approach is to use the full name of the admission officer. If you do not know the name of the officer assigned to your region, conduct some research.

Dear Mr. White,

State your intent for applying to the school

State the reason for writing the letter and express your genuine interest in the program you are applying for. Indicate the program you would like to pursue and explain why you want to study at that institution. Think about the school’s unique qualities that set it apart from other colleges.

Give reasons why you are applying to their college

Now this is the opportunity to offer a personalised explanation about why you want to join their college. In one or two paragraphs, explain how this institution can contribute to driving your career goals and dreams forward. Be sure to relate how the distinctive strengths of the college could help shape your future. For instance, if you are a football player and the institution runs a nationally strong football team, let this be one of your major points.

Write a conclusion

When it comes to finalizing the letter, express your interest without getting too demanding or needy and conclude it with a positive tone. Inform the administration that you have submitted all required documents and that you are available to provide any other additional information or clarifications. Conclude by thanking the admission officers for sparing time to review your application and expressing your keenness to receive a positive response.

Include a sign-off

Sign your letter with a formal sign-off and add your full name.

College Admission Application Letter Template

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Admissions Office]

[College or University Name]

[College or University Address]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am honored to submit my application for the [specific program or degree] at [College or University Name] for the upcoming [semester or year]. My high school journey has been characterized by a commitment to academic excellence, a passion for [relevant academic field or extracurricular activity], and a dedication to personal growth and development. It is with great anticipation that I seek to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to an institution that champions [broad values or principles, such as academic integrity, innovation, or community].

During my time at [Your High School Name], I have engaged deeply with [specific subjects or activities], which has not only enriched my understanding but also sharpened my desire to explore these areas further in a collegiate setting. My academic achievements include maintaining a GPA of [Your GPA] while actively participating in [extracurricular activities or clubs], highlighting my ability to balance rigorous coursework with extracurricular commitments.

My involvement in [specific projects or community service] has taught me [key lessons or skills], reinforcing my belief in the importance of [value or principle relevant to the college’s ethos]. These experiences have shaped my worldview and fueled my ambition to contribute to a vibrant academic community.

Enclosed with this letter, you will find my application form, high school transcripts, [any other required documents], and letters of recommendation. I am prepared to provide any further information needed to support my application.

As I envision my future at [College or University Name], I am excited about the prospect of joining a community that embraces [aspect of the college’s mission or values]. I am eager to engage with the diverse and dynamic student body, participate in [specific programs or activities offered by the college], and contribute to the campus community through my passion for [your field of interest or a particular activity].

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the esteemed community at [College or University Name]. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further.

Sample College Application Letter

I am writing to express my enthusiastic application for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program at Dream University for the Fall semester of 20XX. My passion for environmental stewardship, combined with my academic achievements and community involvement, has prepared me for the rigorous and rewarding path that Dream University offers.

Throughout my high school career at Green Valley High, I have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.8, demonstrating my commitment to academic excellence. My coursework in biology, chemistry, and environmental studies has not only strengthened my scientific foundation but has also ignited my interest in sustainable environmental solutions. I was honored to receive the Green Innovator Award in my junior year for leading a community project that successfully implemented a local recycling program, reducing waste by 30% in its first year.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have actively participated in the Environmental Club, serving as its president in my senior year. Under my leadership, we launched a school-wide initiative to reduce energy consumption, which included installing energy-efficient lighting and promoting a carpooling system among students and faculty. These experiences have taught me the importance of leadership, teamwork, and community engagement in addressing environmental challenges.

Dream University’s reputation for excellence in environmental science, coupled with its commitment to sustainability, aligns perfectly with my academic interests and career aspirations. The opportunity to work with faculty members who are at the forefront of environmental research and to have access to state-of-the-art facilities is incredibly exciting to me. I am particularly drawn to the hands-on research opportunities and internships that Dream University offers, which I believe are essential for applying theoretical knowledge to real-world environmental issues.

Enclosed with this letter, you will find my application form, high school transcripts, SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay that further details my passion for environmental science. I am confident that my background and aspirations make me a well-suited candidate for the Environmental Science program at Dream University.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute to and learn from the vibrant academic community at Dream University. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my application and how I can contribute to the university’s mission of fostering environmental innovation and sustainability.

Elena Rodriguez

Key Takeaways

The application letter for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program effectively presents the candidate’s qualifications and enthusiasm for the university. Here’s why it’s an effective sample:

Personalized Introduction: The applicant addresses the admissions committee directly, establishing a personal connection and demonstrating genuine interest in the program.

Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: The letter highlights the candidate’s strong academic record and relevant coursework, showcasing their preparedness for the program. Their leadership roles and community involvement in environmental initiatives demonstrate a well-rounded skill set beyond academics.

Alignment with University Values: The applicant thoroughly researched the university’s program and emphasizes how its reputation and values resonate with their academic interests and career goals. This alignment with the university’s mission enhances the candidate’s suitability for admission.

Supporting Documentation: Mentioning the inclusion of required documents with the letter shows the candidate’s organization and attention to detail, providing a complete application package.

Enthusiastic Conclusion: The letter closes with a strong expression of gratitude and eagerness to contribute to the university’s academic community, leaving a positive impression on the admissions committee.

Overall, this application letter effectively communicates the candidate’s qualifications, passion for environmental science, and suitability for the program, making it a strong sample for aspiring applicants.

Admission Application Letter Writing Tips

Given the high level of competition for limited slots, you can increase your chances of joining the college by writing an outstanding letter. From conducting research to ensuring timely submission of the letter, here are key tips to help write an excellent letter:

Research and self-reflect

Visit the college’s website and try to find some of the qualities they prefer in students. Also, you can talk to someone who has attended the school before you. Using the information you gain from your research, tailor your letter in a way that shows that the school’s mission and vision statement correlate with you as a character and as a future professional.

Emphasize your uniqueness

The uniqueness of students is a key factor, so you should try to mention your abilities and skills that make you the most suitable applicant for the college. For instance, you may want to explain how you are an exceptional player if that means something to the particular college you are writing to.

Be concise and to the point

Colleges receive numerous applications and spend a lot of time going through them. In this context, avoid writing an unnecessarily long letter. Instead, make it brief and to the point. One way to maintain the acceptable and recommended length is to only write the information you think is essential. Also, avoid repeating details that are already covered in your documents.

Be specific

Colleges love to pick students who write to them with genuine intentions. For this reason, let the administration know that you believe it is only their college that can offer the best quality education and college life that you want to explore. Think about the specific reason that built your interest in the college and capitalize on it. This could be anything, from nationwide recognition in a game that you play to an excellent ranking for your program of interest.

Make sure to go through your admissions application letter several times to correct any grammatical and spelling mistakes. Ensure that your letter has good readability so that the reader can see your professionalism and attention to detail. If it helps, have a friend go through your letter to see what they feel about it. While polishing your letter, keep in mind that submitting a letter containing careless mistakes could ruin your chance of securing a life-changing opportunity.

Submit the letter before the deadline

Colleges tend to be strict on timeliness to ensure the smooth flow of their selection procedures. Many colleges do not even consider going through admissions applications sent in late. In this context, be sure to follow up on the dates announced by your preferred institution to ensure that your letter reaches them before time runs out.

Final Words

A well-written admissions application letter can increase your chances of joining the institution of your dreams. Remember that a good writing process starts with adequate research. When writing the letter, be keen to capture how the school’s culture, mission, vision, and strengths relate well with your qualities and strengths as a student. Write about your achievements in the community and your former schools. Always remember to keep it professional, concise, and one page long. Consider using a customizable template to make sure you have included all the essential information in your application letter.

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College Application Cover Letter Examples

As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

When you are applying for college admission, it's important to do everything possible to make sure your application really stands out. Sending a cover letter in support of your application materials can be a great way to capture admissions officers' attention in a positive way while also giving them a chance to learn a bit about your personality and unique circumstances.

Example Cover Letter Templates for College Applications

You can use a cover letter whether you are applying via the Common Application or if you are submitting an individual admission packet. Choose the sample letter below that best fits your needs and adjust it to convey key highlights of why you should be considered for admission. To access each letter, simply click the image. It will open as an editable PDF file that you can customize, save and print. This guide for Adobe printables can be of assistance if you need help with the documents.

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Sample Cover Letter for College Application Packets

If you are submitting a school-specific applicant packet, include the letter with all of your other materials (such as your application form, essay, and application fee).

Example Cover Letter to Pair With the Common App

If you are using the Common App, also known as the Common Application, you may still want to send an individualized cover letter to the schools that you're most interested in attending. Consider sending your cover letter to each school's admissions representative at the same time you complete your Common App, or even a few days before.

Writing Your College Application Cover Letter

While the samples here are great starting points, you will need to adjust them to focus on your specific situation. You will need to include:

Why you want to attend this particular school
What your academic interests are
How the school is a good fit for your academic interests and long-term goals
How your background and future interests make you a great candidate to consider
Any special connections you have to the school (i.e., do you have relatives who graduated from the school?)
Details on how the other components of your application packet will be received
A specific request to consider you for admission
Details on how to contact you

Stand Out to College Admission Officers

A well-written cover letter can be a terrific add-on to your college application package. Not everyone will think to send this kind of document, so it just might help you stand out among the other applicants. Of course, a poorly written letter can have the opposite effect. So, be sure that your letter follows an appropriate business letter format, really presents you in a positive light, is well-written, and error-free .

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Writing Your College Letter of Intent: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Eric Eng

lady in green sweater looking outside with laptop and mug

Writing Your Letter of Intent for College: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a letter of intent for college is an important step in the college admissions process. This letter allows you to express your interest in a particular college or university and explain why you would be a great fit for their institution. In this step-by-step guide, we will break down the process of writing a college letter of intent and provide you with valuable tips to make your letter stand out from the rest.

Understanding the Purpose of a College Letter of Intent

Understanding the purpose of a college letter of intent is crucial before you begin drafting your letter. The intent letter functions as a formal declaration of your intent to enroll in a particular college or university, providing you with a platform to demonstrate your passion, qualifications, and dedication to the institution.

When you sit down to write your college letter of intent , you may find yourself wondering about the significance of this document. What role does it play in the college admissions process? How can it impact your chances of being accepted? These are important questions to consider as you craft your letter.

The Role of a Letter of Intent in College Admissions

In the college admissions process, a letter of intent holds considerable weight. A dmissions officers review these letters to assess your level of interest and dedication to their institution.

A well-crafted letter can demonstrate your enthusiasm, help you stand out among other applicants, and potentially improve your chances of being accepted.

