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How to write a Motivation Letter for University (Sample)

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Essays on Motivation

🌟 the importance of writing a motivation essay 📝.

Motivation is like that extra sprinkle of magic dust that gives us the boost we need to achieve our goals and dreams ✨✨. It's the driving force behind our actions and the fuel that keeps us going when things get tough. Writing an essay about motivation allows us to delve deeper into this fascinating topic and explore its various aspects. So, why not grab your pen (or keyboard) and let's dive into the world of motivation! 💪📚

🔍 Choosing the Perfect Motivation Essay Topic 🤔

When it comes to choosing a topic for your motivation essay, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what aspect of motivation you find most intriguing. Is it personal motivation, motivation in the workplace, or maybe the psychology behind motivation? Once you have a general idea, narrow it down further to a specific angle that interests you the most.

💡 Motivation Argumentative Essay 💪📝

An argumentative essay on motivation requires you to take a stance and provide evidence to support your viewpoint. Here are ten exciting topics to get those creative juices flowing:

• The role of intrinsic motivation in academic success
• The impact of extrinsic rewards on employee motivation
• Does social media affect motivation levels in teenagers?
• The connection between motivation and self-esteem
• How does motivation differ between genders?
• The influence of music on motivation levels
• Does money truly motivate people in the workplace?
• The effects of positive reinforcement on motivation
• The link between motivation and mental health
• How does goal-setting impact motivation?

🌪️ Motivation Cause and Effect Essay 📝

In a cause and effect essay, you explore the reasons behind certain motivations and their outcomes. Here are ten thought-provoking topics to consider:

• The causes and effects of procrastination on motivation
• How does a lack of motivation impact academic performance?
• The relationship between motivation and success in sports
• The effects of parental motivation on children's achievements
• How does motivation affect mental well-being?
• The causes and effects of burnout on motivation levels
• The impact of motivation on work-life balance
• How does motivation affect creativity and innovation?
• The causes and effects of peer pressure on motivation
• The relationship between motivation and goal attainment

💬 Motivation Opinion Essay 💭📝

In an opinion essay, you express your personal thoughts and beliefs about motivation. Here are ten intriguing topics to spark your imagination:

• Is self-motivation more effective than external motivation?
• Are rewards a necessary form of motivation?
• Should schools focus more on intrinsic motivation?
• The role of motivation in achieving work-life balance
• Is motivation a learned behavior or innate?
• The impact of motivation on personal growth and development
• Does motivation play a significant role in overcoming obstacles?
• Is fear an effective motivator?
• The role of motivation in maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Can motivation be sustained in the long term?

📚 Motivation Informative Essay 🧠📝

An informative essay on motivation aims to educate and provide valuable insights. Here are ten fascinating topics to explore:

• The psychology behind motivation and its theories
• How to stay motivated in challenging times
• The impact of motivation on personal and professional success
• Motivation techniques for achieving fitness goals
• The role of motivation in leadership and management
• Motivation in the context of mental health and well-being
• The history of motivation research and key figures
• Motivation strategies for students and educators
• Motivation and its connection to creativity and innovation
• Motivation in different cultural and societal contexts

📜 Thesis Statement Examples 📜

Here are a few thesis statement examples to inspire your motivation essay:

• 1. "Motivation, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, plays a pivotal role in driving individuals towards achieving their goals and aspirations."
• 2. "This essay explores the multifaceted nature of motivation, examining its psychological underpinnings, societal influences, and practical applications."
• 3. "In a world filled with challenges and opportunities, understanding the mechanisms of motivation empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and reach new heights of success."

