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5 tips to write an effective admission letter.

How To Write An Effective Admission Letter
Applying for admission can be very stressful for students. An admission letter is sent to the university you want to be admitted to. There are different types of admission letters, but the main objective is the same. You are trying to convince the board that you should be accepted to study at the university . It does seem daunting, but once you understand what your admission letter should include, it becomes easier to do.
Admission Letters: Types, Structures, And Main Differences
A narrative letter should reflect storytelling and might be one of the easiest to master. You have a beginning, a middle, and an end. One thing to be careful of here is to not use too many clichés as you are writing this from your own perspective. Avoid using words like passion , love , always wanted to , or dream . I would assume that the board knows that you are passionate about this degree, but you do not have to mention it.
Things get a little trickier when you write an analytical letter, but it could be a great option. Here you are going to want to prove why you are a good fit for the university. Let’s say you are writing a waiver letter and you are trying to figure out how to write a waiver. You are going to look at a waiver letter sample and provide proof as to why you should be allowed to waive the cost. Now apply the same rules to writing an analytical admission letter.
If you like a challenge, I would suggest that you write a technical admission letter. It is not complicated, but you are going to have to showcase your skills and knowledge on a specific subject. Perhaps you worked on a project and performed really well. Talk about the lessons you learned and how this has improved your skills level. Choose a topic and run with it. Get technical with it and do not just around between points. Stay fixed on your story and give an overall view of how you handle challenges.
Tips For Writing Your Admission Letter
Here are some tips to write an effective admission letter:
1. Be Honest
There really is no point in stating facts that you cannot prove, so you might as well be honest. You want your letter to include some points of prove, without dragging it out too long. Remember, you are going to include your supporting documents as well.
2. Be Relatable
As people, we want to connect with others in a personal manner. You can achieve this by being relatable and letting your own personality show. If the university accepts you, then you want it to be because they find you interesting and a great fit.
3. Create An Outline
Before you write your actual admission letter, create a detailed outline. This is going to help you to organize and structure better. You want to come across as an organized person who takes this seriously. Start with your outline, add summaries, and build from there.
4. Make Sure You Have Impeccable Language Skills
I should not have to mention this, but it is always worthwhile to do so. Make sure you have impeccable language skills. There should be no grammar and spelling errors in your admission letter. If it means you asking someone else to proofread it for you, then that is what you are going to do. Run your work through a grammar checker if need be, but do not send in this letter with common mistakes which could have been avoided.
5. Think Outside Of The Box
Remember that the board is going to review a ton of admission letters and you want your to stand out. Do not sound like everyone else, but instead, try to find your own voice and let it shine through. Be accurate and honest about everything you say, but try to think outside of the box. Ask yourself, how am I going to get noticed amongst the masses? Now you can start writing that admission letter.
It should not be such a big challenge for students, but because of the importance of admission letters, we sometimes tend to overthink things. You have done well thus far with your studies and this is just one step closer to your goals. Do not underestimate yourself and say that you are not good enough. Every other student probably have doubts, so it should not stop you from applying. You cannot be chosen if you do not throw your name in the hat.
Be confident and assured that you can do this. Do not be scared to ask for help if you are feeling too much pressure through the process. It is okay to reach out to your teachers, graduates or anyone that can offer advice and guidance. You can also find a lot of help online. Do you research and go for it. If you don’t, you’d probably regret it.
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Learn how to write admission letter successfully.
November 16, 2021
If you are reading this, it means you are anxious to learn how to write an admission letter. This is usually done as part of a college admission process. It is, in fact, one of the most important parts of the process. However, you probably don’t know how to write an admissions letter the right way. Don’t worry though, our experts are here to help you.

In this blog post, we will not only show you how to write a college admission letter, but also give you a short letter of admission template that you can improve upon. In addition, you will get valuable tips, tricks and advice and, if you want, you can get research paper help that will help you write a better paper in no time. Sounds good? Let’s get started!
What Is A Letter Of Admissions?