Admissions officers receive numerous applications from students who meet the academic requirements. However, a letter of intent allows you to go beyond the numbers and statistics. It provides an opportunity for you to express your genuine interest in the college or university and explain why you believe it is the perfect fit for your educational journey.

By writing a compelling letter of intent for college, you can show the admissions committee that you have taken the time to research the institution, understand its values and offerings, and envision yourself as a valuable member of their community. This level of dedication and thoughtfulness can make a lasting impression on the admissions officers.

Key Elements to Include in Your Letter of Intent

When writing your college letter of intent, it is crucial to include several key elements to make it compelling and persuasive.

Your reasons for choosing the college or university : Explain why you are specifically interested in attending this institution and how it aligns with your educational and career goals.
Your academic achievements : Highlight any academic accomplishments, awards, or honors that demonstrate your intellectual potential and dedication to your studies.
Your extracurricular activities : Showcase your involvement in extracurricular activities both in and out of school. Emphasize how these experiences have shaped your character, leadership skills, or community involvement.
Your future goals : Discuss your long-term goals and how attending this college or university will help you achieve them. Make a strong case for how their programs, faculty, or resources are uniquely suited to support your aspirations.

While these elements are important, it is equally crucial to ensure that your letter is authentic and reflects your true self. Admissions officers value honesty and genuine enthusiasm, so be sure to convey your passion for the college or university in a sincere and compelling manner.

Your letter of intent is an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Take the time to craft your letter carefully, paying attention to detail and ensuring that it effectively communicates your enthusiasm and qualifications. With a well-written letter of intent, you can increase your chances of being accepted into the college or university of your dreams.

Preparing to Write Your Letter of Intent for College

Preparing to write your letter of intent for college involves taking the time to prepare and gather all the necessary information. This preliminary step is essential because it ensures that your letter is well-informed and tailored to the specific college or university you are applying to.

Writing a letter of intent for college requires careful thought and planning. It is not simply a task to be completed but rather an opportunity to showcase your passion, goals, and suitability for the institution. By following these steps, you can create a compelling letter that stands out from the rest.

Researching Your Prospective College

To write an effective college letter of intent, you must thoroughly research the college or university you are applying to. This goes beyond just skimming through their website or reading a brochure. Take the time to dive deep into their programs, faculty, and campus culture.

One way to gain a deeper understanding of the institution is by attending virtual information sessions. These sessions provide valuable insights into the college’s values, educational philosophy, and admission requirements. They also give you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with admissions representatives.

A student sitting in from of her desktop attending a virtual session

Additionally, consider connecting with current students or alumni. They can provide firsthand experiences and perspectives that may not be readily available on the college’s website. Engaging in conversations with them can help you gauge whether the college is the right fit for your academic and personal goals.

Identifying Your Academic and Personal Achievements

Make a list of your academic achievements and personal experiences that showcase your strengths and unique qualities as an applicant. This step is crucial in crafting a letter of intent that effectively highlights your qualifications.

When identifying your academic achievements, consider your grades , test scores, and any honors or awards you have received. Reflect on the classes or projects that have had a significant impact on your academic journey.

Think about how these achievements demonstrate your commitment to learning and your ability to excel in a college environment.

Personal experiences can also play a significant role in your letter of intent. These experiences can include extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, or personal challenges you have overcome. By showcasing these experiences, you can demonstrate your character, resilience, and ability to contribute to the college community.

Remember, the goal is not to simply list your achievements but to choose the most impactful examples that align with the values and mission of the college you are applying to.

This will show the admissions committee that you have taken the time to understand their institution and have thoughtfully considered how you would contribute to their community.

Structuring Your College Letter of Intent

Structuring your college letter of intent is as important as the content it contains. A well-structured letter will engage the reader and make your points more effective.

When it comes to writing a letter of intent for college, it’s not just about what you say but how you say it. The structure of your letter plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and conveying your message effectively. By following a clear and organized structure, you can ensure that your letter stands out among the many others that admissions officers receive.

So, how should you structure your college letter of intent? Let’s break it down:

Starting with a Strong Introduction

The introduction of your letter is the first impression you make on the reader. It sets the tone for the rest of your letter and should grab the reader’s attention right from the start.

To make your introduction impactful, consider starting with a personal anecdote that relates to your field of study. This will not only make your letter more engaging but also highlight your passion and commitment to the subject.

For example, if you’re applying for a computer science program, you could start your letter with a story about how you developed a love for coding at a young age and how that passion has driven your academic pursuits.

Detailing Your Academic Interests and Goals

After capturing the reader’s attention with a strong introduction, it’s time to delve into the specifics of your academic interests and goals. This is your chance to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter.

When discussing your academic interests, be sure to mention specific areas of study that you are passionate about. Explain why these areas intrigue you and how they align with your long-term goals.

Additionally, highlight how the college’s programs and resources can help you further explore and excel in these areas.

For instance, if you’re interested in environmental science, you could discuss your fascination with climate change and how you hope to contribute to finding sustainable solutions. You could also mention specific research opportunities or faculty members at the college who align with your interests.

Highlighting Your Extracurricular Activities

While your academic achievements are important, admissions officers also want to see a well-rounded individual who is actively involved in extracurricular activities. This is your chance to showcase your leadership skills, character development, and community engagement.

Describe your involvement in extracurricular activities and explain how these experiences have shaped you as a person. Highlight any notable achievements or experiences that demonstrate your dedication and commitment.

Whether it’s being the captain of the debate team, volunteering at a local shelter, or organizing fundraising events, make sure to emphasize the skills and qualities you have gained through these activities.

Group of people working in charitable foundation.

By highlighting your extracurricular activities, you not only demonstrate your ability to balance academics and other commitments but also showcase your potential to contribute to the college community outside of the classroom.

Remember, the structure of your letter of intent for college is equally as important as its content. By starting with a strong introduction, detailing your academic interests and goals, and highlighting your extracurricular activities, you can create a well-structured letter that effectively communicates your passion, dedication, and potential to the admissions officers.

Writing the Body of Your Letter of Intent

When writing the body of your letter of intent, it’s crucial to seize the opportunity to not only express your passion for the field of study but also to provide specific examples of how your academic and personal experiences have shaped your interest.

This section allows you to delve deeper into your commitment to the subject and demonstrate your knowledge of the college or university.

Showcasing Your Passion for the Field of Study

When expressing your passion for the field of study, it is essential to go beyond mere statements and provide concrete evidence. Discussing any research projects, internships, or relevant coursework that have solidified your commitment to the subject can greatly enhance your letter.

You can elaborate on a research project where you explored the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and how this experience ignited your desire to pursue environmental science further.

Furthermore, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight your dedication and enthusiasm can make your letter more compelling. Perhaps you can recall a moment when you volunteered at a local hospital and witnessed the transformative power of healthcare, which inspired you to pursue a career in medicine .

By providing specific examples, you can effectively demonstrate the depth of your passion for the field.

Demonstrating Your Knowledge of the College

In this section, it is crucial to demonstrate your knowledge of the college or university you are applying to. Admissions officers want to see that you have done your research and have a genuine understanding of what makes the institution unique and appealing to you.

One way to showcase your knowledge is by discussing specific programs or departments that align with your interests. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a degree in business, you can mention the college’s renowned entrepreneurship program and how it aligns perfectly with your aspirations of starting your own company someday.

Additionally, highlighting faculty members or campus initiatives that resonate with your academic and personal goals can further demonstrate your knowledge and genuine interest in the institution.

Perhaps you were impressed by a professor’s groundbreaking research in the field of psychology, or you were inspired by the college’s commitment to sustainability through its eco-friendly campus initiatives.

By showcasing your knowledge of the college or university, you not only prove that you have taken the time to research the institution thoroughly but also show the admissions officers that you have a genuine understanding of how the college can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Concluding Your Letter of Intent for College

Concluding your letter of intent for college is a critical moment to leave a memorable impression. The final lines of your letter of intent should effectively summarize your main points and leave a positive impression on the reader.

Reiterating Interest and Commitment

In the closing paragraph, it’s essential to reaffirm your genuine interest in becoming a student at the college or university.

Emphasize not only your desire to attend but also your eagerness to participate in the campus community actively. Use this opportunity to highlight how your unique background and aspirations align with the institution’s values and programs.

By reiterating your commitment, you convey your dedication to becoming a valuable member of their academic and social landscape.

Gratitude and Enthusiasm

Expressing gratitude is not only courteous but also demonstrates your professionalism. Thank the admissions officers for their time and effort in reviewing your application.

Moreover, convey your genuine enthusiasm for the possibility of joining the institution. This showcases your passion and eagerness to make the most of the opportunities presented to you.

Ending on a Positive and Hopeful Note

Conclude your letter on an optimistic and forward-looking note. Communicate your hope for a favorable response to your application.

While it’s important not to sound presumptive, this expression of hope reflects your positive attitude and belief in your own qualifications. It leaves a lasting impression of confidence and optimism.

In summary, the conclusion of your letter of intent for college should reinforce your enthusiasm and alignment with the college’s values while maintaining a respectful and positive tone.

By effectively summarizing your main points and expressing your commitment and gratitude, you can leave a strong, memorable impression on the admissions committee, increasing your chances of being admitted to the college or university of your choice.

A female student looking for her university

Writing a letter of intent for college is a significant opportunity to showcase your passion, qualifications, and commitment to a particular institution. By following this step-by-step guide and considering the key elements discussed, you can craft a compelling letter that stands out from the competition and strengthens your college application.

AdmissionSight offers expert guidance to students, helping them write compelling letters of intent and navigate the admissions process .

Our experienced consultants ensure that each student’s strengths and aspirations are showcased effectively. With AdmissionSight, students can gain a competitive edge, making their college applications more appealing and increasing their chances of being admitted to their dream institutions.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Winning College Application Cover Letter: Tips and Strategies

Writing a cover letter for a college application is an important task. It provides students with an opportunity to showcase their skills beyond their academic transcripts. It is a chance to tell the admissions committee who you are, why you are interested in the school, and how you can contribute to the school community.

A well-written cover letter can make a significant difference in the admissions process. This is because it allows students to show their writing skills, creativity, and passion for learning.

The cover should be concise, focused, and tailored to the specific institution. Students should avoid repeating information already present in their application. A cover letter should be used to add context to their application materials.

In this competitive admissions landscape, a well-written cover can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. With this in mind, students should take the time to create a thoughtful and compelling cover that reflects their best selves. You can also read our blog to learn more about how to stand out in your college application .

What Is Cover Letter for College Application?