📝 Introduction Paragraph Examples 📝

Here are some introduction paragraph examples for your motivation essay:

• 1. "Motivation is the driving force behind human actions, the invisible hand that propels us toward our goals. It is the spark that ignites the fire of determination within us, pushing us to overcome obstacles and realize our dreams."
• 2. "In a world where challenges often outnumber opportunities, motivation serves as the compass guiding us through life's intricate maze. It is the unwavering belief in our abilities and the fuel that keeps our ambitions burning bright."
• 3. "Picture a world without motivation—a world where dreams remain unfulfilled, talents remain hidden, and aspirations remain dormant. Fortunately, we do not live in such a world, and this essay delves into the profound impact of motivation on human lives."

🔚 Conclusion Paragraph Examples 📝

Here are some conclusion paragraph examples for your motivation essay:

• 1. "As we conclude this journey through the realm of motivation, let us remember that it is the driving force behind our accomplishments, the cornerstone of our achievements. With unwavering motivation, we can surmount any obstacle and turn our aspirations into reality."
• 2. "In the grand tapestry of human existence, motivation weaves the threads of determination, perseverance, and success. This essay's culmination serves as a testament to the enduring power of motivation and its ability to shape our destinies."
• 3. "As we bid farewell to this exploration of motivation, let us carry forward the knowledge that motivation is not just a concept but a potent force that propels us toward greatness. With motivation as our guide, we can continue to chase our dreams and conquer new horizons."

📄 Motivation Research Paper Outline 📄

I. introduction 🌟.

• Definition of Motivation
• Importance of Studying Motivation
• Research Questions or Hypotheses
• Objectives of the Study
• Significance of the Study
• Scope and Limitations

II. Literature Review 📖

• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
• Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
• Self-Determination Theory
• Research on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
• Studies on Workplace Motivation
• Impact of Motivation on Performance and Productivity
• Gaps in the Literature

III. Research Methodology 🔬

• Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods
• Sampling Techniques
• Sample Size
• Surveys, Interviews, Observations, etc.
• Data Analysis Techniques
• Ethical Considerations

IV. Results and Discussion 💬

• Tables, Graphs, and Charts
• Interpretation of Data
• Comparison with Previous Studies
• Theoretical Implications
• Practical Implications

V. Conclusion 🏁

• Summary of Findings
• Conclusions Drawn from the Study
• Recommendations for Future Research
• Limitations of the Study

VI. References 📚

• Citations of all Sources Used

VII. Appendices 📑

• Additional Material (e.g., Survey Instruments, Interview Guides)

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Overview of The Motivational Theories for Business

Applying work motivation theories to business situations, drive-reduction theory and motivation, the impact of motivation and affect on judgement, my motivation to study biomedical engineering in the netherlands, research of the theories of motivation: expectancy theory and the equity theory, understanding of my personal motivation, the motivation letter for you, herzberg two-factor theory of motivation, autonomy, mastery, and purpose: motivation, motivation in different aspects of our lives, the importance of motivation in human resource management, my motivation to get a bachelor degree in nursing, my potential and motivation to excel in the field of medicine, my motivational letter: mechanical engineering, effective management and motivation of employees, your motivation to do sports, some theories of motivation or why it is necessary to motivate employees, motivation through failure: my life experience, believing in myself is the motivation to achieve goals.

Motivation is the drive or desire to achieve a goal or take action. Motivational states are commonly understood as forces acting within the agent that create a disposition to engage in goal-directed behavior.

Intrinsic, extrinsic, unconscious, and conscious.

Theories articulating the content of motivation: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, Alderfer's ERG theory, Self-Determination Theory, Drive theory.

• Motivation can come from both internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) sources.
• Different people are motivated by different things, such as rewards, recognition, or personal satisfaction.
• Setting specific, achievable goals can increase motivation levels.
• Motivation can fluctuate based on external factors like stress, fatigue, or distractions.
• Motivation is closely linked to productivity and success in various aspects of life.

The topic of motivation is important because it plays a crucial role in determining individual behavior, performance, and overall well-being. Understanding what motivates people can help in creating effective strategies for personal growth, goal achievement, and boosting overall satisfaction and success. It is a key aspect of psychology, education, management, and various other fields that aim to enhance human performance and well-being.

