motivation letter personal statement

5 Inspiring Examples: Writing a Motivation Letter (Key Elements)

Crafting a compelling motivation letter can be the deciding factor in whether you land your dream job, secure a place at a prestigious university, or win a competitive scholarship. A motivation letter goes beyond a simple cover letter or personal statement; it’s an opportunity to convey your unique story, professional aspirations, and the driving forces behind your career or academic pursuits.

In this article, we will explore the key elements that make a motivation letter stand out from the crowd. We’ll provide practical tips on how to articulate your goals, showcase your achievements, and demonstrate your passion in a way that resonates with decision-makers. We will share examples to guide and inspire you as you write a motivation letter that leaves a lasting impression.

Structuring Your Motivation Letter

Opening: crafting a compelling introduction.

Start your motivation letter with a catchy opening line. Connecting to the reader on a personal level is key to grabbing their attention. For example, you could mention a shared experience, or your journey towards deciding to apply for the position or course you’re interested in.

In the first paragraph, make sure to briefly introduce yourself and explain your reason for applying. It’s important to also mention how you heard about the opportunity. Keep it concise and focus on setting the tone for the rest of the letter.

Body: Highlighting Your Qualifications

After introducing yourself, it’s time to provide the reader with a clear view of your qualifications and achievements. Use bullet points to organize your information in an easy-to-digest format. Focus on:

• Relevant education or training
• Skills and experiences that match the requirements
• Accomplishments that demonstrate your abilities

For each point, provide a brief example to illustrate how you meet the criteria. Remember to keep it focused on the opportunity you’re applying for, and avoid including unrelated qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from (…) University
• Two years of experience in content creation and social media management
• Increased engagement rates by 15% during my tenure at (…) Company

Closing: Ending with a Strong Conclusion

In the final section of your motivation letter, sum up why you think you’re the right candidate for the opportunity. Emphasize your enthusiasm and drive to succeed in the position or program.

Finally, express your gratitude for being considered and provide contact information where you can be reached. Remember to stay confident but polite, and remind the reader that you’re looking forward to discussing your qualifications further with them.

An example of a closing could look like:

Thank you for considering my application. I believe that my skills and experiences make me an excellent fit for this opportunity, and I am eager to contribute to your team’s success. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further. Please feel free to reach me at (your email) or (your phone number).

Personalizing Your Letter

Reflecting your personality.

When writing your motivation letter, it’s essential to show who you are, rather than just tell . Start by thinking about your strengths, skills, and personal traits that make you unique. Consider what aspects of your personality fit well with the institution or company’s values. For example, if the company values teamwork and you have a history of working well in team settings, you should emphasize this in your letter.

To help with personalization:

• List down three key traits that represent you.
• For each trait, write down a specific example of how you have demonstrated this quality.
• Connect the examples to the position or opportunity you are applying for.

Connecting with the Institution or Company

To create a personal connection, research the institution or company thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and projects or programs. When writing your motivation letter, be sure to weave in details that show you have taken the time to truly understand the institution’s or company’s goals.

• If you’re applying for an internship at a sustainability-focused company, you can mention how your passion for the environment aligns with the company’s mission.
• If you’re applying for a university program, you can include your genuine interest in the program’s unique offerings, such as their lab facilities or specific courses.

To connect with the institution or company:

• Research their mission, values, and notable projects or programs.
• Identify aspects that align with your skills, interests, or values.
• Incorporate these connections into your motivation letter, explaining why they resonate with you.

Key Elements to Include

Relevance to the position or course.

In your motivation letter, always highlight how your background, skills, and experiences are relevant to the position or course you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a management position, you can emphasize your previous leadership roles and your ability to lead teams to success.

• Use bullet points to list your relevant skills and experiences
• Mention any specific courses or certifications you have that relate to the position

Specific Achievements and Experiences

Showcase your specific achievements and experiences that make you stand out from other candidates. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your abilities, such as:

• Successfully completed a project on time and within budget, leading a team of five members
• Increased sales by 15% over a six-month period, as a sales representative at (…) Company

(Don’t forget to include any awards or recognition you’ve received: they reinforce your credibility and capabilities.)

Future Goals and Aspirations

Lastly, discuss your future goals and aspirations as they relate to the position or course you’re applying for. This shows that you have a clear vision of where you want to be, and how this opportunity aligns with your long-term plans. For example, you could say something like:

• “I hope to contribute to the company’s success by implementing new strategies and ideas, eventually progressing into a senior leadership role.”

Revising and Refining

Proofreading for errors.

In this stage of developing your motivation letter, you need to focus on the accuracy and clarity of your language. Mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling can leave a negative impression on the reader. Take your time to read through your letter multiple times, checking for any errors and correcting them. Consider using the following strategies:

• Read Out Loud : Reading your letter out loud will help you catch awkward phrasings, repetitions, or sentence structures that may not be apparent when reading silently. It might also make it easier to spot grammatical errors.
• Use Spell Check : Take advantage of your word processor’s spell check feature to catch common spelling mistakes. Be cautious, though, as it might not catch context-specific errors or homophones (e.g., there/their/they’re).
• Check Punctuation : Accurate punctuation contributes to the clarity and professionalism of your letter. Make sure you’ve used commas, colons, and semicolons correctly, as well as proper capitalization.

Asking for Feedback

Another important aspect of revising your motivation letter is seeking feedback from others. A fresh pair of eyes can help you identify areas that need improvement, point out errors you may have missed, and provide helpful suggestions for strengthening your content. Consider the following steps when asking for feedback:

• Choose the Right Person : Seek input from someone who knows about the opportunity you’re applying for, or who has good writing and editing skills. This could include a mentor, teacher, friend, or family member.
• Provide Context : Briefly explain the purpose of the motivation letter, your goals, and any specific instructions or requirements you need to adhere to as you are writing.
• Request Specific Feedback : Ask your reviewer to focus on content, clarity, and tone, as well as grammar and punctuation. Encourage them to point out any confusing sections or suggestions for improvement.
• Revise Based on Feedback : After receiving feedback, carefully review the suggestions and revise your motivation letter accordingly. Remember, you don’t have to implement every suggestion, but consider each one as it applies to your specific situation.

Sample Motivation Letters

Academic applications.

When applying for academic programs, it’s essential to highlight your passion for the subject, your academic achievements, and your dedication to pursuing further studies.

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am excited to apply for the Master’s program in Environmental Science at [University Name]. As a highly motivated individual, I have always been passionate about environmental preservation and sustainable practices. During my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at [College Name], I maintained a 3.8 GPA and actively participated in multiple eco-friendly activities and volunteering projects.

I am confident that my background and enthusiasm make me a great fit for this Master’s program. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Name]

Example of a motivational statement for educational purposes

Subject: Motivation Letter for the Master’s Program in Environmental Sciences

Dear [Admissions Committee],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Environmental Sciences Master’s program at [University Name]. My passion for environmental conservation, along with my undergraduate studies in biology, has driven me to pursue a path that combines academic research and practical application in the field.

During my time at [Previous College], I completed an honors thesis on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. This experience fueled my desire to delve further into this field and contribute to finding sustainable solutions. By joining the Master’s program at [University Name], I hope to gain advanced knowledge in environmental science and learn from renowned experts in the field.

I am confident that the Master’s program in Environmental Sciences at [University Name] will provide me with the necessary skills and resources to make a meaningful impact in the field. I look forward to joining your esteemed community of scholars.

[Your Name]

Job applications

For job applications, focus on your skills, qualifications, and motivation for joining the specific company.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name]. With over five years of experience in the marketing field and a proven track record of success, I believe I can contribute significantly to your team and help achieve the company’s goals.

I recently completed a marketing certification in digital marketing, which has equipped me with the knowledge to create effective online campaigns. I believe that combining my practical experience and newly acquired skills will allow me to bring fresh, innovative ideas to your marketing team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of joining [Company Name] and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss further.

Sincerely,   [Name]

Example of a compelling motivation letter for a job

Subject: Motivation Letter for the Marketing Coordinator Position

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator role at [Company Name]. As a passionate marketing professional with 3 years of experience in the field, I believe my skills and experience would make a valuable addition to your team.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated the ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns. In my previous role at [Previous Company Name], I increased social media engagement by 50% and assisted in coordinating successful events, bringing in over 200 attendees.

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its innovative approach to marketing and commitment to continuous improvement. I look forward to contributing my ideas and enthusiasm to help your team achieve even greater success.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Brief yet effective motivation letter for a job

Subject: Application for the Sales Manager Position

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am eager to apply for the Sales Manager role at [Company Name], where I believe my proven track record in leading sales teams will make me a valuable asset.

In my previous role as a Sales Team Lead, I was able to achieve and surpass quarterly sales targets by an average of 20%. My ability to motivate my team and implement effective sales strategies would translate well into the Sales Manager position at [Company Name].

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name] and look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Best regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential components to include in a motivation letter.

In a motivation letter, it’s important to include the following components:

• A concise introduction with a clear purpose statement
• An explanation of your interest in the role or program
• Your relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences
• Examples of how you can contribute or make an impact
• A polite closing with a call to action or thank-you statement

How should a motivation letter be structured for maximum impact?

For a well-structured motivation letter, follow these guidelines:

• Start with a specific and concise statement of your purpose
• Use short paragraphs to maintain readability
• Organize your content logically, covering interest, qualifications, examples, and conclusion
• Use topic sentences to guide the reader and transition smoothly between paragraphs
• End with a polite closing and clear call to action.
• 5 Key Parts of an Effective Cover Letter (with Examples)
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11 December 2023

6 minutes read

Understanding the Difference Between a Motivation Letter and Personal Statement

Dirghayu Kaushik

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• Introduction

Navigating through college admissions and scholarship applications can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to articulating your aspirations and qualifications.

Two critical elements in this process are the personal statement and motivation letter. Although they may seem similar, understanding their distinct purposes and crafting them effectively can significantly influence the success of your application.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify these documents, providing insights and tips on how to effectively articulate your story and ambitions.

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• The Essence of a Personal Statement

Crafting Your Narrative

A personal statement is your canvas to paint a picture of who you are beyond grades and test scores. It is an opportunity to narrate your journey, highlighting personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

This document should reflect your personality, values, and the driving forces behind your aspirations. To begin, brainstorm key moments in your life that have shaped your identity and perspective.

These could include pivotal experiences, influential relationships, or significant achievements. The goal is to provide the admissions committee with a holistic view of your character and potential.

Beyond Academics: Showcasing Personal Growth

While academic achievements are important, a personal statement should also delve into personal growth and development. Reflect on how your experiences have cultivated resilience, empathy, creativity, or leadership skills.

These attributes are invaluable in an academic setting and demonstrate your readiness to contribute to a university community.

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• Decoding the Motivation Letter

Aligning with Academic and Career Goals

The motivation letter, often referred to as a statement of purpose or SOP , is a more targeted document. It’s your platform to articulate why you are drawn to a specific program or opportunity.

This letter should align your academic background, research interests, and career objectives with the offerings and ethos of the program you are applying to.

In this letter, specificity is key. Discuss particular courses, faculty members, or research opportunities within the program that resonate with your interests.

Explain how these align with your long-term goals and how your previous experiences have laid the foundation for your future pursuits.