A cover letter for college application is a document that provides students with the opportunity to showcase their achievements beyond their academic transcripts. The cover letter serves as a supplement to the rest of the application. It also gives admissions officers a more comprehensive view of the student.

A cover letter for university admission should be tailored to the specific institution. The text should highlight the student’s unique qualities that make them an excellent fit for the institution. This includes their strengths and achievements, as well as their motivation for attending school.

The cover can also provide context for any discrepancies or weaknesses in the student’s application.

You can also look at college admission consultant reviews in our blog if you are wondering how to write a cover application.

How to Write a Cover Letter For College?

College hooks are vital to creating a standout cover letter. This is part of your application process, and we have a dedicated article to help you learn more about them.

A successful cover letter is one that highlights your strengths, personality, and achievements beyond your academic records.

To help you craft an exceptional college application cover letter, here are six essential tips:

Research the college and its values:

Before starting your cover letter, research the school thoroughly. This helps you understand their values, goals, and mission. It can help you tailor your letter to fit the vision and show the admissions committee why you are the perfect fit for the institution. To assess if college is not for you , you can read the detailed article in our blog section.

Address the letter to the appropriate person:

A cover letter for college admission should address the proper person. Such as the admissions director or the head of the department you are applying to. This shows that you have taken the time to learn about their structure and are serious about your application.

Start with a strong opening sentence:

A strong opening sentence can capture the attention of the admissions committee. This will make them interested in reading more. Start with an anecdote or an attention-grabbing statement that relates to your application.

Highlight your strengths and achievements:

Use the cover letter to showcase yourself. Try to mention the ones that are relevant to the college’s mission and values. Mention your extracurricular activities, community involvement, and any relevant experience. In this way, you will be able to showcase your commitment to your goals.

Explain why you are interested in the college:

It is crucial to explain why you are interested in the school beyond its reputation or location. Highlight specific programs, professors, or opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

Proofread and edit for clarity and correctness:

After writing your cover letter, proofread it. It’s important to omit any errors, grammatical mistakes, or typos. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. This is important to create a positive impression on the admissions committee.

Crafting your college application cover letter is a key step in your admission journey. As you prepare, it’s helpful to ponder your post-college career. Learn when to begin considering this next life phase and strategize your future.

How to Format Your College Application Letter?

To make your application stand out, consider the following tips for formatting:

Use a standard business letter format: Follow the standard business letter format. It includes your name and address at the top, followed by the date, the recipient’s name and address, a formal salutation, and your signature.
Choose a professional font: Select a professional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and use a font size of 12 points. This ensures that your letter is easy to read and looks professional.
Use clear and concise language: Use formal and professional language in the college admissions cover letter. Be clear and concise in expressing your points.
Use bullet points : Consider using bullet points to highlight your strengths and achievements. This will help to make your application more readable and memorable.
Keep it brief: Your application should be no longer than one page, so keep it brief and to the point. Focus on your strengths and why you are interested in attending college.
Customize your letter to the college: Customize your letter to the college. You can do this by researching the institution’s values and mission. This will help you tailor it to the college’s needs.
Proofread and edit : Before submitting your application, proofread and edit it for clarity and correctness. This will ensure that your application is free of errors and presents you in the best light possible.

By following these guidelines, you can create a professional and well-crafted college application. It will stand out to the admissions committee and increase your chances of acceptance.

Applying to college can be a competitive process. To give yourself an edge, it’s interesting to know about the most expensive schools in the world. Awareness about these institutions can inform your choices and aspirations.

Sample Structure

I. Introduction

Introduce yourself and state the purpose
Express your enthusiasm for the college

II. Research and Connection to the College

mention what you know about the school
Explain why you are interested in attending
Discuss any personal connections you have

III. Highlight your Strengths and Achievements

Discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant experiences
Explain how these achievements have prepared you for college
Highlight any skills or qualities that make you a strong candidate for the institute

IV. Explanation of Why You Are a Good Fit for the College

Explain how the school aligns with your goals and values
Discuss how you can contribute to the school community
Explain why you believe the institute is the right fit for you
Summarize why you are interested in the college and why you would be a good fit
Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration
Provide your contact information
End with a formal closing and your signature

Dear Admissions Committee, I am thrilled to submit my application to XYZ University for the upcoming academic year, with a passion for personal growth and academic excellence. I believe XYZ University will provide the perfect platform for me to achieve my goals and contribute to the vibrant university community. Throughout my high school career, I have eagerly engaged in numerous extracurricular activities, such as leading the debate team and volunteering at local nonprofits. My academic performance has been nothing short of exceptional, with rigorous coursework, including AP Biology and Calculus, leading to a strong academic foundation. What excites me most about XYZ University is its commitment to providing a holistic education, combining practical experience through internships and research opportunities with rigorous coursework. These opportunities align perfectly with my career aspirations and personal goals, making me confident that XYZ University is the ideal place for me to grow and thrive. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of joining XYZ University and contributing to the community. Best regards, John Poe

Key Takeaways

Here are some things that we have learned from this article:

A well-thought and well-crafted cover letter can increase your chances of acceptance into an institute of your choice.
The cover should be concise and tailored to the institute, highlighting your unique qualities.
Before writing the letter, research the college and ensure it is addressed to the appropriate person.
Make sure that the opening sentence is strong and attention-grabbing.
Emphasize your strengths and achievements as well as your interest in the school.
Follow the formal business letter format.
Use clear and concise language, as well as bullet points, to keep it brief and on-point.

Writing a stellar college application cover letter is crucial, but so is impeccable grammar. You might find it helpful to check out the Grammarly review . Ensuring flawless grammar can significantly enhance your application’s quality.

Who requires college application cover letters?

When you’re applying for college, you should write a cover letter to accompany your application. This letter is a chance for you to show off your personality, accomplishments, and motivation beyond just your grades. Colleges might have different rules for how they want your letter to look.

Therefore, you must check each school’s requirements before submitting your application. Even the most expensive universities in the world must cover letters. You can learn more about them through our blog.

What is a letter of continued interest?

A letter of continued interest is a formal application that prospective students write to colleges or universities. It is used to express their continued interest in attending the institution. This can be helpful if you are waitlisted or deferred, as it can help you stand out and prove your commitment to the college.

Furthermore, if you are wondering how to start an appeal letter for college , you can refer to articles on our blog.

Can a college cover letter help me?

Yes, a college cover letter can help you in several ways. Firstly, it gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. It also enables you to stand out from other applicants.

Secondly, a well-written cover can prove your writing skills. This can help you make a strong impression on the admissions committee.

Finally, a cover application can help highlight your unique achievements and experiences.

Education Writer

One of our team members is Alina Burakova. She has vast experience in reviewing career and education-related websites. Being a little shy, Alina dislikes writing about herself too much, so here is her short bio. In 2010, she graduated from ...

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My Successful Harvard Application (Complete Common App + Supplement)

Other High School , College Admissions , Letters of Recommendation , Extracurriculars , College Essays

In 2005, I applied to college and got into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. I decided to attend Harvard.

In this guide, I'll show you the entire college application that got me into Harvard—page by page, word for word .

In my complete analysis, I'll take you through my Common Application, Harvard supplemental application, personal statements and essays, extracurricular activities, teachers' letters of recommendation, counselor recommendation, complete high school transcript, and more. I'll also give you in-depth commentary on every part of my application.

Worried about college applications? Our world-class admissions counselors can help. We've guided thousands of students to get into their top choice schools with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies.

To my knowledge, a college application analysis like this has never been done before . This is the application guide I wished I had when I was in high school.

If you're applying to top schools like the Ivy Leagues, you'll see firsthand what a successful application to Harvard and Princeton looks like. You'll learn the strategies I used to build a compelling application. You'll see what items were critical in getting me admitted, and what didn't end up helping much at all.

Reading this guide from beginning to end will be well worth your time—you might completely change your college application strategy as a result.

First Things First

Here's the letter offering me admission into Harvard College under Early Action.

I was so thrilled when I got this letter. It validated many years of hard work, and I was excited to take my next step into college (...and work even harder).

I received similar successful letters from every college I applied to: Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. (After getting into Harvard early, I decided not to apply to Yale, Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, and other Ivy League-level schools, since I already knew I would rather go to Harvard.)

The application that got me admitted everywhere is the subject of this guide. You're going to see everything that the admissions officers saw.

If you're hoping to see an acceptance letter like this in your academic future, I highly recommend you read this entire article. I'll start first with an introduction to this guide and important disclaimers. Then I'll share the #1 question you need to be thinking about as you construct your application. Finally, we'll spend a lot of time going through every page of my college application, both the Common App and the Harvard Supplemental App.

Important Note: the foundational principles of my application are explored in detail in my How to Get Into Harvard guide . In this popular guide, I explain:

what top schools like the Ivy League are looking for
how to be truly distinctive among thousands of applicants
why being well-rounded is the kiss of death

If you have the time and are committed to maximizing your college application success, I recommend you read through my Harvard guide first, then come back to this one.

You might also be interested in my other two major guides:

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score / Perfect ACT Score
How to Get a 4.0 GPA

What's in This Harvard Application Guide?

From my student records, I was able to retrieve the COMPLETE original application I submitted to Harvard. Page by page, word for word, you'll see everything exactly as I presented it : extracurricular activities, awards and honors, personal statements and essays, and more.

In addition to all this detail, there are two special parts of this college application breakdown that I haven't seen anywhere else :

You'll see my FULL recommendation letters and evaluation forms. This includes recommendations from two teachers, one principal, and supplementary writers. Normally you don't get to see these letters because you waive access to them when applying. You'll see how effective strong teacher advocates will be to your college application, and why it's so important to build strong relationships with your letter writers .
You'll see the exact pen marks made by my Harvard admissions reader on my application . Members of admissions committees consider thousands of applications every year, which means they highlight the pieces of each application they find noteworthy. You'll see what the admissions officer considered important—and what she didn't.

For every piece of my application, I'll provide commentary on what made it so effective and my strategies behind creating it. You'll learn what it takes to build a compelling overall application.

Importantly, even though my application was strong, it wasn't perfect. I'll point out mistakes I made that I could have corrected to build an even stronger application.

Here's a complete table of contents for what we'll be covering. Each link goes directly to that section, although I'd recommend you read this from beginning to end on your first go.

Common Application

Personal Data

Educational data, test information.

Activities: Extracurricular, Personal, Volunteer
Short Answer
Additional Information

Academic Honors

Personal statement, teacher and counselor recommendations.

Teacher Letter #1: AP Chemistry
Teacher Letter #2: AP English Lang

School Report

Principal Recommendation

Harvard Application Supplement

Supplement Form
Writing Supplement Essay

Supplementary Recommendation #1

Supplementary recommendation #2, supplemental application materials.