Relevant topics

• Growth Mindset
• Procrastination

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Know How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter for University Admission

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A motivation letter is a key part of the university admission process and can greatly influence your chances of being accepted. With many applicants having similar academic qualifications, universities look for ways to differentiate candidates. This is where the motivation letter becomes important, as it allows you to share your personal reasons for wanting to study a specific programme and show your enthusiasm for that university. Therefore, knowing how to write an effective motivation letter for university admission is crucial. 

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about crafting a strong motivation letter for university admission. We will explore its importance, discuss the structure of a motivation letter, and provide tips to help you write a compelling letter. 

Table of Contents

What is a Motivation Letter?

A motivation letter is a formal document that applicants submit as part of their university application. Its main purpose is to explain why you are a suitable candidate for a specific programme or scholarship. In this letter, you have the opportunity to share your personal motivations for applying, as well as the relevant skills and experiences that led you to this decision. In addition to expressing your enthusiasm, you can also highlight your academic achievements and personal aspirations, demonstrating how the programme aligns with your future goals. 

Admission committees regard motivation letters as a serious component of the application process, as they reflect your commitment, character, and intentions. A well-crafted motivation letter for university can also improve your chances of acceptance, especially at universities with high application standards.

Also, check out the MBA Motivation Letter sample here!

Download Motivation Letter For University

Download a sample motivation letter for university applications to help you craft a compelling personal statement. Perfect for guiding your academic goals and showcasing your passion and qualifications.

Download PDF

How Can a Motivation Letter Make a Difference in a University Application?

A motivation letter can make a difference in your university application by providing context to your academic achievements and qualifications. It gives you the opportunity to share your unique story, express your passion for your chosen field, and explain how the university programme aligns with your future goals. 

Here is how a motivation letter for university can make a difference in your application:

• Providing Personal Insight: The letter allows you to convey who you are beyond your grades, sharing your values, interests, and personal experiences that have influenced your decision to apply.
• Expressing Your Passion: It provides a platform for you to show your enthusiasm for the programme and the university, highlighting your genuine interest in pursuing your chosen field.
• Explaining Why You Fit: It helps you demonstrate why you are a suitable candidate for the programme, linking your academic and career goals with what the university has to offer.

Learn how to write a Motivational Letter

Understanding the Structure of a Motivation Letter For University 

Writing a motivation letter for admission may seem challenging, but understanding its structure can simplify the process. A well-organised letter helps convey your thoughts clearly, ensuring that the admissions committee can easily understand your motivations and qualifications. 

Here is a breakdown of the key components of a motivation letter for university, along with what to include in each section:

1. Introduction

The introduction of your motivation letter sets the tone and context for the rest of your application. In this section of the motivation letter, you must introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your letter.

Key Points To Remember :

• Start with a brief introduction of yourself.
• State the programme you are applying for.
• Share why you are motivated to apply.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body of your motivation letter is where you provide detailed insights into your background, experiences, and aspirations. It typically includes key areas like the following:

• Motivation for Choosing the Course: Explain why you are drawn to the specific programme and university. Mention faculty members, research projects, or core values that resonate with you.
• Academic Background: Highlight your relevant academic achievements and qualifications. Include any degrees, courses, or awards that showcase your preparedness for the programme.
• Professional Experience : Discuss internships, jobs, or projects that influenced your decision to pursue this field. Emphasise specific responsibilities that demonstrate your commitment and readiness.
• Future Aspirations: Outline your career goals and how the programme aligns with them. Describe what you hope to achieve through your studies and your vision for your future career.
• Clearly state your reasons for choosing the programme and university.
•  Highlight relevant academic achievements and practical experiences.
• Make your narrative personal and authentic.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion is your opportunity to summarise your main points and reinforce your enthusiasm for the programme. It is also a chance to thank the admissions committee for considering your application and express hope for a positive response.