Demonstrating Research and Professional Aspirations

Your motivation letter should also reflect your understanding of the field or industry you wish to enter. Discuss current trends, challenges, and innovations, and how you aspire to contribute to the field.

This not only shows your passion and knowledge but also your potential to make meaningful contributions.

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• The Art of Personalization in Application Documents

Tailoring Your Story to Each Application

One key aspect of writing effective personal statements and motivation letters is personalization. Each application should be crafted with the specific institution and program in mind.

Research the university’s values, mission, and what they look for in a candidate. This research will guide you in tailoring your narrative to resonate with the admissions committee.

Reflecting Institutional Values and Culture

Your documents should reflect an understanding of the institution’s culture and values. For instance, if a university is known for its commitment to community service, highlight your involvement in similar activities.

This demonstrates not only your alignment with the university’s values but also your ability to contribute to its community.

• Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

In your journey towards academic and professional success, addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles is crucial. Here’s how to effectively incorporate these elements into your personal statement or motivation letter:

• Identify Key Challenges: Begin by identifying the significant challenges you’ve faced. These could be personal, academic, or professional obstacles that have had a profound impact on your journey. It’s important to choose challenges that have contributed meaningfully to your growth and development.
• Describe the Obstacle Clearly: Provide a clear and concise description of the obstacle. This helps the reader understand the context and the gravity of the challenge you faced. Be specific about the nature of the obstacle, whether it was a personal hardship, an academic setback, or a professional hurdle.
• Emphasize Your Response: Focus on how you responded to the challenge. Describe the actions you took to overcome the obstacle. This might include seeking help, developing new strategies, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. The goal is to highlight your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
• Reflect on Personal Growth: Discuss the personal growth that resulted from overcoming these challenges. This could be in the form of newfound resilience, improved problem-solving skills, increased empathy, or a better understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses.
• Connect to Your Goals: Make a clear connection between the challenges you’ve overcome and your academic or career goals. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the future challenges you might face in the program or career you are pursuing.
• Showcase Development of Skills: If applicable, highlight any skills or knowledge you gained as a result of overcoming these obstacles. For example, overcoming a personal challenge might have improved your communication skills, while overcoming an academic challenge might have enhanced your research or analytical abilities.
• Demonstrate Your Resilience: Use your experiences to demonstrate your resilience. Show the admission committee that you are capable of bouncing back from setbacks and that you have the tenacity to persevere in the face of adversity.
• Inspire with Optimism: Convey a sense of optimism and a positive outlook. Even when discussing challenges, it’s important to maintain a tone that is hopeful and forward-looking. This shows that you are not deterred by difficulties but are instead motivated by them.
• Avoid Over-Dramatization: While it’s important to be honest about the challenges you’ve faced, avoid over-dramatizing them. Stick to the facts and focus on the positive outcomes and lessons learned rather than dwelling excessively on the negative aspects.
• End with a Forward-Looking Statement: Conclude this section by looking towards the future. Discuss how these experiences have equipped you to handle future challenges and how they have influenced your career or academic aspirations.

By effectively addressing challenges and obstacles in your personal statement or motivation letter, you not only showcase your resilience and growth but also demonstrate your preparedness for the rigors of higher education or the professional world.

Remember, it’s not just about the challenges themselves, but how you’ve overcome them and what you’ve learned in the process that counts.

Balancing Personal Anecdotes and Professional Aspirations

The interplay of the personal and professional.

In both your personal statement and motivation letter, there’s a delicate balance to be struck between personal anecdotes and professional aspirations.

While personal stories provide a glimpse into your character, they should also tie back to your academic and career goals.

Connecting Personal Experiences to Future Goals

Link your personal experiences to your future goals. For instance, if you’re applying to a medical program, a personal story about a healthcare challenge in your family could be connected to your aspiration to improve healthcare systems.

This creates a cohesive narrative that underscores the continuity between your past experiences and future objectives.

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Concluding with Impact: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Crafting a memorable conclusion.

The conclusion of your personal statement or motivation letter is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Reinforce your enthusiasm for the program and your readiness to take on the challenges it presents.

Express your eagerness to contribute to the university community and your confidence in your ability to succeed.

The Future Vision

End with a forward-looking statement. Share your vision for how the program will shape your future and how you, in turn, plan to contribute to your field.

A strong conclusion not only reiterates your fit for the program but also leaves the reader with a clear understanding of your aspirations and potential impact.

Crafting a compelling personal statement and motivation letter is a critical step in the journey toward academic and professional advancement. These documents are more than mere formalities; they are reflections of your personality, aspirations, and potential.

By understanding their distinct purposes and effectively articulating your story and goals, you can enhance the impact of your application and move closer to achieving your academic and career objectives.

Remember, each document is a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of your journey and how they align with your future aspirations.

With careful thought and a clear strategy, you can create powerful narratives that resonate with admissions committees and pave your way to success.

What is the main difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter?

A personal statement is a broader document that describes your overall personality, experiences, and goals, while a motivation letter is more focused on how a specific program or opportunity aligns with your academic and professional aspirations.

Can the same document be used as both a personal statement and a motivation letter?

While there might be some overlap in content, it’s important to tailor each document to its specific purpose. A personal statement should be more about you as an individual, whereas a motivation letter should be closely aligned with the specific program or opportunity.

How long should these documents be?

Both documents should be concise and to the point. Typically, they should not exceed one page, ensuring clarity and focus on the most relevant aspects.

What should be included in a motivation letter?

Your motivation letter should include your specific academic and professional interests, how they align with the program you’re applying to, and how your past experiences have prepared you for this next step.

Is it necessary to include personal anecdotes in a personal statement?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be very effective in a personal statement as they provide a more intimate glimpse into your life, making your application more memorable.

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction
• • The Essence of a Personal Statement
• • Decoding the Motivation Letter
• • The Art of Personalization in Application Documents
• • Addressing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
• • Conclusion

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Motivational Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2024

You’re about to apply for the job opportunity of your dreams.

You’ve worked hard, and you can’t wait to take the next step in your career.

All that’s left for you to do is write a motivational letter.

But writing a motivational letter can be nerve-wracking.

Two hours and three coffees in, you’ve scrolled through your Facebook newsfeed (twice), watched one episode of the last season of Game of Thrones, sent angry tweets to its creators, and donated for the knee surgery of two dogs. 

You go back to your open Word doc, and all you’ve managed to write is, “This program seems like fun” or “I’ll totally be a great fit for your organization.”

Don’t worry! We’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• How to Write a Motivational Letter, Step-by-Step
• A Great Example of a Motivational Letter
• Useful Motivational Letter Tips

What Is a Motivational Letter?

A motivational letter, sometimes also called a letter of motivation, is a formal letter that you might have to submit when applying for an educational program or a job. Its goal is to show the hiring manager or admissions officer why you’re the perfect candidate for the position.

Motivational letters are typically submitted alongside your CV or resume . Unlike a cover letter, which gives practical examples of how your skills and experience match the opening, a motivational letter focuses more on your personality, interests, and motivation to apply.

When Do You Need a Motivational Letter?

A motivational letter is usually required when an organization wants to gauge your enthusiasm, cultural fit, and motivations for a particular opportunity.

There are a few situations when you might need to submit a motivational letter, such as:

• You’re applying for an educational program.
• You’re applying to work at a non-profit organization or mission-driven company.
• You’re applying for an internship in a competitive field.
• You’re applying for a volunteer position at a charity or non-government organization.
• You’re applying for a grant, fellowship, or some sort of scholarship .

No matter the situation, a motivational letter serves to express your distinct driving forces and convey your enthusiasm for that specific role, program, or opportunity. That’s why, done right, a motivational letter can convince the reader to go through your application in detail.

However, if the specific position doesn’t explicitly require a motivational letter or other written statement, you might be better off learning how to write a cover letter instead. Cover letters can be a great addition to your application and help you stand out from other candidates who are only relying on their resumes.

How to Write a Motivational Letter

Now that you know what a motivational letter is, it’s time to write your own.

Just follow the steps we’ve outlined, and you’ll be done in no time:

#1. Address Your Letter Appropriately

Your motivational letter should include a header with all the necessary contact details.

For starters, this means you should include your contact information , such as your full name, email address, phone number, and any other details that might be necessary for your application.

Additionally, you should include your intended audience’s contact details. Depending on where and what you’re applying for, this might be either a hiring manager or an admissions officer.

To establish a connection with the reader, include a personalized greeting instead of the generic “To Whom It May Concern.” To do that, you have to find out who the hiring manager or admissions officer is.

Start by doing a bit of research. Review the job listing, the program’s official page, or the application instructions. If you can’t find their name there, check the organization’s website and look for a staff directory.

Once you have their name, address your motivational letter professionally . We recommend using an identifier followed by their last name. But if you’re not sure about their title or gender, you can just use their full name, too. For example:

• Dear Mr. Smith,
• Dear Dr. Singh,
• Dear Cameron Smith,

Just avoid informal greetings like "Hey, John!" – your motivational letter is still meant to be a formal document.

#2. Stick to the Program Requirements

Writing a captivating motivational letter is all about showing the hiring manager or admissions officer how you meet the requirements for the position.

To help get the ball rolling as you start drafting your motivational letter, ask yourself: 

• What kind of applicants are usually admitted to the program? 
• How do you fulfill the requirements?

First, you need to know the exact program requirements and explain how your background and strengths align with the outlined criteria.

Comb through the details the organization has provided about the ideal skills, experiences, qualifications, or personal qualities they’re looking for in a candidate. Maybe they want someone proficient in data analysis , or they’re prioritizing candidates who are passionate about the industry.

Just remember –  you don’t have to highlight how you meet all the listed requirements if your application already includes a detailed academic CV . Just identify the top three to five requirements and give concrete examples of how you meet each.

Here’s an example:

Requirement: Minimum 2 years of volunteer experience

“I was a medical volunteer in Namibia for three years. It’s one of my most fulfilling adventures and transformative experiences so far since I am passionate about helping others. I believe it broadened my horizons and made me more resilient.”

#3. Align with Their Values

Your motivational letter should explain what drives you and show the reader how you share their organization’s values.

Take time to thoroughly research the organization , its culture, objectives, and driving forces. Find what resonates with your own beliefs and goals and mention it in your motivational letter.

But don’t just randomly sprinkle keywords into your letter. Instead, thoughtfully use your passion to build a narrative that shows how your values align with the institution’s mission. 

Be sure to give concrete examples. For instance, if the company values sustainability, you might want to share an anecdotal example, such as:

Values: Sustainability, Climate Action, Nature Conservation

I have a deep passion for nature conservation, and I have volunteered extensively with environmental organizations, especially in restoring local wetland habitats. I also practice eco-friendly habits in my professional life by advocating for reducing workplace waste and single-use plastics.

#4. Express Genuine Interest

Above all, your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to be there.

That said, there is a fine line between pleading and showing intelligent interest while also selling yourself. Generic statements can come across as insincere and unmotivated. Instead, write about what really attracted you to the opportunity.

Be as specific as possible and express your passion without necessarily begging them for a chance. For example:

• I would love to live in Aberdeen because I’m fascinated by Highlander culture, and I’m excited to dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community dedicated to the arts, music, and preserving Scottish traditions.
• It is my dream to be part of the Environmental Science Master's program because of its cutting-edge research in sustainable energy solutions and marine conservation efforts, which align with my passion for protecting our planet's ecosystems.