Final Advice for You

I mean it—you'll see literally everything in my application.

In revealing my teenage self, some parts of my application will be pretty embarrassing (you'll see why below). But my mission through my company PrepScholar is to give the world the most helpful resources possible, so I'm publishing it.

One last thing before we dive in—I'm going to anticipate some common concerns beforehand and talk through important disclaimers so that you'll get the most out of this guide.

Important Disclaimers

My biggest caveat for you when reading this guide: thousands of students get into Harvard and Ivy League schools every year. This guide tells a story about one person and presents one archetype of a strong applicant. As you'll see, I had a huge academic focus, especially in science ( this was my Spike ). I'm also irreverent and have a strong, direct personality.

What you see in this guide is NOT what YOU need to do to get into Harvard , especially if you don't match my interests and personality at all.

As I explain in my Harvard guide , I believe I fit into one archetype of a strong applicant—the "academic superstar" (humor me for a second, I know calling myself this sounds obnoxious). There are other distinct ways to impress, like:

being world-class in a non-academic talent
achieving something difficult and noteworthy—building a meaningful organization, writing a novel
coming from tremendous adversity and performing remarkably well relative to expectations

Therefore, DON'T worry about copying my approach one-for-one . Don't worry if you're taking a different number of AP courses or have lower test scores or do different extracurriculars or write totally different personal statements. This is what schools like Stanford and Yale want to see—a diversity in the student population!

The point of this guide is to use my application as a vehicle to discuss what top colleges are looking for in strong applicants. Even though the specific details of what you'll do are different from what I did, the principles are the same. What makes a candidate truly stand out is the same, at a high level. What makes for a super strong recommendation letter is the same. The strategies on how to build a cohesive, compelling application are the same.

There's a final reason you shouldn't worry about replicating my work—the application game has probably changed quite a bit since 2005. Technology is much more pervasive, the social issues teens care about are different, the extracurricular activities that are truly noteworthy have probably gotten even more advanced. What I did might not be as impressive as it used to be. So focus on my general points, not the specifics, and think about how you can take what you learn here to achieve something even greater than I ever did.

With that major caveat aside, here are a string of smaller disclaimers.

I'm going to present my application factually and be 100% straightforward about what I achieved and what I believed was strong in my application. This is what I believe will be most helpful for you. I hope you don't misinterpret this as bragging about my accomplishments. I'm here to show you what it took for me to get into Harvard and other Ivy League schools, not to ask for your admiration. So if you read this guide and are tempted to dismiss my advice because you think I'm boasting, take a step back and focus on the big picture—how you'll improve yourself.

This guide is geared toward admissions into the top colleges in the country , often with admissions rates below 10%. A sample list of schools that fit into this: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, UChicago, Duke, UPenn, CalTech, Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Brown. The top 3-5 in that list are especially looking for the absolute best students in the country , since they have the pick of the litter.

Admissions for these selective schools works differently from schools with >20% rates. For less selective schools, having an overall strong, well-rounded application is sufficient for getting in. In particular, having an above average GPA and test scores goes the majority of the way toward getting you admission to those schools. The higher the admission rate, the more emphasis will be placed on your scores. The other pieces I'll present below—personal statements, extracurriculars, recommendations—will matter less.

Still, it doesn't hurt to aim for a stronger application. To state the obvious, an application strong enough to get you Columbia will get you into UCLA handily.

In my application, I've redacted pieces of my application for privacy reasons, and one supplementary recommendation letter at the request of the letter writer. Everything else is unaltered.

Throughout my application, we can see marks made by the admissions officer highlighting and circling things of note (you'll see the first example on the very first page). I don't have any other applications to compare these to, so I'm going to interpret these marks as best I can. For the most part, I assume that whatever he underlines or circles is especially important and noteworthy —points that he'll bring up later in committee discussions. It could also be that the reader got bored and just started highlighting things, but I doubt this.

Finally, I co-founded and run a company called PrepScholar . We create online SAT/ACT prep programs that adapt to you and your strengths and weaknesses . I believe we've created the best prep program available, and if you feel you need to raise your SAT/ACT score, then I encourage you to check us out . I want to emphasize that you do NOT need to buy a prep program to get a great score , and the advice in this guide has little to do with my company. But if you're aren't sure how to improve your score and agree with our unique approach to SAT/ACT prep, our program may be perfect for you.

With all this past us, let's get started.

The #1 Most Important College Application Question: What Is Your PERSONAL NARRATIVE?

If you stepped into an elevator with Yale's Dean of Admissions and you had ten seconds to describe yourself and why you're interesting, what would you say?

This is what I call your PERSONAL NARRATIVE. These are the three main points that represent who you are and what you're about . This is the story that you tell through your application, over and over again. This is how an admissions officer should understand you after just glancing through your application. This is how your admissions officer will present you to the admissions committee to advocate for why they should accept you.

The more unique and noteworthy your Personal Narrative is, the better. This is how you'll stand apart from the tens of thousands of other applicants to your top choice school. This is why I recommend so strongly that you develop a Spike to show deep interest and achievement. A compelling Spike is the core of your Personal Narrative.

Well-rounded applications do NOT form compelling Personal Narratives, because "I'm a well-rounded person who's decent at everything" is the exact same thing every other well-rounded person tries to say.

Everything in your application should support your Personal Narrative , from your course selection and extracurricular activities to your personal statements and recommendation letters. You are a movie director, and your application is your way to tell a compelling, cohesive story through supporting evidence.

Yes, this is overly simplistic and reductionist. It does not represent all your complexities and your 17 years of existence. But admissions offices don't have the time to understand this for all their applicants. Your PERSONAL NARRATIVE is what they will latch onto.

Here's what I would consider my Personal Narrative (humor me since I'm peacocking here):

1) A science obsessive with years of serious research work and ranked 6 th in a national science competition, with future goals of being a neuroscientist or physician

2) Balanced by strong academic performance in all subjects (4.0 GPA and perfect test scores, in both humanities and science) and proficiency in violin

3) An irreverent personality who doesn't take life too seriously, embraces controversy, and says what's on his mind

These three elements were the core to my application. Together they tell a relatively unique Personal Narrative that distinguishes me from many other strong applicants. You get a surprisingly clear picture of what I'm about. There's no question that my work in science was my "Spike" and was the strongest piece of my application, but my Personal Narrative included other supporting elements, especially a description of my personality.

My College Application, at a High Level

Drilling down into more details, here's an overview of my application.

This put me comfortably in the 99 th percentile in the country, but it was NOT sufficient to get me into Harvard by itself ! Because there are roughly 4 million high school students per year, the top 1 percentile still has 40,000 students. You need other ways to set yourself apart.
Your Spike will most often come from your extracurriculars and academic honors, just because it's hard to really set yourself apart with your coursework and test scores.
My letters of recommendation were very strong. Both my recommending teachers marked me as "one of the best they'd ever taught." Importantly, they corroborated my Personal Narrative, especially regarding my personality. You'll see how below.
My personal statements were, in retrospect, just satisfactory. They represented my humorous and irreverent side well, but they come across as too self-satisfied. Because of my Spike, I don't think my essays were as important to my application.

Finally, let's get started by digging into the very first pages of my Common Application.

There are a few notable points about how simple questions can actually help build a first impression around what your Personal Narrative is.

First, notice the circle around my email address. This is the first of many marks the admissions officer made on my application. The reason I think he circled this was that the email address I used is a joke pun on my name . I knew it was risky to use this vs something like [email protected], but I thought it showed my personality better (remember point #3 about having an irreverent personality in my Personal Narrative).

Don't be afraid to show who you really are, rather than your perception of what they want. What you think UChicago or Stanford wants is probably VERY wrong, because of how little information you have, both as an 18-year-old and as someone who hasn't read thousands of applications.

(It's also entirely possible that it's a formality to circle email addresses, so I don't want to read too much into it, but I think I'm right.)

Second, I knew in high school that I wanted to go into the medical sciences, either as a physician or as a scientist. I was also really into studying the brain. So I listed both in my Common App to build onto my Personal Narrative.

In the long run, both predictions turned out to be wrong. After college, I did go to Harvard Medical School for the MD/PhD program for 4 years, but I left to pursue entrepreneurship and co-founded PrepScholar . Moreover, in the time I did actually do research, I switched interests from neuroscience to bioengineering/biotech.

Colleges don't expect you to stick to career goals you stated at the age of 18. Figuring out what you want to do is the point of college! But this doesn't give you an excuse to avoid showing a preference. This early question is still a chance to build that Personal Narrative.

Thus, I recommend AGAINST "Undecided" as an area of study —it suggests a lack of flavor and is hard to build a compelling story around. From your high school work thus far, you should at least be leaning to something, even if that's likely to change in the future.

Finally, in the demographic section there is a big red A, possibly for Asian American. I'm not going to read too much into this. If you're a notable minority, this is where you'd indicate it.

Now known as: Education

This section was straightforward for me. I didn't take college courses, and I took a summer chemistry class at a nearby high school because I didn't get into the lottery at my school that year (I refer to this briefly in my 4.0 GPA guide ).

The most notable point of this section: the admissions officer circled Principal here . This is notable because our school Principal only wrote letters for fewer than 10 students each year. Counselors wrote letters for the other hundreds of students in my class, which made my application stand out just a little.

I'll talk more about this below, when I share the Principal's recommendation.

(In the current Common Application, the Education section also includes Grades, Courses, and Honors. We'll be covering each of those below).

Now known as: Testing

Back then AP scores weren't part of this section, but I'll take them from another part of my application here.

However, their standards are still very high. You really do want to be in that top 1 percentile to pass the filter. A 1400 on the SAT IS going to put you at a disadvantage because there are so many students scoring higher than you. You'll really have to dig yourself out of the hole with an amazing application.

I talk about this a lot more in my Get into Harvard guide (sorry to keep linking this, but I really do think it's an important guide for you to read).

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

Let's end this section with some personal notes.

Even though math and science were easy for me, I had to put in serious effort to get an 800 on the Reading section of the SAT . As much as I wish I could say it was trivial for me, it wasn't. I learned a bunch of strategies and dissected the test to get to a point where I understood the test super well and reliably earned perfect scores.

I cover the most important points in my How to Get a Perfect SAT Score guide , as well as my 800 Guides for Reading , Writing , and Math .

Between the SAT and ACT, the SAT was my primary focus, but I decided to take the ACT for fun. The tests were so similar that I scored a 36 Composite without much studying. Having two test scores is completely unnecessary —you get pretty much zero additional credit. Again, with one test score, you have already passed their filter.