• Recap your motivations and qualifications.
• Emphasise your excitement for the programme and the university.
• Express hope for a positive outcome.

How to Write a Motivation Letter for University?

Crafting a compelling motivation letter is essential for making a strong impression on the admissions committee. Below, you will see some of the key steps to guide you through the writing process:

• Step 1- Research the Programme: Take the time to understand the university and the specific programme you are applying for. Familiarise yourself with its values, focus areas, and faculty members so you can tailor your letter accordingly.
• Step 2- Brainstorm Your Core Strengths: List your key strengths, experiences, and achievements relevant to the programme. This will help you identify the most important points to highlight in your letter.
• Step 3- Consider Structure: Decide on a structure for your letter. You can opt for a traditional three-paragraph format (introduction, body, conclusion) or a five-paragraph approach with three body paragraphs for more detail.
• Step 4- Write a Rough Draft: Start drafting your motivation letter using the ideas from your brainstorming session and your chosen structure. This rough draft will provide a foundation for refining and enhancing your final letter.
• Step 5- Tailor Your Letter: Avoid generic statements that could apply to any applicant. Instead, personalise your letter by highlighting specific aspects of the programme and university that appeal to you. 
• Step 6- Seek Feedback: Share your draft with a teacher, mentor, or friend for constructive feedback. They can offer valuable insights and help you improve your letter.
• Step 7- Final Check: Perform a final review of your letter for grammar and clarity. Ensure that your motivation letter is polished and ready for submission before the deadline.

Also, find out How to write a Motivational Letter for a Bursary in South Africa 

Tips for Writing a Great Motivational Letter

When you are writing a motivation letter for university, it is essential to acknowledge its role as a vital personal connection with the admissions committee. Your letter should reflect your individuality and passion, making a lasting impression that sets you apart from other applicants.

To help you create an effective and engaging letter, here are some essential tips to consider during the writing process:

• Read motivation letter examples to understand common elements and variations.
• Stay focused on your goals and avoid unnecessary humour.
• Edit and proofread your letter multiple times for clarity and professionalism.
• Use clear and professional language
• Keep your letter to one page, using concise paragraphs for easy reading.
• Choose a professional font and size, and maintain standard page margins
• Ensure smooth transitions between your thoughts for better flow.

Motivation Letter for University Admission- Sample

Here is a sample motivation letter for university admission that showcases how to convey your aspirations and qualifications effectively.

A well-crafted motivation letter is essential for standing out in the competitive university admissions process. It allows you to showcase your passion, qualifications, and unique experiences. By following the recommended structure and focusing on what makes you a great fit for the programme, you can effectively communicate your story to the admissions committee. However, remember, a motivation letter for university is your opportunity to connect personally with them. With careful planning and clear writing, you can create an engaging motivation letter that improves your application. 

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Motivation Letter for University Admission – FAQs

What is a motivation letter for university admission, and why is it important.

A motivation letter is a formal document that explains your reasons for applying to a specific university programme. It’s important because it allows you to present your personal story and stand out from other applicants with similar academic qualifications.

How do I write a motivation letter for university admission (bachelor’s degree)?

To write a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree, introduce yourself and state the programme you’re applying for. Share your reasons for choosing the course and the university, and highlight relevant academic and personal experiences.

What should I avoid when writing a motivation letter?

Avoid using overly generic statements or irrelevant information. Keep the letter professional and focused on your academic and career goals. Proofread carefully to avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.

What’s the difference between a motivation letter and an application letter?

A motivation letter focuses on your reasons for applying and your suitability for the programme, while an application letter is a broader document used to formally request admission or a job.

What is a sample of an application letter for university admission?

A sample application letter for university admission includes your introduction, the programme you’re applying for, your academic background, and your reasons for wanting to study at the university. It ends with a formal closing, expressing hope for a positive response.