Specific examples and details show you've invested time learning about the organization, which helps your genuine passion shine through your motivational letter.

#5. Personalize It

While showcasing how you meet requirements is crucial, don't be afraid to let some of your personality and voice shine through.

Use descriptive adjectives to paint a fuller picture of who you are beyond just your credentials. Are you an endlessly curious, lifelong learner? A creative problem-solver? Passionate about how technological advancements can be used to increase sustainability?

Let your distinct character and values shine through to make your motivational letter more memorable and help differentiate you from other applicants. This can convey important soft skills and give the reader a glimpse of the person behind the qualifications.

Just make sure you’re still presenting a polished bit of personality and keeping it relevant to the opportunity. For example, if you’re applying for an MA in mathematics, don’t mention your passion for historical re-enactment.

Are you applying for an academic program? Learn how to write an academic personal statement here.

#6. Don’t Just Recap Your CV

Using your motivational letter to simply summarize your CV is a wasted opportunity. If the application requires a motivational letter, they’re looking to get to know you beyond the required stats and qualifications. 

The person reading your motivational letter is looking for the context around your motivations, passions, and aspirations. So, instead of just listing credentials, expand on the driving forces behind your experiences and decisions.

If you’re applying for a master's program, for example, mention your relevant undergraduate coursework, but also explain what sparked your interest in this specialization and why this path is personally meaningful. So, if you’re a History undergrad, elaborate on how volunteering at the archaeology museum made you pursue a graduate degree in Museum Studies and Curatorship.

Here’s a practical example of how that might look:

As a History undergraduate, my passion for preserving and sharing our cultural narratives was sparked by a semester-long museum internship. Working alongside curators as they brought ancient artifacts and stories to life through compelling exhibits opened my eyes to the vital role museums play in education and connecting communities to their roots.

This experience solidified my drive to pursue museum studies at the graduate level, where I can develop professional expertise in responsible collection stewardship, thoughtful exhibition development, and engaging public programming that keeps our shared histories vibrant and accessible for all.

Getting your documents ready for that application? Learn how to write a resume with our detailed guide.

#7. Convey Your Ambitions

Your motivational letter should express your ambitions and aspirations just as much as your relevant achievements . Admissions committees and employers who ask for motivational letters want to clearly understand both your goals and how this opportunity aligns with them.

Share your vision for how you plan to apply the knowledge, essential skills, or experience you'll gain. If it's a job, explain how it will prepare you for further career growth and impact in that field. For an academic program, discuss how you aim to contribute to cutting-edge research or become a leader and mentor.

Don't be afraid to think big - motivated candidates often have big goals of driving innovation, making a difference, or pushing boundaries in their discipline. Just make sure your aspirations are realistic and show that you have a plan and are truly invested in this path for the long term.

Here’s an example of how you can convey your ambitions in your motivational letter:

My long-term goal is to become a leader in sustainable urban design and planning that seamlessly integrates green infrastructure into the built environment. This master's program will equip me with the interdisciplinary skills to develop eco-friendly architectural solutions and climate-resilient city policies that prioritize environmental conservation alongside economic growth and social equity.

#8. Don’t Lie

One of the biggest mistakes you could make while writing your motivational letter is lying.

If you write anything remotely false, the reader will likely sense it. When you lie, you’re likely to unconsciously exaggerate your feelings and ideas. If you tell a fake story or inflate your excitement or achievements, you won’t get anywhere.

Your dishonesty is likely to be exposed and severely damage your credibility, leading to an immediate rejection.

Honesty and integrity are essential to writing an effective motivational letter. The goal of this document is to truly reflect who you are, why you’re the best match for this opportunity, and what you hope to achieve.

Don’t worry if you think your life so far just isn’t impressive enough to write a captivating story. No matter where you’re coming from, you can show the reader your unique perspective, personal growth, and unwavering determination to pursue your passions.

#9. Use a Motivational Letter Template

If you want your motivational letter to make a striking first impression, presentation matters.

A basic black-and-white document from a text editor will hardly stand out. Instead, try one of our professionally designed motivational letter templates for an attention-grabbing solution!

Novoresume offers modern, eye-catching templates that can give your motivational letter a polished look. You can even use the resume builder to match your motivational letter to one of our sleek resume templates for a coherent application.

Save precious time on formatting and create a visually flawless application in no time!

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

You’ve got the gist of how to write a motivational letter down, but it’s just as important to know how to structure it.

If your motivational letter is a messy, haphazard series of unrelated paragraphs, it simply won’t make the cut. You need your motivational letter to tell a coherent story, and this is where the structure comes in.

The whole process will probably require a few drafts until you get to the perfect, polished motivational letter. You might have to move around paragraphs or sentences until you have the ideal story that compliments your application, so don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time.

Let’s look at what each motivational letter looks like and includes:

#1. Contact Details

Start by adding all the relevant contact information at the top of your motivational letter.

Here’s what to include:

• Full Name. Place your first and last name at the top of the page.
• Professional Title. Match your professional title to the specific position you're aiming for. E.g.: if you’re applying for a Ph.D., write “Ph.D. candidate”.
• Email Address. Include a professional and straightforward email address. We recommend sticking to something that combines your first and last name.
• Phone Number. Include your phone number and add the dialing code in front if you’re applying overseas.
• Location. Adding your city and state/country is more than enough.
• Relevant Links. Optionally, you can include links to any relevant websites or social media profiles, such as a portfolio, a blog, a LinkedIn profile , etc.

Then, add the contact information of the admissions officer or hiring manager reading your motivational letter, such as:

• Organization’s Name. Start with the name of the organization to which you're sending your application.
• Recipient’s Name. If possible, find the name of the exact person who's going to be viewing your application, such as the hiring manager or the admissions officer for the department you're interested in. Check the organization’s website to get a head start.
• Recipient’s Title. Always address the reader professionally. For example, if they’re a professor or doctor in their field, use the appropriate identifier.
• Location. Provide the exact address of the organization you’re applying to. Include the city, state, country, and street number, and even specify the building if necessary.

#2. Introduction

Begin your motivational letter with a strong introduction.

The first few sentences need to be attention-grabbing – do this through a short, engaging pitch about yourself and why you are applying.

Here’s what you can include:

• A summary of who you are and what you do.
• Details about what you’re applying for and where.
• A prelude to the bulk of your motivational letter.

Remember - this part only needs to include the general reasons behind your application, since you’ll have the opportunity to make a deep dive later on in the body of your motivational letter.

Let’s look at an example of what your introduction could look like:

Dear Dr. Octavio,

My name is Jane Doe, and I would like to express my interest in applying for the Ph.D. Robotics program at Columbia University. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a robotics engineer and contributing to advancement in the field, and I believe that a Ph.D. in Robotics from this university would set me miles ahead of reaching my goal.

The body of your motivational letter is where you get to really sell yourself.

It’s also where the bulk of your text is going to be, so it determines your motivational letter as a whole.

There are two things you should keep in mind when writing this section of your motivational letter: the paragraph structure and the paragraph contents.

Generally, there are two main paragraph-based structures for your motivational letter.

First is the classic, three-main-paragraph structure, where each paragraph accounts for your introduction, body, and conclusion. If you’re using a storytelling approach for your motivational letter, we recommend sticking to this one.

However, if you want to be more factual and to the point, we recommend trying the seven-paragraph structure. It divides the main body of your motivational letter into smaller paragraphs according to your main points, where each discusses a specific achievement, experience, or aspiration.

Use the body of your motivational letter to mention the stories behind your achievements, essential skills , and passion for whatever you’re applying for.

This is the right place to be as detailed and factual as possible. Give concrete examples of what motivated you to apply for this position, and show how that directly relates to what the organization is looking for in a candidate.

Here are some sentences you can paraphrase and use to help you write the body of your motivational letter:

• My passion for [field] started when [experience] . 
• I want to [join this organization] because [ motivation] . 
• I have been part of [relevant organization or field] for [amount of time] . It’s the best thing for me because [reason] .
• I remember once when I [experience] , which made me realize that I [gained interest in the specific field] .
• [Organization or program] resonates with me because [specific reason] .
• What distinguishes me from my peers is [something you’re proud of] .

Let’s look at a brief example of how this is put into practice.

I developed my passion for digital marketing during my internship at XYZ Inc. Working for a small startup allowed me to gain surface-level experience in most digital marketing channels. Now, I would like to deep-dive and gain advanced know-how by attending the Buffalo College Marketing program.

#4. Conclusion

After finishing the body of your motivational letter, it’s time to wrap it up and send it in.

Use this section to briefly summarize your main points and remind the reader why you’d be a great fit for the organization or program you’re interested in.

Then, mention your overarching career goal and how that aligns with their organization’s mission.

Finally, thank the reader for their time and sign off on your motivational letter. Here’s an example:

Therefore, I believe that my strong academic foundation in environmental studies and hands-on fieldwork experience are qualifications that position me to make outstanding contributions to your master's program. I believe that the knowledge I gain in the Sustainability and International Relations program will play a pivotal role in my mission of shaping innovative policies and scientific solutions to combat climate change and protect our planet's biodiversity for future generations.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to join UCLA in the fall semester.

George Maxton

How to Format a Motivational Letter

Always review your motivation letter carefully and stick to any stated requirements or guidelines for your application.

Organizations will sometimes include formatting specifications, like word count or page limits, or even questions they want you to answer in your motivational letter.

If you’re writing a motivational letter for an academic program, you can usually find this information on the admissions requirements webpage or within the provided application materials. 

For job applications, these details are usually listed on the job ad or in the company's job application portal.

Always follow these rules exactly as stated. Going off script could get your application immediately rejected since it shows you’re either not attentive or you’re not taking the opportunity seriously.

If, on the other hand, there aren’t any guidelines for your motivational letter, we recommend you follow these tips:

• Keep your motivational letter one page long.
• Use a clear structure with concise paragraphs to make your letter easy to skim.
• Choose a professional font like Lora or Roboto and make sure it’s sized 11-12 pt.
• Set your page margins to one inch on all sides so your page doesn’t look too cluttered or too empty.
• Include the date you wrote your motivational letter for an extra professional touch.
• Use powerful words and action verbs (“designed” and “conceptualized”) instead of cliched phrases (“helped with” and “managed”).
• Smoothly connect your thoughts through transition words.
• Proofread carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors.
• Include a professional closing line like "Sincerely" at the end of your text.
• Print your motivational letter out and sign it, or send it as a PDF to preserve your formatting.

Motivational Letter Example

Let’s look at an example of a great motivational letter for a Ph.D. program at Harvard University and go through just what this candidate does right:

The candidate’s letter to Harvard University’s Department of Political Science starts by addressing the person in charge of admissions for the Ph.D. program they’re interested in.

The general requirements for the Political Science program are:

• Being research inclined
• Having a demonstrated passion for politics
• Showing above-average performance during undergraduate studies 

The values of the university they’re applying to are integrity, education, respect, and accountability.

The candidate’s motivational letter is neatly divided into a total of five paragraphs, of which three make up the body of the text.