Finally, class finals or state-required exams are a breeze if you get a 5 on the corresponding AP tests .

Now known as: Family (still)

This section asks for your parent information and family situation. There's not much you can do here besides report the facts.

I'm redacting a lot of stuff again for privacy reasons.

The reader made a number of marks here for occupation and education. There's likely a standard code for different types of occupations and schools.

If I were to guess, I'd say that the numbers add to form some metric of "family prestige." My dad got a Master's at a middle-tier American school, but my mom didn't go to graduate school, and these sections were marked 2 and 3, respectively. So it seems higher numbers are given for less prestigious educations by your parents. I'd expect that if both my parents went to schools like Caltech and Dartmouth, there would be even lower numbers here.

This makes me think that the less prepared your family is, the more points you get, and this might give your application an extra boost. If you were the first one in your family to go to college, for example, you'd be excused for having lower test scores and fewer AP classes. Schools really do care about your background and how you performed relative to expectations.

In the end, schools like Harvard say pretty adamantly they don't use formulas to determine admissions decisions, so I wouldn't read too much into this. But this can be shorthand to help orient an applicant's family background.

Extracurricular, Personal, and Volunteer Activities

Now known as: Activities

For most applicants, your Extracurriculars and your Academic Honors will be where you develop your Spike and where your Personal Narrative shines through. This was how my application worked.

Just below I'll describe the activities in more detail, but first I want to reflect on this list.

As instructed, my extracurriculars were listed in the order of their interest to me. The current Common App doesn't seem to ask for this, but I would still recommend it to focus your reader's attention.

The most important point I have to make about my extracurriculars: as you go down the list, there is a HUGE drop in the importance of each additional activity to the overall application. If I were to guess, I assign the following weights to how much each activity contributed to the strength of my activities section:


Research Science Institute 2004	75%
Jisan Research Institute	10%
Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra	6%
Science Olympiad/Science Bowl/Math Team	4%
City of Hope Medical Center	1%
Pre-Medicine Club	1%
Hospital Quartet Performances	1%
Chemistry Club	1%

In other words, participating in the Research Science Institute (RSI) was far more important than all of my other extracurriculars, combined. You can see that this was the only activity my admissions reader circled.

You can see how Spike-y this is. The RSI just completely dominates all my other activities.

The reason for this is the prestige of RSI. As I noted earlier, RSI was (and likely still is) the most prestigious research program for high school students in the country, with an admission rate of less than 5% . Because the program was so prestigious and selective, getting in served as a big confirmation signal of my academic quality.

In other words, the Harvard admissions reader would likely think, "OK, if this very selective program has already validated Allen as a top student, I'm inclined to believe that Allen is a top student and should pay special attention to him."

Now, it took a lot of prior work to even get into RSI because it's so selective. I had already ranked nationally in the Chemistry Olympiad (more below), and I had done a lot of prior research work in computer science (at Jisan Research Institute—more about this later). But getting into RSI really propelled my application to another level.

Because RSI was so important and was such a big Spike, all my other extracurriculars paled in importance. The admissions officer at Princeton or MIT probably didn't care at all that I volunteered at a hospital or founded a high school club .

This is a good sign of developing a strong Spike. You want to do something so important that everything else you do pales in comparison to it. A strong Spike becomes impossible to ignore.

In contrast, if you're well-rounded, all your activities hold equal weight—which likely means none of them are really that impressive (unless you're a combination of Olympic athlete, internationally-ranked science researcher, and New York Times bestselling author, but then I'd call you unicorn because you don't exist).

Apply this concept to your own interests—what can be so impressive and such a big Spike that it completely overshadows all your other achievements?

This might be worth spending a disproportionate amount of time on. As I recommend in my Harvard guide and 4.0 GPA guide , smartly allocating your time is critical to your high school strategy.

In retrospect, one "mistake" I made was spending a lot of time on the violin. Each week I spent eight hours on practice and a lesson and four hours of orchestra rehearsals. This amounted to over 1,500 hours from freshman to junior year.

The result? I was pretty good, but definitely nowhere near world-class. Remember, there are thousands of orchestras and bands in the country, each with their own concertmasters, drum majors, and section 1 st chairs.

If I were to optimize purely for college applications, I should have spent that time on pushing my spike even further —working on more Olympiad competitions, or doing even more hardcore research.

Looking back I don't mind this much because I generally enjoyed my musical training and had a mostly fun time in orchestra (and I had a strong Spike anyway). But this problem can be a lot worse for well-rounded students who are stretched too thin.

Aside from these considerations about a Spike, I have two major caveats.

First, developing a Spike requires continuous, increasingly ambitious foundational work. It's like climbing a staircase. From the beginning of high school, each step was more and more ambitious—my first academic team, my first research experience, leading up to state and national competitions and more serious research work.

So when I suggest devoting a lot of time to developing your Spike, it's not necessarily the Spike in itself—it's also spending time on foundational work leading up to what will be your major achievement. That's why I don't see my time with academic teams or volunteering as wasted, even though in the end they didn't contribute as much to my application.

Second, it is important to do things you enjoy. I still enjoyed playing the violin and being part of an orchestra, and I really enjoyed my school's academic teams, even though we never went beyond state level. Even if some activities don't contribute as much to your application, it's still fine to spend some time on them—just don't delude yourself into thinking they're stronger than they really are and overspend time on them.

Finally, note that most of my activities were pursued over multiple years. This is a good sign of commitment—rather than hopping from activity year to year, it's better to show sustained commitment, as this is a better signal of genuine passion.

In a future article, I'll break down these activities in more detail. But this guide is already super long, so I want to focus our attention on the main points.

Short Answer: Extracurricular Activities

In today's Common Application, you have 50 characters to describe "Position/Leadership description and organization name" and 150 characters for "Please describe this activity, including what you accomplished and any recognition you received, etc."

Back then, we didn't have as much space per activity, and instead had a short answer question.

The Short Answer prompt:

Please describe which of your activities (extracurricular and personal activities or work experience) has been most meaningful and why.

I chose RSI as my most significant activity for two reasons—one based on the meaning of the work, and another on the social aspect.

It's obvious that schools like Yale and UChicago want the best students in the world that they can get their hands on. Academic honors and awards are a great, quantifiable way to show that.

Here's the complete list of Academic Honors I submitted. The Common Application now limits you to five honors only (probably because they got tired of lists like these), but chances are you capture the top 98% of your honors with the top five.

Charlie wins a Golden Ticket to Harvard.

I know this is intimidating if you don't already have a prestigious honor. But remember there are thousands of nationally-ranked people in a multitude of honor types, from science competitions to essay contests to athletics to weird talents.

And I strongly believe the #1 differentiator of high school students who achieve things is work ethic, NOT intelligence or talent. Yes, you need a baseline level of competence to get places, but people far undervalue the progress they can make if they work hard and persevere. Far too many people give up too quickly or fatigue without putting in serious effort.

If you're stuck thinking, "well I'm just an average person, and there's no way I'm going to become world-class in anything," then you've already lost before you've begun. The truth is everyone who achieves something of note puts in an incredible amount of hard work. Because this is invisible to you, it looks like talent is what distinguishes the two of you, when really it's much more often diligence.

I talk a lot more about the Growth Mindset in my How To Get a 4.0 GPA guide .

So my Chemistry Olympiad honor formed 90% of the value of this page. Just like extracurriculars, there's a quick dropoff in value of each item after that.

My research work took up the next two honors, one a presentation at an academic conference, and the other (Siemens) a research competition for high school researchers.

The rest of my honors were pretty middling:

National Merit Scholarship semifinalist pretty much equates to PSAT score, which is far less important than your SAT/ACT score. So I didn't really get any credit for this, and you won't either.
In Science Olympiad (this is a team-based competition that's not as prestigious as the academic Olympiads I just talked about), I earned a number of 1 st place state and regional medals, but we never made it to nationals.
I was mediocre at competition math because I didn't train for it, and I won some regional awards but nothing amazing. This is one place I would have spent more time, maybe in the time I'd save by not practicing violin as much. There are great resources for this type of training, like Art of Problem Solving , that I didn't know existed and could've helped me rank much higher.

At the risk of beating a dead horse, think about how many state medalists there are in the country, in the hundreds of competitions that exist . The number of state to national rankers is probably at least 20:1 (less than 50:1 because of variation in state size), so if there are 2,000 nationally ranked students, there are 40,000 state-ranked students in something !

So state honors really don't help you stand out on your Princeton application. There are just too many of them around.

On the other hand, if you can get to be nationally ranked in something, you will have an amazing Spike that distinguishes you.

Now known as: Personal Essay

Now, the dreaded personal statement. Boy, oh boy, did I fuss over this one.

"What is the perfect combination of personal, funny, heartrending, and inspirational?"

I know I was wondering this when I applied.

Having read books like 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays , I was frightened. I didn't grow up as a refugee, wrenched from my war-torn home! I didn't have a sibling with a debilitating illness! How could anything I write compare to these tales of personal strength?

The trite truth is that colleges want to know who you really are . Clearly they don't expect everyone to have had immense personal struggle. But they do want students who are:

growth-oriented
introspective
kind and good-hearted

Whatever those words mean to you in the context of your life is what you should write about.

In retrospect, in the context of MY application, the personal statement really wasn't what got me into Harvard . I do think my Spike was nearly sufficient to get me admitted to every school in the country.

I say "nearly" because, even if you're world-class, schools do want to know you're not a jerk and that you're an interesting person (which is conveyed through your personal essay and letters of recommendation).

Back then, we had a set of different prompts :

What did you think?

I'm still cringing a bit. Parts of this are very smug (see /r/iamverysmart ), and if you want to punch the writer in the face, I don't blame you. I want to as well.

We'll get to areas of improvement later, but first, let's talk about what this personal essay did well.

As I said above, I saw the theme of the snooze button as a VEHICLE to showcase a few qualities I cared about :

1) I fancied myself a Renaissance man (obnoxious, I know) and wanted to become an inventor and creator . I showed this through mentioning different interests (Rubik's cube, chemistry, Nietzsche) and iterating through a few designs for an alarm clock (electric shocks, explosions, Shakespearean sonnet recitation).

2) My personality was whimsical and irreverent. I don't take life too seriously. The theme of the essay—battling an alarm clock—shows this well, in comparison to the gravitas of the typical student essay. I also found individual lines funny, like "All right, so I had violated the divine honor of the family and the tenets of Confucius." At once I acknowledge my Chinese heritage but also make light of the situation.