Rena has been writing SEO-based content for Edtech platforms, IT sector and other niches. MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, B.A in Journalism, Mass Communication and Video Production. Work Experience: Before joining Regenesys Business School, Ms Rena wrote articles and blogs for the IT and marketing platform websites and did freelancing content work.

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How to write a motivational letter for university admission in Germany

The motivation letter (also knowne as “statement of purpose”) is a document where you describe your professional competence and personal motivation about choosing to study a particular study field at a particular university.

It’s the most personalized and important document you can create to send to a university during the application process. Very often the motivation letter will make the biggest difference between getting admission and getting rejected at the university you’re applying for.

How To Write Your Motivation Letter

In the letter, you can write relevant and interesting details about yourself which can prove to the admission officers that you are the right candidate to be selected to participate in their programme. That’s why it’s important to first choose a study programme that is a good fit for your academic background.

The motivation letter plays a decisive role in determining whether you will be accepted or not. It can be very challenging to present yourself in a way that would convince the study institution. Even if you are an outstanding student with the highest grades, many accomplishments, and are very motivated you may not secure your admission because of writing your motivational letter in a poor way.

It does not have to be personal in a way that makes you appear non-serious, rather focus on your intellectual personality . Be careful to not indulge a lot in your deficit side; always focus on your strengths and reasons why you are the right person for the university.

*Suggestion: plan ahead before attempting your final draft writings. Firstly, plan the concept, then the layout, the structure and fine-tuning.

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• The concept should contain all your thoughts on why you want to pursue the specific degree, the qualities you can bring to the programme, why the specific university is the best option for you. Then, bring these ideas to a draft.
• The layout is the way your document is formatted, and it should show your professionalism. If there are no specifications in the university’s description of the motivational letter, you should attempt at keeping it to a maximum length of two pages.
• The structure defines the flow of the letter, with a bright introduction leading smoothly to an intense body and a summary of the content. The conclusion should once more indicate to your personal advantages.
• Fine-tuning is about the word usage you have selected. You should avoid using complex words and constructions as they can a turn-off or irritating to the admission officers.Use rather eloquent, persuasive, smooth language, where you show why you are outstanding instead of telling. And, check grammar, spelling, and also get feedback from close people whose opinions you value.

Things to keep in mind when writing your motivation letter

• Do not repeat what is already written in the application form or CV – this one is very important to keep in mind as the admission officers will receive many motivational letters from many candidates and if you repeat yourself it will become tiresome.Try to place yourself in their position! You might notice that you need to be either more creative, interesting, or bold in your motivational letter.
• Write based on university specifics – while you are constructing your motivational letter be careful to prioritize interests that correlate with the programmes provided by the university. Think of how you will benefit from the programmes you are going after and why you are motivated to attend those courses. Usually, universities have very clear and informative requirements on their websites, as well as what qualities and qualifications in candidates they are looking forward to.
• Making a flat introduction – your introduction is the most important part of your letter. It will determine whether the admission officers will engage and continue reading through the whole letter.This is where they will decide if they are going to proceed with your file or dismiss it completely. Think of a way to not sound cliché and yet at the same time intelligent and engaging.
• Do not try to make too many points – another thing is that you might get very excited and wanting to show many of your important assets, and somehow on the road make a mess in the connection between interests.You may seem as if you are trying to say a lot in order to make them like you. You wouldn’t want to seem desperate or a show-off, in both cases you will not be a very attractive candidate, so be consistent!
• Share something about yourself – share your interests and your feelings when you take part in activities that correlate with the programme in question. Think of ways how it has manifested in your thought-patterns and motivation. Share a moment or a story where you understood the importance of the subject.
• Do not force the letter towards humor – sounding positive is very important, but trying to be very humorous in the motivational letter can turn out the wrong way, as you for one, cannot know the kind of things people find funny.What can be funny and interesting to you may not be the same for another person and the case may be that you are not on the same frequency as the personnel.Instead, try to keep humor on the side while all the time keeping positive and interesting. Humor can be overdone and it can be the one thing that will set you away from your dream programme.
• Do not be someone else – always bring forward your own voice, tone, and self. Do not try to be someone you are not and in this way cause yourself to fall out of selection. Tell them things that are true to you and in your truest voice! These things are easy to spot for the admission officers and you wouldn’t want to be spotted pretending you’re someone you’re not! You have very interesting things that have happened to you and your life is important and you surely have unique qualities, so think of those things and present them.If you think hard enough, you will see you are enough. There is no need to pretend. Sometimes, being very involved in our own lives may make us not believe we are interesting enough!
• Answer all questions – pay attention to answering all the questions that are asked of you. Do not neglect them since having been written in prospects, they must be important! Keep that in mind and try not to think less of any.
• Do not write your personal statement/motivational letter at the last minute – this one is very, very important. Give yourself enough time to write many drafts until you bring to life your personality. If you do it within a matter of a few or in the last days, you may forget valuable things and it will not have the consistency required. Start writing your motivational letter, at least, a month ahead. Be clear about your goals!
• Do your proofreading – proofreading is a must. When it’s time to proofread, after correcting all grammatical or punctuation, or line structuring mistakes, give your motivational letter to someone whose opinion you value and listen to their suggestions. Do not give it to a lot of people as you might lose your voice completely. After reading it too many times you may become unwary of the little mistakes. Also, because in your head you know exactly what you mean, you may not see the sentence inaccuracies. That’s why it is important that someone with a fresh sight gives it a good look!