Here’s how they highlight their motivation:

• They know the history of the university and share the same values.
• They’re genuinely excited and passionate about the program and the school.
• They show what their qualifications are and how they’ll be a great fit for the program.
• They explain what they hope to achieve if they get the opportunity to study at Harvard.

Essentially, the candidate has listed all their qualifications through a personal story. After reading this letter, the admissions officer will feel like they know the candidate adequately, especially since they have communicated who they are by highlighting how they match everything the Ph.D. program is looking for in an applicant.

Need more inspiration? Check out our 60+ cover letter examples for different professions.

Key Takeaways

You’ve made it to the end of our guide!

Now, you know everything there is to know about motivational letters. We’re confident you’re a shoo-in for that position you have your sights set on!

But before we go, let’s quickly sum up what we’ve covered so far:

• A motivational letter is a formal document that’s usually required when applying for university admissions, a non-profit organization, or a volunteer position.
• Motivational letters are different from cover letters since they focus more on your interests, passions, and ambitions than on your skills and achievements.
• Generally, there are two ways to structure your motivational letter, depending on whether you want to tell a story or factually go through all the points that make you an ideal candidate.
• The introduction of your motivational letter should be brief and immediately grab the reader’s attention. Use it to tell them who you are and why you’re interested in applying for the specific opportunity.
• Always do your research on the specific program or organization. This can help you show genuine interest and convey your aspirations for the future in this field.
• Make your motivational letter stand out by using one of Novorésumé’s templates and giving the admissions officer or hiring manager a gorgeous first impression.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

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What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

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• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

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However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

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Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

Statement of Purpose (SoP) vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation (LoM)

• December 3, 2020
• Study Abroad

Statement of Purpose (SOP), Personal Statement, and Letter of Motivation (or Letter of Intent) are the three things that people often struggle to differentiate between, or rather they just confuse one with another. No worries. We are here to put each one of them into their respective perspectives so as to give you a clear understanding SOP vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation, and how one of them is different from the other.

SOP vs Personal Statement vs Letter of Motivation

Co-authored by Parinita Gupta

Statement of Purpose (SoP) vs Personal Statement

The majority of US and UK universities ask for a statement of purpose (aka SOP) or a Personal Statement. However, sometimes the US schools ask for both an SOP and a Personal Statement (popular for schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan, etc.).

In simple words, the Statement of purpose defines what you want to do, in contradiction with the Personal statement which defines you and who you are as a person. Both of them have a unique role to play in the enrollment in the grad college program that you are applying for.

When it comes to a Statement of purpose vs a personal statement for grad/ug school, the two are very different yet very alike. While both of them cater to the same purpose of making the grad admission committee believe in you, each of them contains quite different information.

The statement of purpose lies on a little more of a formal end in contrast to a personal statement. A personal statement is rather less formal and focuses more on who you are as a person and a student.

A statement of purpose showcases your academic background and your skills relevant to the program you are applying for. It specifically lists your career goals and exactly what you are aiming for, maybe a year down the line or five. It lets the college know what your research and extra curriculum interests are and helps it decide whether you are a complete fit for the program that you are enrolling in or not.

A personal statement on the other hand highlights more on what motivates you personally, what truly drives you to pursue a grad/undergrad program, and brags about all the major accomplishments you have or any major challenges that you have faced along the way and have successfully overcome.

Here is an example, where applicants need to submit both SoP and Personal Statement:

Similar Objectives of SOP and Personal Statement

Even though a personal statement and Statement of purpose are completely different from each other, both of them essentially have the same overarching purpose, of making the admission committee believe that you are the best fit for their institution and the selected program and that you’ll be successful in completing the program with flying colors. Assuring them of the things mentioned above is your goal, bear that in mind.

What is the statement of purpose, and what is it used for?

The statement of purpose (SoP) is an integral part of your application for graduate admission and consideration for merit-based financial support.

It is used to understand your academic interests, and to evaluate your aptitude and preparation for graduate work, as well as your fit with the proposed program of study. It is also used to assess your ability to write coherent and convincing prose.

What to Write in a Statement of Purpose (SOP )?

• What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in your specified degree program? Describe your area(s) of interest, including any subfield(s) or interdisciplinary interests.  
• What experiences have prepared you for advanced study or research in this degree program? What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences? Have your experiences led to specific or tangible outcomes that would support your potential to contribute to this field (examples: performances, publications, presentations, awards or recognitions)?  
• What additional information about your past experience may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at the particular university? For example, you may wish to describe research, employment, teaching, service, artistic or international experiences through which you have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, teamwork, or other areas.  
• Why is this graduate program to which you are applying is the best place for you to pursue your academic goals? If you are applying for a research master’s or doctoral program, we encourage you to indicate specific research interests and potential faculty mentors.  
• What are your plans for your career after earning this degree?

What is a Personal Statement and what is it used for?

The Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at a particular school. It will also be used to consider candidates for specific scholarship or fellowship schemes.

What to Include in a Personal Statement?

• Are there educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences, not described in your Statement of Purpose, that have shaped your academic journey? If so, how? Have any of these experiences provided a unique perspective(s) that you would contribute to your program, field, or profession?  
• Describe the challenge(s) or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education. What motivated you to persist, and how did you overcome them? What is the evidence of your persistence, progress, or success?  
• How have your life experiences and educational background informed your understanding of the barriers facing groups that are underrepresented in higher education?  
• How have you been actively engaged (e.g., through participation, employment, service, teaching, or other activities) in programs or activities focused on increasing participation by groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education?  
• How do you intend to engage in scholarly discourse, research, teaching, creative efforts, and/or community engagement during your graduate program that has the potential to advance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education?  
• How do you see yourself contributing to diversity in your profession after you earn your advanced degree at a particular university?

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Tips for Writing SoP and Personal Statement for a Single Application

Since a statement of purpose (SOP) is different from a personal statement , your approach toward each statement in these essays also has to be different.

To quickly summarize, here are a few things to keep in mind while writing a statement of purpose (SOP):

• Take your future goals into consideration
• Research well about the program and the faculties
• Explain how both of these two points mentioned above are a good match
• Emphasize your accomplishments and all the challenges which you’ve overcome

And, here are a few things to keep in mind before writing a Personal statement:

• Make it sound like you’re telling a story
• Emphasize more what your personal motivations are
• Explain in detail your weaknesses and the challenges that you’ve overcome.

Finally, keep these things in mind for either of these essays:

• Use specific details
• Edit and proofread
• Be authentic

Statement of Purpose (SoP) vs Letter of Motivation

On the other hand, one might get confused between a Statement of purpose and a Letter of Motivation. Generally, European universities (Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, etc.) ask for a letter of motivation.

So, there’s a fine line between both of them. Letter of motivation vitally focuses on the future aspects, and your career goals, specifically how your presence in the college/ grad program is going to affect you, your skills, or any professional work or internship experience that you have.

However, a statement of purpose, apart from focusing on all of these things mentioned above, in a LOM, also allows you to focus on, or rather brag about your past qualifications, grades, internships, work experience, volunteering experience, and other activities. A statement of purpose must explain how you are in your academic field of study, how your choice of subject affects you, and how your previous experiences have influenced your career choices, etc.

Even though a statement of purpose (SOP) and a Letter of motivation are used interchangeably, an SOP is more of something to write to an employer while applying for a job whereas a letter of motivation is something more of an application letter to write to a university or a college when applying. It’s pretty common to find universities, colleges, and employers to use these 3 terms interchangeably, you may also find them referring to LOM (letter of motivation) as a personal statement, but a letter of motivation is not alike a personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP).

How is a Letter of Motivation Different from SoP or Personal Statement?

The difference lies in the fact that how long each of these letters is supposed to be and what intention it serves. Generally, personal statements tend to get more personal, and in-depth with the candidate’s personal life, enigmas, strengths, weaknesses, etc., and even past achievements and failures, whereas letters of motivation have personal elements to it.

However, LOMs are much more focused on the applicant’s future plans and aspirations. A letter of motivation, allows the candidates to refer to their past achievements only as proof of their commitment to their future aspirations.

Before you start writing your letter of motivation, make sure that you have enough time to complete it. Important and crucial letters such as this one cannot be written in a hurry.

Therefore, make sure that you reserve some time beforehand. Also, make sure that you research well your university and its program in-depth and what their requirements and expectations are from their future pupils.

Knowing a little more about their main activities, projects, personal philosophy, and interests will help you figure out what the letter should contain and how you can frame your letter in a way that can make you look like a perfect fit for their institution.

Related Articles:

How to Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Graduate School (MS/MBA)?

How to Write an MS SOP for Ivy League Schools?

What do Admission Officers and Universities Look for in SOP and Personal Statements?

About Parinita Gupta:

Parinita is a full-time banking professional. Additionally, she is also a passionate blogger and digital marketer.

She mostly writes about the Banking & Finance, Technology, and FinTech sector. But, she also enjoys writing on other topics as well.  You can follow her on  Twitter .

References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 .

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 108,807 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

Related Articles:

How to Write a Good Letter of Recommendation for Students (10 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Financial Aid Appeal Letter (13 PDF Sample Examples).

How to Write a Good Personal Statement for a Scholarship ( 7 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Good Motivation Letter For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample Examples).

How To Write A Letter Of Intent For Scholarship (4 PDF Sample LOI Example).

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Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose

Learn how to persuade the admissions team at the university to give you a place by using your personal statement.

• Types of content that should be included in your motivation letter
• How to format a personal statement for university
• 5 Tips to make your personal statement more interesting
• Mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement
• Samples of university personal statements
• Difference between personal statement, cover letter and motivation letter

A Guide For Writing an Effective Personal Statement For University Admissions

When making your applications to your universities and colleges of choice, writing your academic personal statement is the first opportunity that you have to show your personality, to get across what motivates you, and ultimately to clarify why the admissions staff at your chosen university should accept you on the course you want.

Here you will find recommendations and advice on structure, content, as well as what mistakes to avoid when creating your personal statement for university or college.

Keep in mind that if you are applying to UK universities through UCAS you can only write one statement even if you apply to five different courses. 

Types of Content That Should Be Included in Your Motivation Letter

Most probably you know that you would be an excellent addition to any university, but we often freeze when we’re put in a situation where we have to explain the reason why. Writing about ourselves is not something most of us do under normal circumstances, so getting some practice before you sit down to write your first draft of your personal statement can help you organise the topics you want to speak about in your mind.  

Below you will find two planning tables to help you quickly and easily clarify what kind of skills and information about yourself you should include in your motivation letter for university.

Consider sharing some information about how you arrived at this point in your academic life. What exactly makes you passionate about the course you’re applying for compared to any other course?  

What challenges have you faced and overcome? This doesn’t have to be a dramatic example, but you can feel free to describe experiences such as conquering your fear of public speaking, being the only person in your family to go to university, and other ordinary situations. This is your chance to show off some of your virtues, such as how determined and hard-working you are when you have a goal.  

Motivation Letter Content Planning Table

Using this table you can start to create a vision for what you want to speak about, and what story you want to tell the reader.

Around two thirds of your personal statement should consist of the information that you use to answer these questions, and to do that you have to be aware of the character limit that has been established for your statement. In the case of UCAS’ personal statement, this is set at 4,000 characters (between 570 and 1000 words). 

