Introduction

For some years now, the trend in application packages of relevant higher institutions demand that applicants of programmes, scholarships, fellowships and other sponsored opportunities must furnish assessors with at least a 500-worded Letter of Motivation.

The Motivational letter for that matter has become a requisite document to be attached to such applications alongside a Curriculum Vitae, relevant degree or diplomas, Transcripts from the University, research proposals, Recommendations, language certificates, etc.

It is a document that makes you stand out as successful candidate among the lot because it gives a “personal touch” to your application. The letter highlights your knowledge, personal abilities and qualities that distinguishes you from the other candidates by stressing your goals and prospects about a future career in the particular graduate programme.

It is extremely important that the letter is written after reading the study programme and subjects covered and University’s specificity, like campus facilities. Your professional goals and interests should be included in the second paragraph of the letter. Your long term goals and future contribution as a member of the society or Alumni are also included here.

So, after introducing yourself and your goals in the next paragraph you should write how ready you are for the study process, and indicate how you plan to do excel at the programme you are applying for. If it is applicable find a link between your future career plans with the study programme you are planning to attend. Financial inability to pay the tuition fees should be mentioned, but not to be the motive for the letter.

NOTE: Be confident and original between the lines because lies will harm you and your ability to participate in the programme you are applying for. Also remember to ensure that the SoP is consistent with your CV, using the same font, style and grammar.

KEY POINTS TO NOTE

The concept

First, you should think about

(a) why you are pursuing a the graduate programme, a PhD or a fellowship,

(b) what qualities you bring to the program, and

(c) why the graduate school or organization you are applying to is the right one for you.

Brainstorm for ideas, collect them and shape them into a convincing concept. Make sure that everything is perfectly tailored to the specific graduate school’s expectations, for example the research opportunities or faculty at the university you are applying to.

Layout/Formalities

Just like the rest of the application materials, the letter of motivation should have a personalized, consistent letterhead. Use the setup function of your word processor to ensure that the font, line spacing (1,5 or 2), and margins convey your professionalism.

And; make sure you are aware of the graduate school’s preferred formatting expectations and standards.

Do they ask for one or two pages?

Is there a maximum number of words?

Do they prescribe font size or line spacing?

Of course, you should adhere to such standards. If no such standards exist, I recommend submitting a letter of motivation no longer than two double-spaced pages (ca. 750 words).

The structure

Just like every academic essay, your letter of motivation should open with an introduction that can be recognized as such and be followed by the main body of your writing. However, it makes sense to start writing the main part first and then formulate the introduction to your letter of motivation last. After writing the body, you will have a better understanding of how to summarize its contents. After all, the first sentences usually briefly summarize the arguments that are discussed in the main part. This strategy will help you create a common thread that will run through your letter and culminate in an effective conclusion, which once more indicates your personal advantages.

Proofreading

Even though complex syntactical constructions are popular among academics, you should avoid them in your letter of motivation. Instead of unnerving the reader with long sentences, you should keep them short and simple. Try to get feedback from friends and fellow students, who will give useful advice and find spelling errors that may have escaped your attention. Spelling and grammar are critical factors in every application: Overlooking mistakes in your own application demonstrates a lack of thoroughness that may lead the selection committee to conclude that you are not a careful researcher. Such errors are seen as indicators that the applicant’s work lacks quality and are frequent reasons for a candidate’s rejection.