Before you can learn how to write a letter of admission, it’s important to know what it is and why it’s important. So, what is a letter of admissions?
It is basically a letter you send to the university you want to be admitted to. It main purpose is to convince the admission committee that you should be accepted at their school.
The good news is that, even though this is a very important letter, writing one is not at all difficult. Here is some important information to keep in mind.
- The admission letter format is pretty basic. It should be structured like a letter.
- The letter structure contains the heading, the greeting, the body, the complimentary close, and the signature line.
- Ok, but what guideline should I use? There is no set format for your letter and you are not required to write it in academic format.
- How long should it be? Generally, you should aim for one full, single-spaced page. The font should be Times New Roman (12-point) or Arial (11-point).
Just How Important Is A University Admission Letter?
Bu how important is the university admission letter? Can’t you just submit your application without writing one? Even though some universities don’t require you to write the letter, it is good practice to do it. The letter is very important because it complements your admission paperwork and provides the committee with additional information about you. You can present aspects that are not included elsewhere, such as charity work, interesting skills, various certifications, outstanding achievements, and even recognition you’ve received from people in your industry. You should definitely write one and submit it before or after you submit your application paperwork.
Learn How To Write A Letter Of Admission To University In 9 Easy Steps
Now, we know you are eager to learn how to write a letter of admission to university. The good news is that we will not only provide you with an outline and a step by step guide. We will give you an example as well. But first, let’s see how you can write the letter in just 9 simple steps:
Start by doing some brainstorming. It’s important to write down everything you consider a success. Think about your academic accomplishments, your grades, your extracurricular activities, and even the written recommendations you can get from your professors. Write down your most important skills and personal qualities because you’ll need to include them in your letter as well.
- Start the letter by writing the letter head. The first part is your name, address and ZIP code. The second part is the recipient’s name, school name, school address, and the ZIP code of the school.
- Write the greeting. Generally, using “Dear Mr. Recipient” works great, so you shouldn’t overthink this part.
- Write the body of the letter. Generally, you will want to split it into 4 sections. The first section will tell the admissions committee why you have chosen their school and which program you are applying to.
- Achievements. The second section will talk about you and your achievements. Yes, you can use bullet points here.
- Skills and Qualifications. The third section will discuss why your qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements make you a perfect fit for their school.
- Contact Info. Finally, the fourth section will contain your email address, in case the committee members have questions or need additional information from you.
- Write the complimentary close. Don’t overthink this. A “Best regards” or “Sincerely” works great in an admission letter.
- Write the signature line. You will need to sign the letter and write your full name as well.
- Edit and proofread. You should edit your paper at least three times. You want it to be perfect. Keep in mind that even a typo would hurt your credibility.
Remember that you can split any of the sections above into several paragraphs. However, make sure your letter is not longer than one page.
Small Admission Letter Template
We know our step by step has helped you quite a lot, but you still need help if you are to write en exceptional admission letter. So, to make sure you understand exactly what you need to do, we will show you a short example of admission letter. Our example can be adapted to your needs simply by adding more content to each of its sections. Here is how you should structure your letter:
Your Name Your Mailing Address City, State and ZIP Code Ms. Jane Doe (this is the name of the admissions committee representative) School Name School Address City, State and ZIP Code of school Dear Ms. Jane Doe, As an aspiring architect, I am applying to School Name because, according to my extensive research, your Construction Management program has the best chance of providing me with the preparation and career opportunities I have been looking for. With an outstanding reputation and a long history of stellar achievements, your school has convinced me that it is the best place to pursue my studies in the field of architecture. My academic background is diverse and I have accomplished significant things in both my studies and personal life, such as: I have gained leadership experience as part of the Construction Company design team Significant accomplishment #2 (something related to an award) Significant accomplishment #3 (something related to charity work) Significant accomplishment #4 (something related to important recognition) These achievements make me a great fit for the Construction Management program at your school. I am also happy to say that, under your guidance, I am certain that I will achieve even greater things. I am excited to say that I have submitted my application to the Construction Management program at your school and that I am prepared to achieve academic excellence. Thank you very much for considering my application. I await your acceptance into the freshman class of the first year. If you have questions for me, or if you need more information about my academic results and achievements, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] Best regards, Signature Your Full Name
Tips And Tricks + Some Advice
Now, it’s time to show you some useful tips and tricks, as well as give you some quick advice on how to write a letter to university for admission quickly:
- Be focused. Don’t rant about irrelevant things. Focus on showing the admission committee why you are the perfect choice for their school.