The remaining third of the personal statement should be about yourself and why you believe you’re a good fit for the course that you are applying for, with this being focused on what would make you a valuable addition to the university. You should only include information that directly supports your case for studying at your chosen university , rather than talking about the dreams that you’ve had since you were a small child. The golden rule is that the more recent the information, the better , because Admissions Selectors want to know about the person you are today. 

Filling out the table below and having it with you as you write your personal statement can help you remember to include the qualities that you possess.

Brainstorming For Skills to Include in a Personal Statement

As always, all information that you choose to include should build upon the narrative of why the university should select you for the specific course you are applying for . This can be easy to forget while you’re expanding on your talking points.

Even though there are no rules written in stone about how to write a successful university application, you now have the information you need to get started with creating a unique and impactful personal statement that demonstrates to your chosen university why you should be accepted as a student.

Writing a personal statement that truly manages to make the author stand out from the crowd is a process that can take days or even weeks to finalise, while you get feedback from your teachers, friends and family. For this reason, start drafting your personal statement today and you’ll see that all you have to do is be yourself and present yourself in a way that is honest, authentic and enthusiastic. 

Hopefully, your mind is buzzing with ideas of what you’d like to speak about in your motivation letter – just make sure you follow the etiquette of how to present everything before you get started!

How to Format a Personal Statement For University

One of the main decisions you need to make about how to present your statement is how many paragraphs should be used. While there are no absolute rules about what admission staff will like, it is generally accepted that between five and seven paragraphs with a maximum of 500 words is the best approach . The reason for this is that you have to touch on a variety of topics, and separating them in this way allows you to organise them logically and make your point effectively.

You should speak in the past-tense when sharing your story of how you got to where you are today as a student and individual. Towards the end of your personal statement, you can change to the present-tense to give the reader a sense of narrative and purpose.

For example:

• “During my work experience placement, I had the opportunity to…”
• “From time to time, I volunteer as…”

Again, although there are no rules with how you should write, there are some formats that are reliable and have survived the test of time. One example of a format that helps applicants write clear and concise statements is the following template:

• Start by explaining why you have chosen this course , and very briefly let them know a little about your background. Keep it simple!
• Demonstrate to the reader what you know about the subject by mentioning current developments or important research topics, and how they impact areas of society in a broader way. Universities are not just looking for people who can keep up with the news, but people who show vision and enthusiasm. Be sure to check out the downloadable prospectus that your preferred universities offer, to make sure you have really understood what is being offered.
• Now is the time to speak about any extracurricular activities or experiences outside of academia that are relevant to the course you are applying for. If your experiences don’t directly relate to the subject, you can try to explain how the skills that you developed during these experiences will be meaningful in the context of your university course. With that said, be careful not to exaggerate here, as you may later have to answer questions about anything you include.
• Conclude your statement in a professional and formal tone by thanking the reader for their time, and expressing your eagerness to start university in the near future.

What to Keep in Mind When Writing Your Personal Statement

The way you write your personal statement gives the admissions committee an instant impression of how much care and attention you are capable of while producing an important piece of work, and for that reason we want to give the best first impression possible.

It’s important to remember that the university is not trying to trick you when they ask you to tell them about yourself . They don’t know you, and they would like to know more about what you do with your time, and where you would like to go in life. 

Focus on common themes that your courses of interest share, and avoid including the specific course or university names in order to keep it general . Those students who are applying through UCAS can find information on important deadlines here .

With everything in the right place in your motivation letter, the next task is to learn how to make your motivation letter as interesting as possible, as well as avoid some of the common pitfalls and mistakes.

5 Tips to Make Your Personal Statement More Interesting

Maybe you already know what type of content you want to include in your personal statement, and you just need a little help with how to structure everything. The following suggestions are a good place to start:

• An introduction that immediately stands out from other applicants. It’s important to appreciate that the people who read university applications have seen a lot of the same thing, so this is your chance to be different and grab the reader’s attention. This does not mean trying to be as unorthodox as possible, but just show your personality and don’t try to impress the reader.

• What your goals are and how the selected course will help you achieve them . To make sure that you give university tutors the impression that you fully understand what their courses are about, you should do some of your own research by reading the university’s prospectus. These can usually be downloaded from their official website, and often include external links intended to help the applicant understand the approach of a particular course.
• Why you have a passion for your chosen subject. Throughout your application, you should show how passionate you are about the subject in question. Was there an event in your life that made you pursue the path that you’re on? Let them know about it! 
• Show ways that you have immersed yourself in the subject outside of the classroom. Admission tutors are looking for evidence that your interest in your subject continues even when your classes are finished for the day. A simple but effective way to speak about this is highlighting the books you have read on the subject, or workshops and seminars you have attended in your own time. 
• Your participation in clubs or societies . This does not need to be strictly related to the courses you are applying for, as admission committees value your intellectual and creative ability to relate your experiences to your subject of choice.

Consider focusing on topics such as public speaking, staying organised, and the discipline and perseverance required to excel in a sport. Speaking about your experiences in this way will communicate that you are a person that pursues their goals earnestly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement is a process that can take time, and it would be a shame to commit the simple and avoidable mistakes that some students make. In this list you’ll find some of the most common errors when it comes to personal statements. 

• Avoid using your application as a chance to show how many sophisticated words you know . This is likely to be distracting from the overall point of what you’re trying to convey.
• UCAS and other organisations all use software designed to detect plagiarism , which easily detects when applicants use parts of their colleagues’ personal statements. Writing your own application is important, because you can be asked unexpected questions later during your interview.
• Related to the previous point: always tell the truth!
• Try to resist the temptation to procrastinate with getting started on your statement , as this is another common mistake that applicants make. This will be a process of writing multiple drafts, and getting your friends and family to proofread for you, and these things can take longer than you expect to get done.
• Humour and quotes are usually inappropriate . This doesn’t mean that you have to take an overly serious tone, but you simply never know whether the member of staff reading your personal statement shares your sense of humour. In the case of quotes, this is considered a cliché writing technique by most admissions officers, and if you do choose to use one then there should be a clear reason to justify it.

In the next section you will find some explanations from tutors at Oxford, Greenwich and Bangor University on their typical reasons why they might reject an application.

There are many potential reasons why admission staff might consider that an applicant isn’t suitable for the requested course, and the following are some of the points of view that tutors expressed when asked to describe their usual reasons for rejecting a personal statement: “I work at Bangor University, and I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been reading personal statements and I see a sentence mentioning the name of a completely different university or course than the one the student is applying for. This makes a bad impression because it shows that the student hasn’t really planned their application properly, and this qualifies as an instant rejection for me.”

“Something I personally find off putting in their personal statement for Media Studies is when the student talks too much about their Dad who owns a radio station, or their Auntie who is a journalist. Not only is this irrelevant for us, but it gives the impression that the applicant is trying to look good based on the achievements of their family . I only want to know about the applicant and what motivates them.”

From these professionals’ perspectives we can see that a light, authentic and concise style is preferred . Even with their helpful points of view, you can benefit from checking out some visual examples of university personal statements.

Samples of University Personal Statements

Examining a diverse variety of university personal statements can help you get a sense of which tone and style you would like to use in your own statement , as well as the opportunity to observe some of the shortcomings or mistakes that have been made by others so that you can avoid making them yourself.

Below you can find two examples of personal statements from students, and a brief summary of their strengths and weaknesses. Also you can check out this enlightening two minute video from a Dartmouth Former Admissions Reader to learn what admissions officers look for in college applications.

Personal statement from a biochemistry student :

“When I was eleven years old, my father was involved in a road accident with a lorry. His injuries were quite serious, and he was only able to recover after receiving a blood transfusion. Ever since then, I’ve had the goal of working in transfusion science myself, to do for other families what those professionals did for mine. As I’ve had the privilege of knowing what I wanted to do with my life from an early age, I’ve been able to do extensive research into the skill set that these kinds of scientists must have. I consider myself an efficient and focused person, which are critical attributes when it comes to being responsible for patients’ lives. I feel that I am academically prepared to take the next step on this career path due to my deliberate A-level choices in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Maths.

Due to studying both biology and chemistry, I’ve been able to develop laboratory skills that will serve as a good foundation for more advanced techniques at the university level. Maths has improved my ability to interpret numerical information logically, while Psychology has given me the chance to improve my writing skills.

During my time at school, I have always taken on positions of additional responsibility. I was elected as the form captain twice, and also Head Girl in my last year. This position was a challenge, because it was my job to represent my school at important events, but it was this challenge which sharpened my public speaking skills. I’ve received prizes for both biology and maths, and I was also awarded the Stubbs Cup, which I consider one of my main achievements.

In my spare time I go for long walks in the countryside with my two dogs, which are energetic huskies. Taking care of all their needs by myself requires discipline, since they are such a demanding breed. I also use this time to socialise with other people who are out with their animals, as I love to meet new faces. One of the reasons I’m excited about university is for the chance to meet so many new people.

Apart from that I also like to lift weights in the gym, because I find that keeping healthy makes me more motivated for other areas of my life. The gym I attend has a service that looks after clients’ children while they work out, and I recently started working there because I love working with children. In order to work here, I had to earn my first aid certificate.

I think that a career as a biomedical scientist would be an enriching and satisfying career for me because it’s a job that both improves and saves lives. Taking the next step to university has been my main aspiration for a long time, and I look forward to the challenges that it will bring.”

Personal statement from a drama student :

“From an early age I have always been fascinated by the stage. For me it’s much more than entertainment, as I believe that a well-produced drama production can make an emotional impact on an audience. My main involvement with the craft has been through acting, however I’m also very interested in learning other aspects of theatre such as lighting and set design in a university setting.

For my GCSE Drama final production, a group of us produced a play based on a short story by A.L. Kennedy. Because there were only six of us in the group, we shared a lot of responsibility. I played one of the main characters and was also in charge of obtaining the props we needed. These tasks were enjoyable but the most challenging part of the production was to adapt the story for the stage, and produce a script as close to the original story as possible. This was a demanding but enjoyable job and really opened my eyes to the complexity of adapting stories to the stage. 

As well as Theatre Studies, my other AS-levels are in English Literature, Sociology, and Biology. In English Literature we have just completed a module on plays in which we studied Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Shakespear’s Henry V. I go to the theatre as often as I can, and have seen many amateur and professional productions. My favourite playwright is Willy Russell. I think all his plays provide an interesting social commentary, and successfully blend comedy and tragedy. I have seen many musicals, but Blood Brothers is by far my favourite; I have now seen it four times! I am looking forward to discovering more playwrights while at university. 

My interest in drama and the theatre takes up a lot of my social life. I have taken part in all my school’s productions and am also involved in a local drama group ‘The Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Operatic Club’ –  BBLOC for short. Every year we hold a major production, the most recent being Oh What a Lovely War. I value the experience of being part of this group as I get to work with people of all different ages. I also have a part-time job in a local Beefeater restaurant. This job has taught me the value of being able to work as part of a team, and I think helps me improve my performance within BBLOC and at school, as good teamwork is crucial to a successful production. I am looking forward to joining a drama society at university, and also possibly a film society, as cinema and film are another of my passions. I feel I have a lot to contribute to university life and hope you will consider me for a place at your university.”

If you have made it this far then you now have a plan of attack for how to make an outstanding motivation letter – well done! Click here for tips on how to structure a strong academic CV and how to request notable letters of recommendation .