What’s the difference between a cover letter and a motivational letter?

Both are pretty similar in terms of structure but have different purposes. The motivation letter is used mainly in education, therefore there are various motivation letters.

For example, you may need a letter of motivation for a scholarship, a letter of motivation for university admission, and so forth. Whereas, the cover letter is used mainly to apply for jobs.

This letter is supposed to come as a complimentary item to your CV where you only display your qualifications. On a motivation letter, you support the CV by offering additional reasons and experiences that make your qualifications worthy. Therefore, the motivation letter is a little bit more personal communication between you and the other party, at least in the way it is delivered.

To a certain degree, the motivation letter is the third most important document in your application behind your degree and your grades from your previous education. Naturally, when applying to a University there are numerous students with the same qualifications and grades as you and the only point that helps the admission committee filter out the best candidates is by looking at your motivation letter.

Universities are highly interested in selecting candidates who other than having higher qualifications, also have accompanying strengths. Most of the time they look for students who show great competency in leadership and communicative skills and know-how they are planning to use their university degree for the betterment of themselves and the community.

As such, never underestimate the role of the motivation letter in your application. But, while writing a common motivation letter may not be hard, writing an exceptional one (which is surely what you should aim for) is way harder. If you follow the above-mentioned strategies and tips it this won’t be the case for you.

There’s no standard format for letter of motivation

First, don’t expect to find a letter of motivation format where you will only have to type some common information for yourself and you’re good to go. There’s not a universal standard form of the motivation letter.

Otherwise, how you would be able to tell the university admission committee exactly what to hear from you? However, these tips and strategies you read above are some major points that make up the basic framework of every motivation letter.

Before leaving here are two other pieces of advice you should never neglect when writing a motivation letter.

1. Know who you’re writing to

When writing a motivation letter, your starting point is to know to whom you’re writing to. By having in mind this, right at the beginning, you can adjust your writing accordingly and the flow of your writing will be just as required.

Writing a motivation letter for Bachelor’s degree is different from writing a motivation letter for PhD . Writing a motivation letter for a bachelor degree is academically less competent than the motivation letter for a Master’s degree and even less competent compared to motivation letter for a PhD degree.

Let say you’re applying for a Master’s degree program . From the very first sentence of your motivation letter you may have put a larger focus on the experiences that you had, trying to sound much more competent than you’re, you may forget to explain properly how these experiences make you the right candidate for the place you’re applying for.