- Be personal. Remember, this is not an essay. Think of your admission letter as an interview. Its purpose is to provide details about you; details that have not been included in the rest of the application.
- Be coherent. This means you need to structure your letter well and organize your ideas into logical, linked paragraphs.
- Be very specific. This means you need to bring proof that supports your every claim. If you claim you’ve done charity work, specific which charity and the exact time period.
- Ask you teacher for help. He or she can point you in the right direction and provide you with a lot of interesting ideas that you can include in your letter.
- Every student should proofread his letter at least twice. There is nothing worse than typos or other errors in an admission letter. Make sure you don’t lose your chance to attend your dream college because of minor spelling errors.
Admission Letter Sample
Finally, you can check out this example of admission letter to get an idea of how you should sound and structure your letter:
Furthering education is not always available, or easily accessible for many. Some people in my field, nursing, stop at the level of patient care in a hospital or other facility. I desire to move onward and upward with my education in nursing in order to create other opportunities for myself. I have a genuine interest in becoming a part of the Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership program. My prior education and experience have equipped me with skills, which will enable me to perform at a high standard in this endeavor. I received a Bachelor in Nursing at the National Institute for Lifelong Education in South Korea. As an assistant nurse, I developed interest in Adult-Acute health. During this time, conducting clinical trials brought to my attention the fact that stress leaves patients emotionally and physically drained. I realized the importance of patient-centered care. One of the advantages of continuing my education will be that the knowledge I learn will keep me abreast of new research and procedures, which will ultimately improve the lives of my patients. In 2010, I visited Mongolia as a volunteer to assist the villagers and children who needed to be diagnosed and receive medical care. I helped give round-the-clock care. The satisfaction from this experience is the reason for my interest in Adult-Acute care. According to Josepha Campinha-Bacote, cultural competence can be viewed as, “a necessary set of skills for nurses to attain in order to render effective care.” I gained cultural competence during the time I volunteered in Mongolia. I came to understand the needs of the patients at a deeper level than I had ever experienced before. My husband is in the military, and this plays a role in the notion that I want to serve the soldiers who are in dire need of quality care. I wish to contribute to the military, knowing what rewards that will bring me personally in return. My philosophy of what is to be gained in a graduate nursing program is reaching a new depth of study, improving critical thinking skills, furthering cultural competence and gaining leadership skills. All of these results will provide patients with more informative care, better reaction times and an ability to interact with other cultures appropriately concerning their medical care. I advocate patient-centered care and am confident, if allowed in the program, that I will be able to bring my own contributions to this philosophy in my future experiences.
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Letter of Admission Template – Format, Sample & Example
Hey there, are you looking for admission letter templates and guidance to write one? No worries anymore! We are here with a thorough understanding about it, just follow us. What an admission letter is? An admission letter is a written consent which may be used by a school or college to inform the perspective applicant or student that their application is accepted or he or she has passed the procedure required to get the admission in the respective institute. In short, it is used to pass on the intention about confirming that a candidate has been admitted to an event, entity etc.
Mainly, two types of letter of admission are used commonly. One is usually used to confirm the recipient about being admitted to a particular program, course, event or some academic course etc. It is a formal letter explaining the purpose along with the reason that why this person has been given admission and genuinely prompts them too accordingly to accept the admission offer.