Frequently Asked Questions About Motivation Letters

What is the difference between a personal statement and a motivation letter.

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but if we want to get specific about it then in reality a motivation letter invites the writer to speak about the academic or work position they are applying for will be a crucial step in their career or personal development.

A personal statement’s content is more likely to be oriented in the past, describing the activities and achievements that have brought you to where you are today. 

In other words, very similar information appears on both documents, but the story that you’re expected to tell with that information is where the difference lies.

What is the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?

A cover letter is usually used in the context of applying for a job position, with the intention of demonstrating how the experiences that you’ve had and the skills you’ve developed make you the perfect candidate.

Motivation letters are generally used for describing to the reader where you want to go in the future, and how that would become a real possibility by becoming a part of their organisation.

What should I write in a motivation letter?

The answer to this depends on what type of organisation you want to apply to, because the content and style can change significantly depending on the context. Just a few different scenarios that would change the delivery of your motivation letter might include:

• Student exchange programmes
• Internship positions
• Scholarships
• Job selection processes
• Undergraduate education
• Graduate education

The post above is intended to help anybody drafting their motivation letter in an academic context .

Craig Plunkett

Fabiola López Marín

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18+ Free Sample Motivation Letter Templates (Word, PDF)

A motivational letter, also known as a letter of motivation or a personal statement, is a document that is usually written when applying for a job, scholarship, internship, admission to a program in education, or any other opportunity where you need to convince the recipient why you. is the ideal candidate. It serves as a way to express your motivation, qualifications, and the reasons why you are interested in the position or opportunity. In this article, you’ll find a collection of free Simple Motivation Letter Templates and samples in PDF, Word, and Excel format to help you make your work effective.

Table of Contents

Download Free Sample Motivation Letter Templates

Purpose of Motivational Letters

A motivational letter, often called a cover letter or a statement of purpose, serves several important purposes in a variety of contexts:

When applying for a job, a motivational letter accompanies your resume or CV. Its purpose is to introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the position, and highlight your qualifications and skills that make you a suitable candidate for the job. This allows you to personalize your application and make a strong case for why you should be considered for the role. When applying to colleges or universities, a motivational letter is usually required as part of the application process. In this context, it allows you to explain your academic and personal motivations for pursuing a particular study program, show your passion and commitment, and show your relevant experiences and achievements. When applying for scholarships, a motivational letter is often necessary to explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic goals or career.

This is an opportunity to convince the scholarship committee that you are a worthy recipient. If you are looking for an internship or a volunteer position, a motivational letter can help you express your interest in the opportunity, describe how it aligns with your career goals, and highlight what you can bring to the organization or project. In academia and research, a motivational letter can be part of a grant application or research proposal. It allows you to outline the importance of your research, your research goals, and why you are the right person to carry out the project. Sometimes, a motivational letter can be used to express your interest in working with someone or to request mentorship or guidance from a more experienced professional. In this case, it will help you make a compelling case for why the person should consider your request.

Elements of a Motivational Letter

A motivational letter often called a personal statement or statement of purpose, is a document in which you express your motivation and reasons for applying for a specific position, program, or opportunity. it’s typically used when applying for jobs, scholarships, internships, or educational programs. Here are some key elements of a motivational letter:

• Introduction: Begin by addressing the recipient, usually with a formal greeting. State the purpose of the letter and state the specific opportunity you are applying for.
• Personal Information: Provide a brief overview of your background, including your name, educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and any relevant personal details.
• Motivation: Explain why you are interested in the position or opportunity. Mention your passion, interests, and the reasons that motivated you to apply. Be specific about what attracted you to this particular opportunity.
• Qualifications and Skills: Highlight your relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Use examples to illustrate your abilities and achievements.
• Future Goals: Discuss your career or academic goals and how this opportunity will help you achieve them. Explain how it fits into your long-term plans.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your motivation for the opportunity. Express your gratitude for considering your application.
• Formal Closing: Use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully,” followed by your name and signature.
• Formatting and Length: Make sure your letter is well-organized, free of errors, and follows any specific formatting instructions given by the recipient. Typically, a motivational letter is about a page long.       

Benefits of using Motivational Letter Templates

Using sample motivational letter templates can provide many benefits, especially if you are writing a motivational letter for a specific purpose such as a job application, college admission, or scholarship application. Here are some advantages of using these templates:

• Sample templates provide a structured format for your motivational letter. They usually include sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion, which help you organize your thoughts and information together.
• Templates are often designed with a professional appearance with appropriate fonts, spacing, and formatting. This will make your letter look more polished and impressive to the recipient.
• Creating a letter from scratch can be time-consuming. Using a template saves time because you can fill in the relevant details and customize it to your needs.
• Templates help ensure clarity and consistency in your correspondence. It often includes prompts or guides for each section, preventing you from forgetting important details or straying off topic.
• Sample templates often contain content, which can serve as inspiration or guidance for what to include in your letter. This is very helpful if you are not sure how to express your thoughts or achievements.
• Templates often use professional and persuasive language, helping you express your motivation and qualifications effectively.
• Templates can include tips or warnings about common mistakes to avoid, such as too generic language or too much self-promotion.
• While the templates provide a framework, you can still customize them to make your letter unique and tailored to your specific situation. You can add personal anecdotes or experiences to illustrate your letter.
• Using a template can boost your confidence in writing a motivational letter, especially if you are inexperienced in this type of writing. Knowing that you have a solid structure to work with can reduce anxiety.

How to use a Motivation Letter Template

Using motivation letter templates can be a helpful starting point if you need to write a motivation letter for various purposes such as job applications, scholarships, or university admissions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use these templates:

• Read and Analyze the Template: Read the sample motivation letter carefully to understand its structure and content. Pay attention to the opening, body paragraphs, and closing, and see how the writer presents their qualifications, experiences, and motivations.
• Personalize the Template: Avoid using the as-is template, as it does not accurately reflect your unique qualifications and experiences. Customize the template to include your personal information, such as your name, contact details, and specific details related to your application. Tailor the content to match your qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the position or program you are applying for.
• Highlight Your Unique Qualities: Use the template as a guide to help you structure your cover letter, but be sure to emphasize what sets you apart from other applicants. Share your skills, accomplishments, and passion for the opportunity.
• Follow Formatting and Style: Keep the same formatting and style as the template, including fonts, margins, and spacing. Make sure your letter looks neat and professional.
• Proofreading and Editing: Proofread your motivation letter carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Edit the content so that it is clear, concise, and engaging.
• Keep a Positive Tone: Maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout the letter. Express your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

How To Download Free Motivation Letter Templates As PDF Or Word Files  

I can provide you with basic templates for a motivation letter that you can use as a starting point. However, please keep in mind that the letter should be personalized and tailored to your specific situation and the job or program you’re applying for.  

To Download As A PDF

•  Open a text editor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Copy and paste the template into the text editor.
• Format and customize the letter to your liking.
• Save the documents.
• To convert it to PDF, many word processing programs have a “Save As PDF” option in the” File” menu. Select that option to save the documents as a PDF File.

To Download As A Word File

• Open a text editor such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Format and customize the letter to what you like.
• Save the documents with a .docx extension (for Microsoft Word) or in the appropriate format for your text editor.

In conclusion, motivational letter templates serve as valuable resources for individuals seeking to create persuasive and motivational letters for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re applying for a job, scholarship, admission to a university, or seeking sponsorship, these templates provide a structured framework and helpful content ideas to convey your motivation, qualifications, and effective goals. While using these templates as a starting point, it’s important to personalize your letter to reflect your unique experiences, aspirations, and the specific requirements of the opportunity you’re seeking.

Tailoring your motivational letter ensures that it stands out and is heard by the recipient. In addition, remember that a well-structured motivational letter should include a compelling introduction, a body that highlights your relevant qualifications and achievements, and a compelling conclusion that repeats your enthusiasm and expressing gratitude. Proofreading and editing are essential to ensure clarity, professionalism, and error-free communication.

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Motivation letter samples and templates

What is motivation statement?

The motivation statement is a personal statement, up to one page long. The document is written and used to submit application for University program or to apply for job. The motivation statement can show the members of selection committee, why you are good candidate for the position. Motivation statement is usually part of the application form (one of the fields) rather than separate document. However, some Universities refer to motivation letters when they require motivation statement.

Therefore if you are planning to study master degree or PHD, one of the important parts of your application is the Motivational Statement.  Motivational statement can really improve your odds to get the position on the University or the job, because good motivation statement can impress selection panel if you have done your home-work .

What are the key information that every motivation statement should contain?

The motivational statement should describe what you have done previously in relation to the field you want to study, what you hope to get out of the studies, and what you want to do in the future. Therefore every motivation statement should respond to the following questions:

• how do you expect that your experience will help in preparing for the BSc/Master/PhD
• describe previous responsibilities relevant to the area of studies / work
• Provide any examples from the past that demonstrate the above?
• What will make you a good student?
• What are the main areas in which you would like to improve your skills or knowledge?
• Why this program of study is important you?
• What you hope to gain from the program?
• What are your career plans are and how the program will help you achieve your career goals?
• Do you have the language proficiency required by the Call for application?
• What aspects of the program appeal to you?

The statement should be divided into two parts. The first part should answer how your work experience is relevant to the program you are applying for and why you feel you are professionally/academically qualified to be admitted and successfully complete the program.

Second part should show you expectations and potential benefits from graduating from this program.

Ultimate tips for writing motivation statement

• Use MS Word or some other word processing software to write motivation statement and then copy from that file into the envisaged form, to avoid losing any work if you are logged out by the Application Portal
• Be aware that the University could use a software to check motivational statement in order to ensure that they are genuine. Any motivation statement containing copied text, either entire statements or in part could be rejected.

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Motivation Letter: How to Write, Format & Samples for 2024 Admissions & Internships

Updated on 19 june, 2024.

Pragya Sharma

Sr. content editor.

A few days back I applied for two volunteer programs. While I got a call from one of them the next day itself, I am still waiting for a call from the other! While my resume was the same for both, there was only one difference. For one, I had written a motivation letter, and for the other, I did not.

While I knew about motivation letters all along, before this experience, I did not realize their importance and the significant difference they can make to any application.

Do you know most foreign universities require applicants to write a motivation letter as a part of their application process? Well, even if you did not. Now, you surely know that this letter, if well written, has a lot of significance and can ensure admission into your desired program.

Join me as I take you through a guide on writing an impactful motivation letter. And the bonus? You get to understand it through free motivation letter samples for different purposes - master’s, bachelor’s, study abroad, job, internship, and more.

Table of Contents

What is motivation letter, when and why you need motivation letter, introduction, academic/professional profile, why this course, long/short-term goals, how to start a motivation letter, how to end letter of motivation, 1. research well, be crisp and concise with information, 2. convey your intent/thoughts, adding a pinch of impromptu personal information, 3. avoid beating around the bush, 4. state your purpose clearly, 5. avoid passing controversial statements.

• 6. Art of Persuasion

7. Avoid Using Generic Statements

8. know whom to address, do’s and don’ts of motivation letter writing, 1. why do you want to study abroad, 2. whether you have any previous international exposure, 3. why your personality is a match for an international education, sample motivation letter for master’s degree, sample motivation letter for bachelor’s degree, sample motivation letter for university, sample motivation letter for study abroad, sample motivation letter for top b-schools, sample of a short motivation letter for job application, motivation letter sample pdf, difference between motivation letter, sop, cover letter and personal statement.