If you would be writing a motivation letter for PhD , the admission committee would expect you to show more experiences that you had and is much more specific about what are your future plans after taking that degree. In other words, you will fail to adjust your writing to what is required from the admission committee and therefore you won’t take your place at the university.

Writing a motivation letter for study abroad may require you to ask yourself other questions. You must try to convince your university that your degree in your home country (for whom they may not have any idea at all) will add value to their community. Similar to this, if you are writing a motivation letter for exchange programmes they’re usually interested to know what qualities you think you can bring alongside.

If you’re not aware of these at the beginning you may fall off the course and miss the target of your motivation letter. In other words, the quality of your CV is equal to how well you deliver it.

2. Read many motivation letter examples

There is a saying:

“Example is the best definition”.

The final version of your motivation letter for university admission cannot (and should not) be done with your first shot.

You need to practice a lot in order to write a motivation letter that will make an effect on your application. The best strategy for practicing is by looking at different examples of motivational letters that are proven to be successful.

By looking at different examples you will get a general picture upon which major elements your motivation letter should be based on. Also, it will help you envision how you want to write down your motivation level.

Here’s a step-by-step editing guide on this strategy:

• First, write a raw version of your motivation letter
• Do a fast scanning
• Compare it with the motivation letter examples you have read
• Identify missing pieces and how you can improve
• Repeat the whole process until you see don’t see what you can change further.

Don’t look at too many motivation letter examples because you may end up trying to match every minor element and therefore remove the originality, which is a necessity. And, be patient. Practice as much as you can.

Don’t wait three days or a week before the deadline to write a motivation letter. Start way earlier than a week. A month would be just OK.

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Tips for Writing Your Motivational Statement and Essays

While it’s one of our favorite parts of the application reading experience, we know that writing essay components can be anxiety-inducing for applicants. As you start or continue your application , we hope you find this guidance on the motivational statement and essays helpful.

Motivational Statement

All students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) , MA in Public Policy (MA) , MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) , and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs are required to submit a 300-word motivational statement answering the questions: Why policy? Why Harris? (Or a version of these questions more specific to your program).

Some suggestions as you are thinking about your answers to these questions:

Answer the prompt. Don’t worry about using precious space to introduce yourself—jump right into answering the question. 

Write first, edit later. Get your ideas onto the page—whether that means bullet points, idea webs, or a journal entry. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect opener, meeting the word count, or checking grammar when you are first getting started.  

Reflect. Think about the professional, personal, or academic experience that has inspired you. 

Be specific. When answering Why Harris? , be specific to the University of Chicago and Harris. Analyze why certain programs, centers, classes, or professors made you want to apply here. 

Optional Essay Questions

Although the Motivation Statement is required, the essay questions are optional. For all optional essay questions, we aren’t just interested in the “right answer,” but how you are thinking about and approaching these complex questions.

Students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program may pick any of the three questions below. Completing question three will allow you to be considered for Pearson fellowships open only to MPP students.

Students applying to the MA in Public Policy (MA) , MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) , and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs may choose to complete optional essays 1 and

Option 1: Challenge—Describe briefly the biggest challenge you have ever faced. How did you tackle it and what did you learn? (max 300 words)

Tip: In essay one, you may write about a personal, professional, or academic challenge when answering this question. Perhaps more than the challenge itself, we are interested in how you tackled the challenge, and what you learned in the process.

Option 2: Community—Where do you see yourself getting involved in the community during your time at Harris—either at the University of Chicago or in the city of Chicago? (max 300 words)

Tip: If you are answering essay two, please make sure to speak specifically to Harris or UChicago.

Option 3: Pearson—If you would like to be considered for  The Pearson Fellowship , please answer the following: In reflecting on the complexities of past and present protracted global conflicts, please analyze what singular global conflict most puzzles you personally, and discuss why.