The other type of letter for admission is basically used by the applicant or student to the universities of interest or colleges. It is to pass on the reasons and intentions that why they want to join this institute and why they are suitable or deserving to get an admission there. This is a way to sell out themselves to make them convince about your candidature and that too not just by putting a resume or by listing grades and qualifications but by sharing your passions, goals, thoughts and efforts that you would put to achieve them. For example, if you are looking for an admission is a class of designing but you have degree of some other subject then it is important that apart from sharing your grade and history, better you share your work of designs too. It will enhance your chances to get selected.
Today, admission letter are one primary way to find out if you are given entry in University or not.
Format of Letter of Admission
Like any other letter, a general format is being followed here as well. Follow the steps given below for the format:
Main heading stating the intent of letter
Name of Recipient Address of Recipient
[Date of writing]
Body of Letter
How to write admission Letter
To write an admission letter is not a very difficult task to do. It is just a simple letter that needs to be in a professional and cordial language and well aligned format to meet the expectations. A few tips are provided below to write a letter of admission for your convenience.
- be sure what type of letter are you writing, if it is narrative, analytical or technical. Write accordingly.
- Write exactly what you intend to. Be very honest because there are chances that you are going to attach a few supporting documents along.
- Remember that you use impeccable writing skills in terms of language, vocabs etc.
- If you are writing a letter for admission, write something out of the box that makes your letter differ from many others.
- Prepare before you write. Prepare an outline as it will make it easier for you to write it in a better manner.
- Look confident because that is very important.
Admission Letter Sample with Example
Using above guidance and tips we assure you that you’ll be able to write a nice admission letter for yourself. But if still you need some help in writing you can refer our page where you’ll find more of such samples that have covered letter of admission in a very professional manner.
Are you looking for admission to college/ University? Well, sometimes you need to take help of these letters that will make it easier for you to get admission in your desirable institution. A sample is provided below.
Sample College/University Admission Letter
Dear Admission In-charge,
I have been looking for a number of institutes to get myself enrolled I graphic designing course. After having looked at many different courses I have decided to join full time regular course for 2 year in graphic designing at your place. I am very much fascinated with the faculty and technology that your University is bestowed with and that has blown away my mind. I am sure it will be a very exciting and diverse course.
I have been doing paintings and art work since a few years now but since now I want to move a step ahead and want to learn how graphics work. I have been around a few graphic designers who has inspired me to enroll myself in one such course.
I will be very much delighted if my application will get accepted by you. Here, I have attached a copy of my application along with my resume for your reference. I hope I would meet all the necessary requisites.
Thank you for your consideration. I hope to have a response from you.
Thanks a lot.
With Regards,
Your faithfully Bruno Geller
Primary School Admission Letter sample
The Principal
Jesus Merry Primary Education School
New York City, USA
Dear Sir/Ma’am,
We are here looking for admission in your school for our child. We have been trying for a long while now to get him a chance to study in your prestigious school and for this session we sincerely want him to get a chance. He is a very polite and obedient child and I am sure that he will be great student at your school.
We are all ready to make him appear for any entrance test, if any, and are prepared for personal interview as well. Please consider our request and provide us with an appointment as soon as possible.
Thanking you.
Michael Steve
F/o Berry Steve
If you are given an offer to get admission in a particular place but you are not interested, you just need to make a polite reply to their offer letter that you are given another desirable opportunity or an option you are more interested in. A sample is given below:
Sample Decline Admission Offer Letter
Dear Sir/ Ma’am,
I am extremely thankful that you are offering me admission to School of Medicine in your University. I greatly appreciate your consideration, time and effort in evaluating my application.
However, I regret to inform you that I won’t be able to join your School as I have been offered by XYZ University which is very close to my home and has remained my preference. I decline your offer and withdraw from my place in your upcoming batch. Thank you so much for you generosity and understanding.
Your faithfully, Kenethe
For more assistance, you can visit our page where more samples are available for any kind of assistance.
Admission Letter Template in PDF and Word Format

Admission Letter Template in PDF Format
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Admission Letter Template in Word Format
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How to write a letter to a college admissions office.

Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 4/11/22
Writing a letter to a college admissions office may seem scary at first. You may be asking, how do I make a good impression? What’s an appropriate reason to send a letter to a college admissions office? How do I show I really care about this school? What’s the best way to ask for application assistance?
If you’re asking these questions about writing a letter to a college admissions office, you’re in the right place. Read on for answers to these questions, as well as more tips for contacting a college admissions office.
Reasons to Contact a College Admissions Office
There are several reasons to contact a college admissions office or counselor, and many may overlap. The two main reasons, though, are to demonstrate interest in the school and get application assistance.
Demonstrated interest is how colleges measure how interested a student is in a particular school. Not every school considers this during the admissions process, but many do, and contacting a college admissions office can be one method of demonstrating interest.
A 2019 National Association for College Admission Counseling study showed that 16.1% of schools considered demonstrated interest of considerable importance in the admissions process, 23.9% considered it of moderate importance, 38.0% limited importance, and 32.1% considered it to be of no importance in the admissions process.
So, 78.0% of colleges and universities consider demonstrated interest during the admissions process—at least in some capacity. Colleges want to know you care about what unique opportunities they have to offer, not just that you want to attend college in general.
According to Forbes , “Reaching out to the school to ask intelligent questions judging whether it is a good fit is a good idea. You can also use an email to explain why you are unable to visit the campus and ask what alternatives there are.” By doing this, you’ll show the school you care, and you’ll get a better sense of whether that school is the right place for you.
Don’t overuse emails for this purpose, as you don’t want to bombard admissions officers or seem helpless. So, ensure you’re thoughtful and careful about what emails you send to admissions officers when demonstrating interest in the school.
Another reason you may contact a college admissions office is in regards to your application. If there’s a deadline approaching, and you need to confirm the college received a certain piece of information, such as a transcript or a letter of recommendation, you can reach out and ask if the office received that piece of your application.
If you email your college admissions officer regarding your application, make sure you are not asking for information posted elsewhere. If you ask a question that is clearly answered on the application platform, it might negatively impact your application.
However, if you can’t find the answer to a question, don’t be nervous to reach out. If the information you’re looking for is not readily available on the school’s website, then it’s something you can reach out to the college admissions office about.
Emails vs. Letters
In the digital world, it can be hard to know which communication platform you should use. Online platforms are usually more convenient than physical letters, but there are still advantages to sending a letter.
If you are asking a specific question regarding your application, an email is the better option. It’s more convenient for you and the college admissions office, and you’ll probably get a much faster reply, especially if you’re asking a time-sensitive question.
However, if you want to inquire about specific aspects of the school, you may want to consider writing a physical letter. A lot of people consider a physical letter to be more personal, especially in the digital age, so this can be a good way to set yourself apart in the application process.
Overall, it’s important to first consider why you’re contacting the college admissions office before you decide whether to write an email or letter. An email is more convenient and will usually result in a much faster response, but a letter can seem more personal.
How to Format Your Letter
You may wonder how to write a letter to the college admissions office. First, we’ll cover some etiquette tips, then we’ll cover how to write each piece of the email. The Princeton Review has some great tips for writing letters or emails to college admissions offices.
“Keep it short!”
While you want to make a good first impression with your email, it’s important not to use this email to brag about yourself. By asking intelligent questions the school’s website doesn’t already answer, you will show ambition and intellect, so there’s no need to include other details about yourself. Keep it short and to the point.
“Introduce yourself.”
While you want to keep your email short, you also want the college admissions office to know who you are. Include your name, high school graduation year, high school name, and home address in the first part of your email. This is especially important if you’re asking a question about your application—you don’t want the admissions officer to have to search for your information. Plus, if your email makes a good impression, this will make it easier for them to remember you.
“Check for spelling and grammatical mistakes.”
We can’t overstate how important this is. If your email or letter has any spelling or grammatical errors, your email will seem much less formal and mature. Ensuring your letter or email has no typos shows a lot of care, which is what college admissions offices want to see from you.