3) I was open to admitting weaknesses , which I think is refreshing among people taking college applications too seriously and trying too hard to impress. The frank admission of a realistic lazy habit—pushing the Snooze button—served as a nice foil to my academic honors and shows that I can be down-to-earth.

So you see how the snooze button acts as a vehicle to carry these major points and a lot of details, tied together to the same theme .

In the same way, The Walking Dead is NOT a zombie show—the zombie environment is a VEHICLE by which to show human drama and conflict. Packaging my points together under the snooze button theme makes it a lot more interesting than just outright saying "I'm such an interesting guy."

So overall, I believe the essay accomplishes my goals and the main points of what I wanted to convey about myself.

Note that this is just one of many ways to write an essay . It worked for me, but it may be totally inappropriate for you.

Now let's look at this essay's weaknesses.

Looking at it with a more seasoned perspective, some parts of it are WAY too try-hard. I try too hard to show off my breadth of knowledge in a way that seems artificial and embellishing.

The entire introduction with the Rubik's cube seems bolted on, just to describe my long-standing desire to be a Renaissance man. Only three paragraphs down do I get to the Snooze button, and I don't refer again to the introduction until the end. With just 650 words, I could have made the essay more cohesive by keeping the same theme from beginning to end.

Some phrases really make me roll my eyes. "Always hungry for more" and "ever the inventor" sound too forced and embellishing. A key principle of effective writing is to show, not say . You don't say "I'm passionate about X," you describe what extraordinary lengths you took to achieve X.

The mention of Nietzsche is over-the-top. I mean, come on. The reader probably thought, "OK, this kid just read it in English class and now he thinks he's a philosopher." The reader would be right.

The ending: "with the extra nine minutes, maybe I'll teach myself to cook fried rice" is silly. Where in the world did fried rice come from? I meant it as a nod to my Chinese heritage, but it's too sudden to work. I could have deleted the sentence and wrapped up the essay more cleanly.

So I have mixed feelings of my essay. I think it accomplished my major goals and showed the humorous, irreverent side of my personality well. However, it also gave the impression of a kid who thought he knew more than he did, a pseudo-sophisticate bordering on obnoxious. I still think it was a net positive.

At the end of the day, I believe the safest, surefire strategy is to develop a Spike so big that the importance of the Personal Essay pales in comparison to your achievements. You want your Personal Essay to be a supplement to your application, not the only reason you get in.

There are probably some cases where a well-rounded student writes an amazing Personal Essay and gets in through the strength of that. As a Hail Mary if you're a senior and can't improve your application further, this might work. But the results are very variable—some readers may love your essay, others may just think it's OK. Without a strong application to back it up, your mileage may vary.

This is a really fun section. Usually you don't get to read your letter of recommendation because you sign the FERPA waiver. I've also reached out to my letter writers to make sure they're ok with my showing this.

Teacher recommendations are incredibly important to your application. I would say that after your coursework/test scores and activities/honors, they're the 3 rd most important component of your application .

The average teacher sees thousands of students through a career, and so he or she is very well equipped to position you relative to all other students. Furthermore, your teachers are experienced adults—their impressions of you are much more reliable than your impressions of yourself (see my Personal Essay above). They can corroborate your entire Personal Narrative as an outside observer.

The most effective recommendation letters speak both to your academic strengths and to your personality. For the second factor, the teacher needs to have interacted with you meaningfully, ideally both in and out of class. Check out our guide on what makes for effective letters of recommendation .

Starting from sophomore year, I started thinking about whom I connected better with and chose to engage with those teachers more deeply . Because it's standard for colleges to require two teachers in different subjects, I made sure to engage with English and history teachers as well as math and science.

The minimum requirement for a good letter is someone who taught a class in which you did well. I got straight A's in my coursework, so this wasn't an issue.

Beyond this, I had to look for teachers who would be strong advocates for me on both an academic and personal level . These tended to be teachers I vibed more strongly with, and typically these were teachers who demonstrably cared about teaching. This was made clear by their enthusiasm, how they treated students, and how much they went above expectations to help.

I had a lot of teachers who really just phoned it in and treated their job perfunctorily—these people are likely to write pretty blasé letters.

A final note before reading my actual teacher evaluations— you should avoid getting in the mindset where you get to know teachers JUST because you want a good recommendation letter . Your teachers have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of students pass through, and it's much easier to detect insincerity than you think.

If you honestly like learning and are an enthusiastic, responsible, engaging student, a great recommendation letter will follow naturally. The horse should lead the cart.

Read my How to Get a 4.0 GPA for tips on how to interact with teachers in a genuine way that'll make them love you.

Teacher Letter #1: AP Chemistry Teacher

I took AP Chemistry in 10 th grade and had Miss Cherryl Vorak (now Mynster). She was young, having taught for fewer than 5 years when I had her. She was my favorite teacher throughout high school for these reasons:

She was enthusiastic, very caring, and spent a lot of time helping struggling students. She exuded pride in her work and seemed to consider teaching her craft.
She had a kind personality and was universally well liked by her students, even if they weren't doing so well. She was fair in her policies (it probably helped that science is more objective than English). She was also a younger teacher, and this helped her relate to kids more closely.
She was my advocate for much of the US National Chemistry Olympiad stuff, and in this capacity I got to know her even better outside of class. She provided me a lot of training materials, helped me figure out college chemistry, and directed me to resources to learn more.

By the time of the letter writing, I had known her for two full years and engaged with her continuously, even when I wasn't taking a class with her in junior year. We'd build up a strong relationship over the course of many small interactions.

All of this flowed down to the recommendation you see here. Remember, the horse leads the cart.

First, we'll look at the teacher evaluation page. The Common Application now has 16 qualities to rate, rather than the 10 here. But they're largely the same.

You can see a very strong evaluation here, giving me the highest ratings possible for all qualities.

In today's Common Application, all of these Ratings are retained, aside from "Potential for Growth." Today's Common App also now includes Faculty Respect, Maturity, Leadership, Integrity, Reaction to Setbacks, Concern for Others, and TE Overall. You can tell that the updated Common App places a great emphasis on personality.

The most important point here: it is important to be ranked "One of the top few encountered in my career" for as many ratings as possible . If you're part of a big school, this is CRITICAL to distinguish yourself from other students. The more experienced and trustworthy the teacher, the more meaningful this is.

Again, it's a numbers game. Think about the 20,000+ high schools in the country housing 4 million+ high school students—how many people fit in the top 5% bucket?

Thus, being marked merely as Excellent (top 10%) is actually a negative rating , as far as admissions to top colleges is concerned. If you're in top 10%, and someone else with the SAME teacher recommender is being rated as "One of the top ever," it's really hard for the admissions officer to vouch for you over the other student.

You really want to make sure you're one of the best in your school class, if not one of the best the teacher has ever encountered. You'll see below how you can accomplish this.

Next, let's look at her letter.

As you read this, think— what are the interactions that would prompt the teacher to write a recommendation like this? This was a relationship built up in a period of over 2 years, with every small interaction adding to an overall larger impression.

You can see how seriously they take the letter because of all the underlining . This admissions reader underlined things that weren't even underlined in my application, like my US National Chemistry Olympiad awards. It's one thing for a student to claim things about himself—it's another to have a teacher put her reputation on the line to advocate for her student.

The letter here is very strong for a multitude of reasons. First, the length is notable —most letters are just a page long, but this is nearly two full pages , single spaced. This indicates not just her overall commitment to her students but also of her enthusiastic support for me as an applicant.

The structure is effective: first Miss Vorak talks about my academic accomplishments, then about my personal qualities and interactions, then a summary to the future. This is a perfect blend of what effective letters contain .

On the micro-level, her diction and phrasing are precise and effective . She makes my standing clear with specific statements : "youngest student…top excelling student among the two sections" and "one of twenty students in the nation." She's clear about describing why my achievements are notable and the effort I put in, like studying college-level chemistry and studying independently.

When describing my personality, she's exuberant and fleshes out a range of dimensions: "conscientious, motivated and responsible," "exhibits the qualities of a leader," "actively seeks new experiences," "charismatic," "balanced individual with a warm personality and sense of humor." You can see how she's really checking off all the qualities colleges care about.

Overall, Miss Vorak's letter perfectly supports my Personal Narrative —my love for science, my overall academic performance, and my personality. I'm flattered and grateful to have received this support. This letter was important to complement the overall academic performance and achievements shown on the rest of my application.

Teacher Letter #2: AP English Language Teacher

My second teacher Mrs. Swift was another favorite. A middle-aged, veteran English teacher, the best way I would describe her is "fiery." She was invigorating and passionate, always trying to get a rise out of students and push their thinking, especially in class discussions. Emotionally she was a reliable source of support for students.

First, the evaluation:

You can see right away that her remarks are terser. She didn't even fill out the section about "first words that come to mind to describe this student."

You might chalk this up to my not being as standout of a student in her mind, or her getting inundated with recommendation letter requests after over a decade of teaching.

In ratings, you can see that I only earned 3 of the "one of the top in my career." There are a few explanations for this. As a teacher's career lengthens, it gets increasingly hard to earn this mark. I probably also didn't stand out as much as I did to my Chemistry teacher—most of my achievement was in science (which she wasn't closely connected to), and I had talented classmates. Regardless, I did appreciate the 3 marks she gave me.

Now, the letter. Once again, as you read this letter, think: what are the hundreds of micro-interactions that would have made a teacher write a letter like this?

Overall, this letter is very strong. It's only one page long, but her points about my personality are the critical piece of this recommendation. She also writes with the flair of an English teacher:

"In other situations where students would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice questions, thoughts, and ideas."

"controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class"

"ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage"…"went out of my way to partner him with other students who needed"

"strength of conviction"…"raw, unbridled passion"…"He will argue on any topic that has touched a nerve."

These comments most support the personality aspect of my Personal Narrative—having an irreverent, bold personality and not being afraid of speaking my mind. She stops just short of making me sound obnoxious and argumentative. An experienced teacher vouching for this adds so much more weight than just my writing it about myself.

Teacher recommendations are some of the most important components of your application. Getting very strong letters take a lot of sustained, genuine interaction over time to build mutual trust and respect. If you want detailed advice on how to interact with teachers earnestly, check out my How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades guide .

Let's go to the final recommendation, from the school counselor.

Now known as: School Report

The first piece of this is reporting your academic status and how the school works overall. There's not much to say here, other than the fact that my Principal wrote my recommendation for me, which we'll get into next.

Counselor Recommendation

Now known as: Counselor Recommendation

Let's talk about my school principal writing my recommendation, rather than a school counselor.

