We’re glad that you have finally made up your mind and decided on the university you want to study at and the major to pursue. Now is the time to apply. After preparing your credentials, recommendations, and application form, you sit down to write one of the toughest aspects which is the university admission application letter.
A good university application letter should reflect who you are, explain why you are applying, and how acceptance will help you reach your long-term goals.
Universities place a high value on application letters and a quality one can help you earn a scholarship in addition to being accepted! However, writing your university application letter might help you figure out how to relate your course of study to your professional aspirations!
This article will address all your questions about college application letters and provide you the tips you need to improve your own!
What to Write in a University Application Letter for Admission?
These are the parts of a university admission application letter. Essentially, this is how to write an application letter for university admission;
See also: How To Write a CV for Job Application in Nigeria with no Experience
Why you have an interest in the school
Universities always have more candidates applying than they can give admission. Therefore, it is important to tell the authorities why you’re applying.
You can begin your college application letter by briefly explaining your reasons for choosing the university and how the program you’re enrolling in will help you achieve your career and academic goals. You can also highlight qualities in your letter of application that distinguish the university from the competition and make it a more appealing choice!
Be sincere and truthful in your letter of application to universities. An admissions officer may easily recognize a dishonest letter!
For example, here’s an excerpt from a data science student’s letter of application to a university:
I am writing to formally express my interest in pursuing my studies at Calgary University. After conducting thorough research into universities, I have chosen your institution because of the great attention that is paid to the data 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 interests and academic goals
In your college application letter, emphasize your academic objectives and hobbies. Admissions officers value students’ motivation and potential to not just excel in their chosen degree, but to grow and use what they learn in areas of interest.
Here’s an example of how to include academic objectives in your college application letter:
I wish to pursue my undergraduate degree in Writing. While my immediate focus will be my studies, I wish to realize my childhood dream of becoming a writer and author upon graduation. The Writing Department at Calgary 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
In your university admission application letter, you should briefly describe yourself and your life goals. Explain why you are applying to the institution of your choice and how it will benefit your future professional goals.
Check out this example of a letter of application to a university prepared by an art major:
For as long as I can remember, I have nurtured and developed my love for the arts and have dreamed of becoming a dancer. 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.
If you have any Connections to the school
When writing your university admission letter, take advantage of existing university contacts wherever possible. These connections, which can enrich and deepen your understanding of the university, may come from recent or former alumni, as well as professors and staff.
Here’s an example of how to reference your relationships in your university application letter:
After consulting numerous Dale University graduates and faculty, I am confident in my choice of your university.
See also: How To Write an Application Letter for DSS Recruitment with no Experience in Nigeria
Your application documents
Make sure to mention the materials included in your application package. This indication displays your initiative and passion for continuing with the application process and should be included in your concluding statement.
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 call to action
Incorporating a compelling call to action (CTA) into your college application letter is an effective way to convey your genuine desire in moving your university application forward! In essence, a CTA is a statement of intent regarding how you’d like your application process to progress.
Consider the following CTA from a student applying to a university to study psychology.
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 contact information should appear in the cover letter for your college application! Although it is included in other areas of the application package, this information is a beneficial addition to your letter of admission to help university admissions officials organize your papers and possibly contact you if additional information is required.
There are several ways to write this part into your application letter for university admission. Here is an example:
I can be contacted via email at abcname@gmail.com or by telephone at 123-456-7890 should any further information be required.
See also: How To Write an Application Letter for a Cleaning Job with no Experience in Nigeria
How to Write an Application Letter for a University Admission
Let’s look at how to write a letter of application for university admission.
1. 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
- Address
- Telephone number and email
- Write the date
Your university application letterhead should also Include the date you wrote the letter immediately after your contact information.
2. Write the school/admission office’s contact details
Your application letter for university admission should include contact information for the university or admissions office. This is similar to your contact information and should contain:
- 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 nice salutation. In this case, “Dear” is the standard. Be careful not to greet them carelessly with “Hey,” “Hi,” or “Hello.”
Tip: Make your university application letter stand out by personalizing it. You can personalize your college application letter’s salutation by learning the name of the admissions officer to whom you will be writing. You can obtain this information by contacting the university, visiting their website, or completing the application form.
3. Content of your letter
This is the core of your college application letter. Your letter of application to college should include the following:
- Why did you choose to apply?
- Your goals, interests, and academic objectives
- Your plans for the future
- References of your relationships
- A call for action
- Include a signoff
Finish your college application letter with a compelling closing. End your letter with a strong call to action, thank the admissions officer for reading it, and mention the documents you included with your college application package!
Reiterate how the university admission will allow you to pursue your dreams will help your application letter stand out.