One way to approach this is by typing your email in a document first. You can read it out loud to spot grammatical errors. You can also put it in a different font and color to check for spelling and grammatical errors, because changing the way it looks helps your brain pick up on any mistakes.

“Be professional.”
To be professional, you must evaluate more than just your email or letter’s content. You must consider your subject line, introduction, signature, and even your email address.
Don’t use any slang. If your email address includes slang, nicknames, or anything other than a form of your name, consider creating a new email account for communicating with colleges.
Now that we’ve covered some general tips to keep in mind when corresponding with a college admissions office, let’s go over each individual piece of your letter or email.
Subject Line
This may seem like an unimportant piece of your email, but ensure your subject line is also direct, to the point, and professional—just like the rest of your correspondence. Try to communicate exactly what you’re asking in as few words as possible.
For example, let’s say you want to ask about diversity initiatives at Duke University. You could title your email, “Question About Diversity Initiatives at Duke University,” but that’s an awfully long title. Plus, if you’re emailing the admissions office at Duke, they know you’re asking about their school, so there’s no need to include that in the subject line. Instead, aim for something more like, “Diversity Initiatives Question.”
Introduction
Other than your subject line, your introduction is your first opportunity to show you are mature and intelligent. This may seem like a lot of pressure for the first few words, but there is a world of difference between saying, “Hi to whom this may concern,” and “Good morning, Mrs. Brown.”
First, let’s talk about your greeting. Be formal, proper, and kind. Don’t use the same sort of language that you would use when texting your friends. For example, you wouldn’t want to start with “hi,” or “hey,” but saying, “Hello,” or “Good morning,” is appropriate.
Ideally, use your admissions officer’s name in the introduction of your name, instead of a more general “to whom it may concern.” This is not always available on the college or university’s website, but by the time you’re a high school senior, you’ve probably been in contact with the colleges you want to apply to. Usually, a specific college admissions officer will have reached out to you. You can try to find their name from correspondences like those.
So, with those two pieces, your introduction should look something like this:
“Hello, Mr. Miller,”
“Good afternoon, Ms. Marie,”
This is where the bulk of your email will be. The first thing you want to do is introduce yourself to the admissions officer—even if you’ve already corresponded before. Admissions officers receive hundreds of emails a day, so it’s helpful to include your basic information at the beginning.
After you introduce yourself, go straight into your question. If it’s a question regarding your application, explain the confusion or problem and include the due date if it’s time-sensitive. If you want to confirm the university received a certain piece of your application, you can phrase it something like this:
“While polishing up my application, I noticed that it hasn’t been confirmed that my letters of recommendation have been received. To make sure I have submitted all aspects of my application before the January 1st deadline, is there any way you could confirm whether the school has received my letters of recommendation? Thank you so much for your help, I appreciate it.”
The purpose of your email or letter may not be to confirm information about your application. Instead, you may want to demonstrate interest in the school ask about a specific aspect of the school you want to know more about, or some combination of these. What then?
The most important thing about writing an email or letter like that is to research beforehand. If you reach out to ask general questions that are already answered on the school’s website, you’re not going to make a very good impression.
Here’s a list of topics to avoid asking about when reaching out to a college admissions office (though this is not an exhaustive list):
- What the college looks for in applicants
- Tuition rates
- Acceptance rates
- Lists of offered majors & minors
Essentially, you want to ask specific questions showing your ambitions and also that you’ve done adequate research on the school. You can ask about specific opportunities within specific majors or programs, details about student life that are not already listed, and more.
When writing questions like these, remember our earlier advice: be professional and to the point, but let your voice shine through so you don’t sound like a robot. Your natural personality will make a great first impression.
At the end of your correspondence’s body, it’s vital to thank your admissions officer for taking the time to help you and answer your questions. It’s a kind thing to do and reflects back upon you as a kind person.