This was definitely advantageous—remember how, way up top in Educational Data, the reader circled the "Principal." Our Principal only wrote a handful of these recommendations each year , often for people who worked closely with him, like student body presidents. So it was pretty distinctive that I got a letter from our Principal, compared to other leading applicants from my school.

This was also a blessing because our counseling department was terrible . Our school had nearly 1,000 students per grade, and only 1 counselor per grade. They were overworked and ornery, and because they were the gatekeepers of academic enrollment (like class selection and prerequisites), this led to constant frictions in getting the classes you wanted.

I can empathize with them, because having 500+ neurotic parents pushing for advantages for their own kids can get REALLY annoying really fast. But the counseling department was still the worst part of our high school administration, and I could have guessed that the letters they wrote were mediocre because they just had too many students.

So how did my Principal come to write my recommendation and not those for hundreds of other students?

I don't remember exactly how this came to be, to be honest. I didn't strategize to have him write a letter for me years in advance. I didn't even interact with him much at all until junior year, when I got on his radar because of my national rankings. Come senior year I might have talked to him about my difficulty in reaching counselors and asked that he write my recommendation. Since I was a top student he was probably happy to do this.

He was very supportive, but as you can tell from the letter to come, it was clear he didn't know me that well.

Interestingly, the prompt for the recommendation has changed. It used to start with: "Please write whatever you think is important about this student."

Now, it starts with: " Please provide comments that will help us differentiate this student from others ."

The purpose of the recommendation has shifted to the specific: colleges probably found that one counselor was serving hundreds of students, so the letters started getting mushy and indistinguishable from each other.

Here's the letter:

This letter is probably the weakest overall of all my letters. It reads more like a verbal resume than a personal account of how he understands me.

Unlike my two teacher recommendations, he doesn't comment on the nature of our interactions or about my personality (because he truly didn't understand them well). He also misreported by SAT score as 1530 instead of 1600 (I did score a 1530 in an early test, but my 1600 was ready by January 2004, so I don't know what source he was using).

Notably, the letter writer didn't underline anything.

I still appreciate that he wrote my letter, and it was probably more effective than a generic counselor letter. But this didn't add much to my application.

At this point, we've covered my entire Common Application. This is the same application I sent to every school I applied to, including Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford. Thanks for reading this far—I hope you've gotten a lot out of this already.

If you keep reading to the end, I'll have advice for both younger students and current applicants to build the strongest application possible.

Next, we'll go over the Harvard Supplemental Application, which of course is unique to Harvard.

For most top colleges like Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, and so on, you will need to complete a supplemental application to provide more info than what's listed on the Common Application.

Harvard was and is the same. The good news is that it's an extra chance for you to share more about yourself and keep pushing your Personal Narrative.

There are four major components here:

The application form
Writing supplement essay
Supplementary recommendations
Supplemental application materials

I'll take you through the application section by section.

Harvard Supplement Form

First, the straightforward info and questions.

This section is pretty straightforward and is similar to what you'd see on a Columbia application.

I planned to live in a Harvard residence, as most students do.

Just as in my Common App, I noted that I was most likely to study biological sciences, choose Medicine as my vocation, and participate in orchestra, writing, and research as my extracurriculars. Nothing surprising here—it's all part of my Personal Narrative.

Interestingly, at the time I was "absolutely certain" about my vocational goals, which clearly took a detour once I left medical school to pursue entrepreneurship to create PrepScholar...

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I had the space to list some additional honors, where I listed some musical honors that didn't make the cut in my Common App.

Here are the next two pages of the Harvard supplemental form.

The most interesting note here is that the admissions officer wrote a question mark above "Music tape or CD." Clearly this was inconsistent with my Personal Narrative —if violin was such an important part of my story, why didn't I want to include it?

The reason was that I was actually pretty mediocre at violin and was nowhere near national-ranked. Again, remember how many concertmasters in the thousands of orchestras there are in the world—I wasn't good enough to even be in the top 3 chairs in my school orchestra (violin was very competitive).

I wanted to focus attention on my most important materials, which for my Personal Narrative meant my research work. You'll see these supplementary materials later.

Additional Essays

Now known as: Writing Supplement

For the most part, the Harvard supplemental essay prompt has stayed the same. You can write about a topic of your choice or about any of the suggestions. There are now two more prompts that weren't previously there: "What you would want your future college roommate to know about you" and "How you hope to use your college education."

Even though this is optional, I highly recommend you write something here. Again, you have so few chances in the overall application to convey your personal voice—an extra 500 words gives you a huge opportunity. I would guess that the majority of admitted Harvard students submit a Writing Supplement.

After a lot of brainstorming, I settled on the idea that I wanted to balance my application by writing about the major non-academic piece of my Personal Narrative—my music training . Also, I don't think I explicitly recognized this at the time, but I wanted to distance myself from the Asian-American stereotype—driven entirely by parent pressure, doing most things perfunctorily and without interest. I wanted to show I'd broken out of that mold.

Here's my essay:

Reading it now, I actually think this was a pretty bad essay, and I cringe to high heaven. But once again, let's focus on the positive first.

I used my violin teacher as a vehicle for talking about what the violin meant to me. (You can tell I love the concept of the vehicle in essays.) He represented passion for the violin—I represented my academic priorities. Our personal conflict was really the conflict between what we represented.

By the end of the essay, I'd articulated the value of musical training to me—it was cathartic and a way to balance my hard academic pursuits.

Halfway in the essay, I also explicitly acknowledged the Asian stereotype of parents who drove their kids, and said my parents were no different. The reader underlined this sentence. By pointing this out and showing how my interest took on a life of its own, I wanted to distance myself from that stereotype.

So overall I think my aims were accomplished.

Despite all that, this essay was WAY overdramatic and overwrought . Some especially terrible lines:

"I was playing for that cathartic moment when I could feel Tchaikovsky himself looking over my shoulder."

"I was wandering through the fog in search of a lighthouse, finally setting foot on a dock pervaded by white light."

OK, please. Who really honestly feels this way? This is clumsy, contrived writing. It signals insincerity, actually, which is bad.

To be fair, all of this is grounded in truth. I did have a strict violin teacher who did get pretty upset when I showed lack of improvement. I did appreciate music as a diversion to round out my academic focus. I did practice hard each day, and I did have a pretty gross callus on my pinky.

But I would have done far better by making it more sincere and less overworked.

As an applicant, you're tempted to try so hard to impress your reader. You want to show that you're Worthy of Consideration. But really the best approach is to be honest.

I think this essay was probably neutral to my application, not a strong net positive or net negative.

Supplementary Recommendations

Harvard lets you submit letters from up to two Other Recommenders. The Princeton application, Penn application, and others are usually the same.

Unlike the other optional components (the Additional Information in the Common App, and the Supplementary Essay), I would actually consider these letters optional. The reader gets most of the recommendation value from your teacher recommendations—these are really supplementary.

A worthwhile Other Recommender:

has supervised an activity or honor that is noteworthy
has interacted with you extensively and can speak to your personality
is likely to support you as one of the best students they've interacted with

If your Other Recommenders don't fulfill one or more of these categories, do NOT ask for supplementary letters. They'll dilute your application without adding substantively to it.

To beat a dead horse, the primary component of my Personal Narrative was my science and research work. So naturally I chose supervisors for my two major research experiences to write supplemental letters.

First was the Director of Research Science Institute (the selective summer research program at MIT). The second was from the head of Jisan Research Institute, where I did Computer Science research.

This letter validates my participation in RSI and incorporates the feedback from my research mentor, David Simon. At the time, the RSI students were the most talented students I had met, so I'm also flattered by some of the things the letter writer said, like "Allen stood out early on as a strong performer in academic settings."

I didn't get to know the letter writer super well, so he commented mainly on my academic qualifications and comments from my mentor.

My mentor, who was at one of the major Harvard-affiliated hospitals, said some very nice things about my research ability, like:

"is performing in many ways at the level of a graduate student"

"impressed with Allen's ability to read even advanced scientific publications and synthesize his understanding"

Once again, it's much more convincing for a seasoned expert to vouch for your abilities than for you to claim your own abilities.

My first research experience was done at Jisan Research Institute, a small private computer science lab run by a Caltech PhD. The research staff were mainly high school students like me and a few grad students/postdocs.

My research supervisor, Sanza Kazadi, wrote the letter. He's requested that I not publish the letter, so I'll only speak about his main points.

In the letter, he focused on the quality of my work and leadership. He said that I had a strong focus in my work, and my research moved along more reliably than that of other students. I was independent in my work in swarm engineering, he says, putting together a simulation of the swarm and publishing a paper in conference proceedings. He talked about my work in leading a research group and placing a high degree of trust in me.

Overall, a strong recommendation, and you get the gist of his letter without reading it.

One notable point—both supplemental letters had no marks on them. I really think this means they place less emphasis on the supplementary recommendations, compared to the teacher recommendations.

Finally, finally, we get to the very last piece of my application.

Let me beat the dead horse even deader. Because research was such a core part of my Personal Narrative, I decided to include abstracts of both of my papers. The main point was to summarize the body of work I'd done and communicate the major results.

As Harvard says, "These materials are entirely optional; please only submit them if you have unusual talents."

This is why I chose not to submit a tape of my music: I don't think my musical skill was unusually good.

And frankly, I don't think my research work was that spectacular. Unlike some of my very accomplished classmates, I hadn't ranked nationally in prestigious competitions like ISEF and Siemens. I hadn't published my work in prominent journals.

Regardless, I thought these additions would be net positive, if only marginally so.

I made sure to note where the papers had been published or were entering competitions, just to ground the work in some achievement.

Recommendation Letters: Hopefully you should have developed strong, genuine relationships with teachers you care about. The letters should flow naturally from here, and you will only need to do gentle prodding to make sure they meet deadlines.

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How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League —The foundational guide where I discuss the philosophy behind what colleges are looking for, how to develop a Spike, and why being well-rounded is the path to rejection.

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Sample Application Letter for College Admission

Acceptance Letter Template
College Acceptance Letter Template

An Application Letter for College Admission is a document that individuals can use when they want to apply for a college program of their interest. The purpose of the document is to express the applicant's desire to study the particular education program . With this application letter, an individual can emphasize how much they would like to study in an educational institution of their choice. A sample Application Letter for College Admission can be downloaded below .

Generally, individuals use these types of letters to introduce themselves to the admission committee, therefore, it can include several parts:

Information About the Addressee . You can start with designating the name and address of who is supposed to receive the letter.
Introduction . Here, you can state which educational institution you would like to study in, and the study program that you would like to attend.
Information About the Applicant . In this part, you can provide information about your education, skills, and other details.
Contact Details . At the end, you can add your contact information in case the receiver of the letter would like to get in touch with you.