Tip: Please note that “global conflict” can refer to a range of conflicts (i.e. inter/intra state; those involving non-state actors, etc.) and a range of issues associated (i.e. refugee crises, religious conflict, gang violence, drug wars, domestic violence, etc.). Remember to consider: Is the conflict actually puzzling? For example, does it involve actors acting against their own best interest, or operating irrationally?​ And finally, for the purposes of this essay, you will not need to cite sources.

We hope you find these tips helpful as you move your application forward.

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How to Write a Good Motivation Letter

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

What is a motivation letter & a personal statement? What’s the difference?

A motivation letter explains why you, as an applicant, would be the perfect candidate for a university’s program/scholarship to which you are applying. It necessitates extensive research on the part of the student into the university’s general academic environment and various programs. In a motivation letter, the applicant would usually talk about his or her skills and accomplishments from the past few years.

In a personal statement, you have to show that you are more than a pile of transcripts and applications. You have to show that you are a real person. Consider yourself a contestant on a reality TV show, with the judges representing the admissions office at your preferred university. Often, the contestants will tell inspirational stories about themselves to impress the judges in order to have a chance to stay until the final round. Likewise, you need to describe to your university what kind of person you are and what happened in your life that led you to apply to this university. It also serves as an informal ’guarantee’ that you will not be a future detriment to your university and that you will fit into university life just fine.

To some extent, a well-written motivation letter and a personal statement are interchangeable since both serve the same purpose of maximizing the student’s chances of being admitted or considered a strong candidate.

However, the main focus of a motivation letter is relatively more “practical,” which requires the student to be more realistic while listing out his/her past achievements, qualifications, and goals. Meanwhile, a personal statement emphasizes more “vague” things such as personality, ambitions, and preferences.

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Analysis of sample motivation letter

Part 1. opening.

• The opening line of a motivation letter should always state your purpose of application along with a following line introducing yourself.
• You can also combine the two lines in the form of ‘I am a xxx-year xxx major student/graduate at xxx university and I am writing this to apply for xxx.’
• The final line can be in various forms, e.g. a brief summary of your current state, what intrigued you to apply or how is this application related to your current state.

Part 2. Main body ½

The second paragraph of your letter should focus on ‘selling yourself’.

• Subtly mention all of your past achievements, academic performances and positive attitudes at the early stage of paragraph
• If you have limited academic/professional experiences, try to bring up your intangible merits such as a can-do attitude, good language skills and people skills

Part 3. Main body 2/2

The third paragraph should emphasize on your understanding of your prospective study environment. The general purpose is to convince the admission office that you know what you’re getting yourself into and that you have your own academic goals to achieve.

• Add some personal tone at the latter half of the paragraph so that you can develop your persona a bit further
• You can choose to present your determination of application at either the final line, or the first line of the last paragraph

Part 4. Final statement

The main purpose of the final paragraph is to “ask” the admissions office to invite you for an interview. Depending on what you are applying to, it may not be a deciding factor in the success of your application.

• If an interview is mentioned in the admission criteria, you should ask for an interview in whichever way you are comfortable with, e.g. face-to-face, Skype and/or phone interview
• Remember to enclose your accurate contact information

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Quick tips on writing a motivation letter

• Keep it concise

Many websites say that you should list all of your academic accomplishments and work experiences to make your application stronger, but it’s not always necessary. During admission season, every university’s admission office would receive hundreds of applications per day. If your letter of motivation is too long and has too much information, the person in charge of admissions will probably just skim it and miss the main points you were trying to make. So, write about your most impressive accomplishments, use abbreviations when you can, and only give the most important information.

• A mixture of professional undertone and personal background

As was already said, a motivation letter and a personal statement can sometimes be used in place of each other because their content is so similar. So, when you write, try to think about both practical information and how well the text flows together. It will help prevent your writing from being too tedious or boastful.

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