A motivation letter is a one-page letter used to make a point about what makes you a perfect candidate for a certain position in a university or an organization. You will usually be asked to attach this document with your resume. Generally, a motivation letter is written in four specific scenarios listed below:-

• When you wish to apply for an educational program at a university.
• When you are looking to apply to a non-profit organization (NGO).
• When you want to work as a volunteer in an organization.
• When you are seeking an internship in a company.

You must not confuse a motivation letter with a cover letter, whose purpose is to speak about specific information in your resume matching the job opening. A motivation letter should be seen as a strong closing pitch to your application, encompassing your resume, achievement certificates, all documents related to your credentials, and cover letter.

One may wonder why this letter holds so much importance despite there being a well-informed resume.  The answer is that, all organizations and universities are looking to filter through hundreds of applications to choose individuals with true passion. And this cannot be judged through a resume or a mark sheet. They want to finalize on people with real intent and excitement for the position.

A motivation letter is needed when applying as a potential candidate for a study abroad program, job, internship, or volunteer position in an organization. Candidates often need it to help a university or institute they are applying to decide what makes the candidate a perfect fit.

Format of a Motivational Letter

In this section, you have to introduce yourself and showcase your purpose for writing the letter. You should give an outline of the content. Start your motivation letter with greetings like “Respected/Dear Sir/Madam” if no mention of a name is there. Put a name, if available, to have a personal connection with the reader.

This section should include all your achievements and professional career with a timeline view. You must point out why you have chosen a particular course and what makes you pursue that specific career. Prove that your profile matches your candidacy for the application and present facts and figures relevant to your achievements.

You should mention relevant information regarding your choice of a subject, the reason to choose it, and what excellence you will achieve by pursuing this course. A persuasive tone should be followed while briefing your intent about the course.

When talking about long-term and short-term goals, you must have clarity about the goals you want to achieve in that specific timeline.

Short-term goals include your reason for commitment to the course, what framework you have made to pursue during the coursework, and what skills/specialization you have set to obtain during and after the course.

On the other hand, long-term goals should include your prospects, what you want in the long run of life, and what motivates you to be consistent with your commitment. Do not forget to mention what benefits you will reap.

An important part of a motivation letter is the conclusion, which creates an impact on the reader. While ending the motivational letter, an applicant should summarize the main points written in the letter and mention the main goal of the letter – to be accepted for the program. The final impression is as important as the first impression.

Pro Tip: After writing your letter, ensure that it is error-free. Make it grammatically correct, with no room for spelling mistakes and ambiguous statements. Before sending it, proofread your letter many times and ensure its authenticity is maintained.

How to Write Motivational Letter

Now that you are thorough with the structure let us see how you should attempt writing a motivation letter to make it more impactful.

While writing a motivation letter, introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction. It is essential to provide a clear picture of yourself in the letter to ensure that it goes with the purpose.  In the body, highlight and describe your achievements. You should be mindful that it does not have long explanatory sentences. Conclude the letter by thanking the reader.

Mention all the essential points, and summarize your goals with all the interest that compels you to apply for that particular course of study. Showcase gratitude in advance. Mention how you will take this opportunity to work if accepted for this program and what contribution you will make to the university.

Writing the perfect motivation letter can be a hard task, but if you know how to structure yours, it will be easy for you to impress whoever is reading your motivation letter.

A perfectly structured motivation letter can be written in two styles:-

• The classic three-paragraph style with an introduction, body, and conclusion. 
• The 5 to 7-paragraph style where the content of the main body is divided into multiple paragraphs.

Your pitch should be engaging so that the reader is hooked right from the introduction. Keep your letter brief but not too harsh around the edges. Express your achievements, interests, skills and experience, goals, and objectives without writing pages and pages.

Recommended Reads:-

Important Tips to Consider Before Writing a Motivational Letter

The motivation letter should have a storytelling approach and not sound too mechanical and cliche. Try to decide on a particular series of arguments and stick to that without breaking the flow of the story. Let us now look at more tips that will help you write a powerful motivation letter.

The basic rule to follow when writing a motivation letter is to have a detailed understanding of why you are writing a motivation letter. The requirements, prospects, and expectations of an application should be reflected in a letter of motivation.

This is one document in your application where you are allowed to be informal; use it and pen down your passion for the position and let the text reflect your personality and personal style.

When you try to connect with your reader by sharing a sneak peek of your life, your thought process, and how you stand out. But be mindful of being original and not bragging or mentioning something out of exasperation. It’s a motivational letter, not a storytelling where you put yourself in the limelight and sideline every other essential thing. It is advisable to avoid ambiguous statements.

One should set priorities while writing a letter of motivation. A motivation letter should successfully address your intent without any merry-go-round statements. Get straight to the point and avoid rambling. Ensure the document is no longer than an A-4 size page. Write the qualitative skills and achievements that are significant to your application and persuade your reader to comment positively with the feedback.

Purpose or intent should be fulfilled while writing a motivational letter, keeping in mind that you already have a CV/resume that furnishes all personal and professional information. You don’t need to rush with the information part; this can make it look clumsy.

Remember that the CV and the motivation letter must complement each other and should be in sync with one another in terms of the information you provide about yourself.

While writing a motivational letter, one must avoid political or ideological jargon and write in a neutral tone without taking sides. Writing about politics may sound humorous to some but can be offensive to some. You never know what another person has to offer when talking about such scenarios or ideas. One should avoid such conflict-laced topics when writing a motivation letter.

6. Art of Persuasion 

Clearly explain what your motivation is and why you are a perfect fit for the position. Mention what puts you ahead of your competition and how you will add positive enhancement to the program. Read about the qualities sought by the recruiter and write about how they correspond to you. Highlight all your achievements you are proud of without sounding arrogant.

It isn’t enough to just praise yourself randomly, support what you say, provide examples of your achievements, and try not to use run-of-the-mill phrases such as “quick to learn” or “super organized.” Being original will take you a long way.

While writing a motivation letter, you should know to whom to address the letter. The basic information like name, designation, address, etc., should be properly mentioned.

Also Read:-

How to Write Your Motivation Letter for Study Abroad

Universities abroad often have specific things they are looking for when asking you to write a motivation letter. Additionally, there is extra pressure on students trying to compose a letter for an international audience.

However, there are some common characteristics that international admission offices look for in their candidates. You should be able to structure an impactful motivation letter if you simply keep following in mind:

In crafting a motivation letter for studying abroad, the journey culminates in a document that showcases not only your academic achievements and professional aspirations but also your personal journey and the unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the international program of your choice. 

This letter is your narrative, a canvas where you paint your intellectual curiosity, cross-cultural adaptability, and readiness to contribute to a global academic community. 

As you conclude your motivation letter, remember it's not just about persuading the admissions committee of your suitability; it's about weaving a compelling story of your past achievements, present endeavors, and future aspirations, creating a vivid picture of your potential to thrive and make meaningful contributions in a global learning environment.

While the answer may seem obvious to you, you must make a valid argument to the admissions officers. Avoid saying that you wish to leave your country, you are doing it because your peers have done it, or because you want to have an international degree to brag. 

Instead, write about how you are interested in their culture and heritage, have always had a flair for communication and wish to be a part of a global student community, or can contribute to a particular industry with a specific foreign degree.

Universities seek candidates who have experience of being far away from home. So, instead of bluntly stating that you have never lived abroad or have had bad experiences abroad, say that you are adaptable and have done enough research on the country to know that you will be able to settle there. Mention how you love to travel and new experiences and are keen on expanding your horizons.

Give examples of why you are meant to be a part of a global community and how much importance you give to social inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Avoid mentioning if you are extremely social or intensely reserved; instead, write about your ability to fit into groups and your appreciation of various cultures.

More Resources to Read:-

Motivation Letter Samples/Examples

There are specific things you must mention when writing a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree and a motivation letter for a master’s degree.

You will find numerous samples online but choose to use one for reference that is the most relevant to your field.  Let us now dive into sample motivation letters for university, UG & PG courses, internship, B-school, study abroad, etc.

When you are applying for a master’s program, it is expected that you have already gained a sizable experience and knowledge about your field of choice from your graduate program or work experience, if any.

So, when you sit to compose a motivation letter for a master’s degree, mention all that your graduate-level education has taught you, how you have been inspired by it, and why you have chosen the specialization that you have.

Find below an example of a motivation letter for masters:-

[Name of applicant,

Contact Details]

Date………………………..

[Name of Recipient,

Designation/Department,

Name of Institution/Organization,

Subject- ………………………………………………………………………………..

Respected Sir/Madam,

Here’s hoping that this letter reaches you in good spirit.

I am [Name of Candidate] and I would like to take this opportunity to state how truly passionate I am about pursuing my higher education at a university with such a grand heritage. The reputation of a master’s program in science from your university is world renowned and I shall be honored to be considered for a place in the program.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and my strong grades the complex projects I have undertaken make me a good candidate for your program. I have always dreamt of making impactful changes in the field of civil engineering and am determined to make it my career early on in my undergraduate years.

I have also had the opportunity to intern with [Name of Company] and that has instilled in me great appreciation for the subject and taught me valuable skills required in the industry. Additionally, I have finished a course in Computed Aided Design from [Name of Organization] which I know will give me an edge while studying the subject at a master’s level.

With this, I would like to close my Letter of Motivation and earnestly hope that my resume and the deep desire of pursuing an MS from your university will help me secure a position in the upcoming academic session starting on ………………….

Warm Regards

When applying for an undergraduate course, your motivation letter will be slightly different than the one above. You should mention all that you achieved in high school, the subjects you studied, what triggered your interest in the program you are applying for and how you wish to incorporate what you learn at university in your future.

You may mention incident(s) about when you first realized you wanted to study a specific field and why you chose to apply to a specific university. Write candidly about your passion for the subject and discuss your plans for your career post-graduation.

Below you will find an example of a motivation letter for a bachelor’s degree that you may refer to:-

I write this Letter of Motivation to express my passion for pursuing (name of the program) at your esteemed university. With this letter, I would like to convey my wish to seek admission into the bachelor’s program in Economics and I am enclosing all related documents along with it.

I am [Name of Applicant], and I have had a keen affinity for the field of economics since I was introduced to the subject in the ninth grade. The theories of how the commercial world functions have intrigued me to take a closer look at the field from a young age and I had decided early on to explore the subject in depth in my under graduation.

My interest in the subject has always been encouraged by my school and I have regularly participated in inter-school debates in Economics. You will find all relevant certificates attached. Additionally, my articles on current economic affairs have also been published several times in the school newspaper, excerpts of which I have attached along with this letter.

I sincerely believe that an education from a university of your stature will help me realize my dreams of making worthwhile contributions to the field of economics and I too can add positive energy to the student body I would be a part of.

With this, I would like to close the letter stating that I shall be greatly honored to be considered for a seat at such an esteemed institution.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards.

Writing a strong and impactful motivation letter will ensure your application is considered sincerely by the admission offices and that you have an edge in the race for a seat at the university of your choice.