Much like your introduction, your signature may seem like an inconsequential part of your correspondence. But just like your introduction, that’s not true. Your signature can display professionalism and maturity just like the rest of your email or letter can. Use an appropriate sign-off, such as “Best,” “Warm regards” or “Sincerely,” and sign your name. You can also add alternate contact information (such as a phone number) after your name, just in case the school needs another way to contact you.
Sample Letters and Emails to College Admissions Offices
These sample letters should give you a great idea how to format your own letters.
Example Letter No. 1:
“Hello Mr. White,
My name is Jack Hummer, and I’m a senior at Amity High School. I hope to major in Environmental Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall of 2023, and am working on polishing up my application before the January 7th due date.
I was thrilled to see all the research opportunities for Environmental Engineering, and I was wondering if there were any specific research opportunities for first-year students in that program?
I would also love to double major in Environmental Engineering and Anthropology; would this be possible in four years?
Thank you so much for your help!
Warm regards,
Jack Hummer”
Example Letter No. 2:
“Dear Ms. Smith,
My name is Sarah Dill, and I will be graduating from Tacoma High School in the spring of 2022. I am planning on studying Linguistics at Princeton University, and I was hoping you could answer a few questions for me.
I was particularly interested in the Field Methods aspect of the Linguistics program. How are students connected with native speakers of the language they choose to study? Are only specific languages offered?
Additionally, I am curious about the Program in Teacher Preparation. Does this program work with your major over the course of four years or is it a shorter program that you complete separately?
I greatly appreciate your time and assistance. Thank you.
Sarah Dill”
Example Email No. 1:
“Good afternoon Ms. Lewis,
My name is Anthony King. I will be graduating from Shorecrest Preparatory School in the spring, and I am finishing up my application for Columbia University before the Early Decision deadline on November 1st.
I noticed that the university has not confirmed they received one of my letters of recommendation from my teacher, Mr. Weber. To my knowledge, he has submitted his letter within the application portal. Would it be possible for you to confirm whether or not this letter of recommendation has been received for my application?
Thank you so much for your time and help.
Best regards,
Anthony King”
Example Email No. 2:
“Good morning Mr. Teel,
My name is Maxton Morrison, and I am a senior at Renaissance High School. I am applying to Northwestern University, and I was hoping you could answer a question for me.
I was polishing up my application for the December 1st due date, but I noticed that it has not been confirmed that the school has received my ACT scores from April of 2020. Could you possibly confirm for me whether the school has received these scores yet?
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Maxton Morrison”
Contacting a college admissions office can be beneficial for a multitude of reasons, whether you actually need assistance with your application or you just want to learn more and demonstrate interest in the school. As long as you use the advice in this guide, sending a letter or an email will be a breeze.
And remember: don’t forget to proofread.
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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.
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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If you want your school application letter to stand out to the admissions committee, here are the steps to follow: 1. Address your letter Start your letter by indicating your name and contact information such as: Your email address Phone number Physical address Home address
Tips For Writing Your Admission Letter Here are some tips to write an effective admission letter: 1. Be Honest There really is no point in stating facts that you cannot prove, so you might as well be honest. You want your letter to include some points of prove, without dragging it out too long.
What is an admissions acceptance letter? An admissions letter is a note that colleges and other programs send to notify students that they earned acceptance. The letter congratulates students on their admission and shares basic details about their admittance into the program.
Start the letter by writing the letter head. The first part is your name, address and ZIP code. The second part is the recipient’s name, school name, school address, and the ZIP code of the school. Write the greeting. Generally, using “Dear Mr. Recipient” works great, so you shouldn’t overthink this part. Write the body of the letter.
What an admission letter is? An admission letter is a written consent which may be used by a school or college to inform the perspective applicant or student that their application is accepted or he or she has passed the procedure required to get the admission in the respective institute.
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.
While you want to keep your email short, you also want the college admissions office to know who you are. Include your name, high school graduation year, high school name, and home address in the first part of your email. This is especially important if you’re asking a question about your application—you don’t want the admissions officer ...
An admission letter is a written notification or announcement about the acceptance or the rejection towards the students who apply to a school or a university. Therefore, an effective...
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.