See also: How To Write an Application Letter for Midwife with no Experience in Nigeria
Tips on How to Write an Application Letter for University Admission
Here are some tips and tricks to spice up your university admissions letter.
Add research you’ve done on the school
It’s advisable to avoid applying to colleges on a whim. Investigate any university you are thinking about applying to. This way, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your future, and your letter of university admission will reflect it!
Show the traits that distinguish you from the competition.
Make your cover letter for university application stand out from the crowd. Emphasize your skills and relevant qualifications that distinguish you from the competition as a candidate.
Be unique and add a personal touch.
Remember that your college application letter represents an extension of your qualifications, abilities, and personality. A brief story or personal narrative in your letter adds personality and allows admissions officers to better understand you as a person outside of the classroom!
Seek guidance and opinion from others.
The academic environment at the university is unlike any other you’ve experienced. Speak with folks who have completed college to learn from their experiences.
See also: How To Write an Application Letter to Join a Unit in Church in Nigeria
Always proofread and follow the appropriate letter format.
In general, avoid submitting anything that has not been proofread at least once. The same goes for your letter of application to universities. Make sure your punctuation and tone are correct, and your letter structure is consistent and proper. If you’re having trouble proofreading your work, it’s quite okay to seek input from friends or relatives.
How To Write an Application Letter for University Admission Abroad Template
Use this template to help you format your college application admission letter for admission:
[Your name]
[address]
[Date]
[Name of the head of admissions]
[College name]
[College address]
Dear [Name of the head of admissions],
This letter is a formal request for admission to [name of college or university]. Over the past few years, I’ve researched many colleges that offer [type of degree] in [field of study] but have ultimately chosen [name of college] because of its commitment to [school’s or program’s goals, objective, or mission]. Unlike other colleges, your program [state what the program is about and how it differs from other college programs].
Currently, I’m looking to begin my undergraduate studies. My goal is to complete the [college program] at [name of college]. Upon graduation, I hope to gain employment as a [job title] where I can [career goals]. I believe [name of college] gives me the best option in preparing for my future endeavors thanks to its [the program or college’s unique offerings].
My application form and the requested documents are enclosed. I’m available for additional questions and look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration regarding my application.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Application Letter for University Admission Abroad Example
You’re ready to write your application letter for university admission, use these examples.
Carter Muna
Airport Road, Lagos
Nigeria
November 18, 2023
Joan Harvey
University of Ana
Dear Ms. Harvey,
I would like to express my interest in the Journalism program at the University of Ana. Over the past few years, I’ve researched many colleges that offer a bachelor of science degree in journalism but have ultimately chosen the University of Ana because of its commitment to educating students with a digital-first mindset. Unlike other colleges, your program focuses on the growth of each student with a “learn by doing” mentality. Not only that, but the program’s efforts have proven successful based on the impressive number of alumni currently in the news media. I would be honored to receive the quality education your institution offers its students, both in the journalism program and beyond.
I’m currently looking to begin my undergraduate studies to complete the Journalism program at the University of Ana. Upon graduation, I hope to gain employment as a news reporter where I can share breaking news stories while giving a voice to the voiceless in my community. I believe the University of Ana can provide me with the best opportunity to pursue these endeavors.
My application form and the requested documents are enclosed. I’m available for additional questions and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration regarding my application.
Sincerely,
Carter Muna
See also: How To Write an Application Letter for Annual Leave With No Experience in Nigeria
Example 2
University Application Letter Example
Let’s begin with a sample university application letter to give you a better idea of its layout.
Chimanda Nnedi
40 Nkanu Street Port Harcourt
Nigeria
+2347088999333445
Chimandannedi@gmail.com
September 1, 2024
Mark Sanchez
Admissions Officer
Orion University
San Francisco, CA
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,
Chimanda Nnedi
Application Letter For Applying To Bachelor’s And Master’s Programs
According to our checklist, the following important things must be included in your application letter:
- Why do you want to study this program? What are your personal reasons and motivations?
- Which part of your proposed course interests you most? Do you have a certain concentration or elective in mind?
- Where do you anticipate your career heading once you’ve finished school? Are you willing to explore new things, or do you have specific goals in mind?
- What previous experience do you have that will be relevant to your studies? (This is equally applicable to part-time work, internships, etc.)
- Why exactly do you want to attend your chosen university and study there? Do you have any specific reasons for choosing this university over others? (For instance, specific electives or concentrations.)
See also: How To Write a Cover Letter with No Experience But Willing to Learn in Nigeria: Sample & Templates
Conclusion
This article has been extensive in enlightening how to write an application letter for university admission. If you follow these tips, you’d be accepted in that university at home or abroad.
References
- Cake resume – how to write an application letter for university admission
- Munich business school – how to write an application letter for university admission