There are no strict rules in regards to what should be included in your letter, therefore, you can add other parts to it.

Haven't found the sample you're looking for? Take a look at the related templates below:

College Appeal Letter Template ;
College Rejection Letter Template ;
Letter of Intent for College Template .

Download Sample Application Letter for College Admission

Linked topics.

Sample College Application Letter

Last Updated On January 8, 2020 By Letter Writing Leave a Comment

College application letters are written when seeking admission into the college. It is written by the student who wants to apply for the course. As a request is being made, the letter should have a polite tone.

It also gives an impression about the applicant, and hence cares should be taken while drafting the letter. It is better if the applicant checks the letter twice before sending it to the concerned person in the college.

Sample College Application Letter Writing Tips:

As it is a formal letter, words and phrases should be chosen carefully.
The language should be simple and easy to understand.
The content should be short and straightforward.

Sample College Application Letter Template

__________ (Principal’s name) __________ (College address) __________ __________

______________ (Your name) ______________ (Your address) __________________

Date __________ (date of writing letter)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I came to know through one of your college students that you are conducting a special workshop for management students. I am studying ……………….(name of course) in …………….(name of institute) and would like to attend it. I would like to know if there is any application to be submitted. If so, I request you to send me the application form to my address.

The training programs you conduct are popular in the industry, and I want to take advantage of this opportunity. I understand that several big names in the industry are associated with the program. Lot many students belonging to various colleges are interested in participating in the training program and get benefitted.

Please inform me through email, or you can contact me on my telephone number_______.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Thanking you,

Yours Sincerely,

___________ (Your name)

Sample College Application Letter Sample, Email and Example/Format

From, Prakash Kumar 3214 Breeze Towers Hyderabad

Mr. Ramesh Babu, Principal, Bhadruka College of Management Hyderabad

1st October 2013

This letter is concerning the MBA course offered by your college. I completed my graduation in commerce from a private college. I understand that you conduct a particular entrance exam to screen students appearing for the course. I am interested in applying for the course.

I request you to kindly let me know the details regarding the exam and the admission procedure. I am keeping all my documents ready, and after I receive the details and the application form, I shall fill it and send it to the concerned department.

I topped my college during graduation, and I hope I will be shortlisted for the course. It is my dream to pursue an MBA course at your college. I hope I will be able to fulfill my dream.

Looking forward to hearing from you at the earliest,

___________

Prakash Kumar

Email Format

Writing a college application letter is a media of setting your impression in front of the reader, which can be positive or negative. College application letter is written up to the specific point which the writer wants the reader to come across. In college lives, many applications have to be written say for approval or grant for forgiveness. The habit of writing an application in the college helps the students to grow discipline in their lives from an early age. The college application is written very short and sweet.

Dear Arthur,

This is concerning the MBA course being offered in your college. I have qualified in the 10+2 Exam in the year 2009 as a student of your College in First Division with Roll No. 224132. I request you to kindly send me the application material for the college entrance exam. I have given them copies of Mark Sheet and Domicile Certificate as the requisite Application Form. I am sure that I will do my best in the review. So please provide me with admission to MBA in your college.

Yours Faithfully,

______________

Jacqueline J. Bush.

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20+ Sample College Application Letters – PDF, DOC

College application letters are used in various academic applications when college students request an entrance or transfer. It may be a requirement of the academic institution where they currently attend or it can also be used for special functions that the college or university student would like to undertake. Whether it’s nursing, engineering, architecture, accounting, or medical students, application letters are prominent in college enrollment processes.

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College Application Letters Used in Academic Transactions

A college application letter is used by a student who would like to enroll in a learning institution. Most of the time, it is one of the requirements for enrollment which is why it is essential to be done.
A college leave application letter is written by a student who will have a temporary absence in the course that he or she is currently studying due to valid reasons.
A college admission application letter is used by a student who would like to apply for an academic slot for a specific course offered by a school. You may also see Academic Letters
College scholarship application letters are written by students who would like to get a scholarship grant—be it from the high school template, a government institution, or any other entity offering education assistance.
College workshop application letters are created by students who want to be a part of a specific academic workshop that will be conducted within the premises of the institution.
College application reference letters are written by the references of a student applicant so that there will be a supporting document that may be used either for admissions, enrollment, or other special academic functions.
College withdrawal application letters are used to formally announce the decision of the student to not push through with his or her college studies in the academic institution where s/he is currently attending.

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College Application Letters Used for Work Purposes

The internship experiences of the applicant
The seminars and training that the applicant has attended
The academic achievements of the student
The skills, talents, and other competencies of the graduate may be helpful in the operations of the business.
The experiences of the applicant in terms of teaching
The field of study that the applicant can teach
The kind of teaching commitment that the applicant can provide to the academic institution
It can be used to apply for a part-time job. You may also see Admission Letters .
It can be given to the management of the school so they can provide a student assistant job function to the student.

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College Admission Application Letter

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Introduction : The letter begins with a strong and engaging introduction that grabs the reader's attention. It may include a personal anecdote, a quote, or a thought-provoking question.
Personal Information : The applicant provides basic personal information, such as their name, contact details, and the program or major they are applying for.
Educational Background : The applicant briefly mentions their educational history, including their high school or previous college, graduation date, and any notable academic achievements.
Statement of Purpose : This is the heart of the letter. The applicant explains why they are interested in the college or university and the specific program they are applying to. They should discuss their academic and career goals, as well as their motivations for pursuing higher education. It's essential to demonstrate a genuine interest in the institution and program.
Personal Experiences and Achievements : The applicant discusses relevant personal experiences, extracurricular activities, or achievements that have shaped their character, values, or aspirations. This can include volunteer work, leadership roles, research projects, or significant life experiences.
Why They Are a Good Fit : The applicant explains why they believe they are a good fit for the college or university. This may involve highlighting how their values, interests, or goals align with the institution's mission and culture.
Future Plans : The letter may touch on the applicant's future plans and how they intend to contribute to the college community, both academically and through extracurricular involvement.
Closing : The letter concludes with a strong closing statement that summarizes the main points and reiterates the applicant's enthusiasm for the opportunity to study at the institution.
Signature : The applicant signs the letter.

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Current tufts students, inside admissions, how to write a great letter of recommendation.

To the teachers and counselors working hard to support students – thank you so much for your hard work! We have the privilege of reading more than 30,000 applications and an integral piece of each student application are the letters of recommendation we review from teachers and counselors. For many files, these letters share valuable insight into how students will interact with one another in our classrooms, dining halls, and other places on campus. With the school year around the corner, I wanted to share advice on creating a strong letter as well as some thoughts we have when reviewing applications.

When our committee reviews an application, we are on the search for two broad categories: academic potential and student experiences/perspectives. Why? Well, we want to see if a student will be set up for success in our rigorous academic programs and we want to get a better understanding of how each student will contribute to the community at Tufts.

Centering your letter around these two ideas is a starting point. The first pitfall we see is when a recommender doesn’t know what their student is including in their application . Students are required to send in their transcripts and a list of their extracurricular activities. If your letter tells us that a student got As in math and science and that they are a varsity swimmer, that’s probably going to be something we learn somewhere else in the application.

The recommendation letter is a unique opportunity to show a side of the student that they cannot write about. Instead of rehashing what is already in the application, write about the the context behind the student .

That A+ Jeremy got in Calculus? He was the only person to do that in his class of 300 students.

Denise is a varsity swimmer? She swims the fastest 100m the school has seen in 7 years.

Samantha may have received a C in AP Spanish, but she commutes 45 minutes to school each way and was the only student in the school who took the exam. She got a 4.

Another way to provide context in your recommendation letter is through anecdotes. It’s the old adage: “ Show don’t tell ”. Instead of telling us that a student is a hard worker, a leader in the classroom, or a kind friend, show us examples using short anecdotes to highlight moments that we might see if this student is on our campus.

Anecdotes can be short, two to three sentences long that highlight an otherwise standard superlative. We don’t need three pages of growth narrative from their ninth grade year, one solid page is perfect.

“Every day before school, Isaiah arrives early to ask questions about topics that we covered the previous week. He pulls out his folder and the details in his notes are far above that of most students I teach.”

“Our school receives new students frequently, and during every study hall I see Maria introducing herself and starting conversations with her new peers. She goes out of her way to make them feel welcome, I’ve even had a new student come to me and say that without Maria they would have felt lost.”

At Tufts, we see so many amazing students with different personalities and in our application pool. We like them all! We want a mix of leaders and team-members, extroverted and introverted, students who know exactly what they want to study and those who are excited to figure it out when they get to college. There isn’t one “type” of student that finds success in our review process .

As we review a file, we build an impression of a student through their writing, their activities, and their grades. Your letters are not just a confirmation that our understanding of the student is correct, but can become an expansion of the student’s application. Your letters are what allow us to have a fuller understanding of the impact a student has on their current community, and potentially the community we have at Tufts.

With the Fall semester around the corner, we look forward to receiving and reading your thoughtful letters of recommendation!

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Use a proper salutation. Begin your college application letter with a formal salutation. The standard, in this case, is "Dear". Be sure to avoid informal salutations such as "Hey", "Hi", and "Hello". 💡 Tip: Do your best to personalize your university application letter in every way that you can.
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How to Write an Application Letter for University (+Sample Included)

What Is a University Application Letter?

Reason for your interest in the school

Your academic goals and interests

Your background and future interests

Connections to the school that you may have (if any)

Your application documents

A CTA for considering

Your contact details

Write your contact details.

Write the date.

Write the school/admission office’s contact details.

Use a proper salutation.

Write the contents of your letter.

Include a sign-off.

💡 Include your research about the institution.

💡 Show traits that make you a competitive candidate.

💡 Be unique and include a personal touch.

💡 Ask for others’ opinions and advice.

💡 Always proofread and use the correct letter format.

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The College Application Letter

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The college application letter – What should I include?

College application letters should contain the following elements:

2. Salutation

3. Introduction

4. Explanation of academic interests

5. Discussion of extracurricular interests

6. Conclusion

8. Complimentary Close

How to format your college application letter?

Can a college application letter help me with other parts of my application?

The Letter of Continued Interest

Letter of continued interest – When and where to submit?

What to include in your letter of continued interest?

The many types of college application letters – Final Thoughts

Our final tips for writing college application letters:

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How to Write a Cover Letter for College Application (Free Template

Understand the Requirements

Start with a Strong Introduction

Provide Personal Background

Highlight Academic Achievements

Discuss Extracurricular Activities

Express Your Passions and Interests

Outline Your Career Goals