Consider reading various samples of motivation letters available online, consult people who have written successful letters to gain admission to foreign institutes, and do all the research you can about the specifications mentioned by each university. You will find a variety of articles discussing studying abroad in detail on upGrad Abroad.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in the Master of Arts in English program at (institution name). I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from (university name) in (location, country), having graduated with a GPA of 3.80. After completing my undergraduate program, I also completed a three-month internship at the National Library Archives.

As a keen literature student from high school, I developed an abiding passion for Romantic poetry, American literature, and contemporary Indian writing. I was fortunate to have participated in several conferences, seminars, and workshops, having presented a paper on Chaucer and Socio-Economic Dynamics in my final year at my institution. My stint as an intern at the National Library Archives was enriching, giving me exposure to first-hand research-based cataloging and enabling an opportunity to peruse rare literary works dating back to the mid-17th century. The curriculum at your institution fascinates me with its modules on postmodernism, American war literature, and several other intriguing options. The Master of Arts in English at your institution is a stepping stone towards broadening my literary exposure. It will help me gain invaluable insights into literary icons across periods and build academic research and critical analysis skills- all of which will help me become an English professor.

Given my experience and education, I believe I would be a good fit for the Masters of Arts in English program at (name of the university). I have not only researched the program but have also determined that the research profile and coursework of the institution match strongly. I am also impressed by the university library and its excellent collection, which is of special interest to me, along with the reputed faculty. I am confident of making a positive contribution to your institution's ethos of deep learning and research should I get an opportunity to enroll in the program.

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with me using the information at the top of this letter.

Kind Regards,

Given below is a letter of motivation sample which can be used as a reference for students aspiring to study abroad:-

Subject- __________________________________

Respected ma’am/sir,

My name is _____________, and I am writing this letter to seek the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree from your esteemed university. As a second-year student studying International Relations, I am at a juncture where I must begin to think about my post-college plans. Throughout my academic programs, I have always reflected on how every ounce of the knowledge I have gained would benefit me in the future. Now, I wish to take my education to the next level with a chance to enhance my current understanding by studying one of the most prestigious International Relations programs in the world. Spending a year in ______________ would allow me to not only receive exceptional training in the field but also enable me to gain new perspectives on international diplomacy.

A structured literary experience outside of the country is crucial to my plan of eventually becoming an ambassador. I have traveled extensively for volunteer work and pleasure, and I have found that each occasion has strengthened my view of the world and given me new problems to contemplate. One of my most unforgettable experiences was spending three months in the jungles of Brazil working with Indigenous communities to form a record of traditional beliefs and medicines. This catalog was not merely a source of information for anthropologists and historians but also illustrated a rapidly declining population’s cultural history. These experiences abroad have certainly enlightened me about the humanity inherent in every person, and I am determined to do my best in the future to present the best for those I represent. 

The university of _____________ boasts one of the most challenging and well-rounded International Relations programs in the world. I look forward to taking classes at your great university, where some of the greatest diplomats and thinkers present their thoughts. The emphasis of this program on recognizing diversity and population modulation truly sets it apart from the rest. As a student, I would endeavor every day to excel in my classes and fully immerse myself in a world that I have never encountered before. I know the road to serving my country overseas will be difficult. Still, I know that my experience at the university of ______________ will provide me with the skills and unforgettable experiences that I could not attain anywhere else.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to apply for [Course Name] at [College Name] for the 2024 autumn intake. With a keen interest in business and management, I am excited to pursue my education at your esteemed institution.

This is a program that will help me take a step ahead in my future career and help me achieve my career goals. I look forward to seeing myself at a [Desired Job Position] in the peak days of my career.

As an undergraduate student in [Field Name], I have worked on my [Name 5-6 Skills] through various projects and extracurricular activities. Regarding my professional career, I have also had an opportunity to work in [Name of Field] and gain relevant experience along with gaining expertise in it.

I am particularly drawn towards the unique teaching style and innovative learning culture of [Name of B School]. Additionally, a strong network of alumni and industry connections will also help me take a step ahead toward achieving my professional goals.

I am confident that with a relevant academic background, professional experiences in [Name of Field], and my personal aspirations and objectives of [Name of B School], I will be able to touch new heights in my professional career. I am committed to leveraging this opportunity and seeking a positive impact on personal and professional growth.

Thank you for considering my application. I am truly excited about the possibility of joining the prestigious community of [Name of B School].

Sincerely  [Your Name]

Sample Motivation Letter for Job Application

Certain key considerations must be included in your motivation letter template when applying for a job. Here is a short motivation letter example for a job application.

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the role of [Job Role] at [Company Name]. I feel confident enough to make valuable contributions to your team with [X years] of experience in the [Name of Field]. Throughout my career, I have developed a keen interest in [Name of Field], and have mastered [3-4 Skills related to the field].

I feel confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable asset at [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing any qualifications further.

[Your Name]

Sample Motivation Letter for Internship

A motivation letter for an internship is a key document that outlines a candidate's enthusiasm, qualifications, and reasons for wanting to join a specific internship program. Unlike a standard job application, this letter should focus on how the internship aligns with the candidate’s educational pursuits and career goals.

It's an opportunity to express passion for the field, demonstrate an understanding of the organization's work, and highlight relevant skills or experiences. The letter should be concise, well-structured, and personalized to the internship and the organization.

It serves as a means to introduce oneself to potential employers, showcasing why one stands out as an ideal intern candidate. The objective is to convince the reader of one's potential to contribute meaningfully to their team while gaining invaluable practical experience.

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

[Employer’s Name]

[Organization’s Name]

[Organization’s Address]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Internship Position] at [Organization’s Name] as advertised on [where you found the internship listing]. Currently, in my final year of studying [Your Major] at [Your University], I am eager to apply the concepts I have learned in a practical setting and am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project or department] at your esteemed organization.

Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently excelled in [mention relevant courses or subjects]. My coursework has not only provided me with a solid foundation in [mention relevant skills or knowledge related to the internship], but it has also spurred my interest in [specific aspect of the field or industry]. For instance, in my recent project on [mention a relevant project], I successfully [mention what you accomplished or learned from the project], an experience that solidified my interest in pursuing a career in [specific field or industry].

Moreover, my involvement in [mention any relevant extracurricular activities or part-time jobs], has honed my skills in [mention skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, etc.]. For example, [describe a situation where you demonstrated these skills]. These experiences have equipped me with a diverse skill set that I am eager to leverage in the [Internship Position].

I am particularly drawn to [Organization’s Name] because of [mention specific reasons such as its innovative approach, industry reputation, a particular project or product, company values, etc.]. The prospect of working alongside professionals in the field and contributing to meaningful projects aligns perfectly with my professional goals and academic interests.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my qualifications. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm make me a perfect fit for the internship position. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and learning from the esteemed professionals at [Organization’s Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name] Enclosure: Resume

Here is a sample PDF of what an impactful motivation letter must look like when applying for any program. It perfectly follows all the checkboxes that must be included when curating a great motivation letter.

Important Reads:-

An application process to study abroad involves presenting multiple documents for universities posing unique requirements. With this being the case, it is natural to get confused between the various types and formats of documents that you need to prepare for submission.

Here we have briefly explained what a motivation letter, statement of purpose, cover letter, and personal letter are and how you can differentiate between them.

You must take into account these differences and avoid sending one in the place of another at all costs because that might lead to the rejection of your application.

Crafting an effective motivation letter for 2024 admissions is a critical aspect of the application process. A well-written motivation letter, adhering to the appropriate format and enriched with personal insights and clear objectives, can significantly impact an applicant's prospects.

It serves as a platform to highlight one's achievements, experiences, and future goals, distinguishing the candidate from a pool of applicants.

As admission processes continue to evolve, the ability to articulate one's motivation compellingly and coherently remains a vital skill, making the motivation letter not just a formality but a powerful tool to connect with admission committees and pave the way for academic and professional success.

FAQs on Writing a Motivation Letter

What should you not write in a motivational letter.

Do not lie about your skills, experiences, or achievements in your motivation letter, as it can seriously hamper your chances of getting a chance at the institute of your choice.

You should strictly refrain from putting in information about the institute based on conjecture. Research well before writing anything about the institute in your motivational letter.

Also, avoid cliche phrases as overuse of these statements will not make your motivation letter appear genuine, and chances are your application will be rejected as it will not catch the reader’s attention.

How do you write a powerful motivation letter?

The most important factors of a good motivation letter are- precision, passion, structure, lucidity, and genuineness. Be precise about your accomplishments, experiences, and goals so that your passion for the field is clear from the outset.

You also need to be careful about structuring your motivation letter so that the various sections are distinctly understandable, and it is easy to peruse your letter. Use straightforward, conversational language to express yourself in a story-like manner with utmost genuineness.  

What should a motivational letter contain?

A motivational letter should contain all relevant information about you - accomplishments, experiences, interests, goals, visions, skills, etc. You should also state your reasons for choosing a particular institute and address all these things through a well-structured introduction, main body, and conclusion.

What is your motivation for studying abroad?

The motivation for studying abroad can be different for each student, but usually, the one thing that attracts them is opportunities. When you study abroad, your chances of forming connections with important people increase manifolds, increasing your chances of getting better jobs. Studying abroad also allows students to develop essential life skills such as communication, cooperation, leadership, group work, etc.

What is the purpose of a motivation letter?

A motivation letter is generally written when applying for a study abroad program in any international institute or university. Its main purpose is to clearly define your personal motivation and aspirations related to the field you are applying for.

What is a motivation letter explanation?

A motivation letter is a document submitted alongside your application for a study abroad program in an institute. A motivation letter explains why a candidate can be a perfect fit for a program.

What is a good motivation letter?

A good motivation letter can be defined as one that contains a thorough description of your motivation behind joining a study abroad program in a particular institute. A good motivation letter must also define what makes you a suitable candidate for the program you are applying to.

How long is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter must be precise and should be covered in only one page. Considering the word limit, a motivation letter can be precisely written in about 700 words.

What tone should I use when writing a motivation letter?

The tone of a motivation letter can be slightly less formal. However, candidates must maintain professionalism while writing it.

How important is personalization in a motivation letter?

Personalization is an important aspect of a motivation letter. A tailored motivation letter can showcase how you are a perfect candidate for a particular study abroad. On the contrary, a generic motivation letter might not grab the attention of invigilators.

How do I address a motivation letter if I don’t know the recipient's name?

On the off chance you do not know the recipient’s name, you can add a general salutation. This includes statements like “To Whom It May Concern.”

Can I use the same motivation letter for multiple applications?

While it is not wrong to use a common motivation letter for multiple applications, writing a tailored motivation letter falls under the best practices for writing a motivation letter.

How do I write a motivation letter for studying abroad?

While writing a motivation letter for studying abroad, start by introducing yourself, followed by your desire to study abroad, and how taking a particular course will help you achieve your career goals. Further, provide relevant qualifications and explanations related to the field you are applying for, and try to tailor your motivation letter specifically for the program you are applying to.

How do I write a motivation letter for a student exchange?

For a student exchange, start your motivation letter by introducing yourself. Further, express your interest in joining the student exchange program. Highlight why the program aligns with your goals and let your motivation letter express your enthusiasm and dedication towards the program. Try to keep the letter crisp and concise to hook readers the entire time.

• Motivation Letter

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

• Applying to a PhD

A PhD motivation letter is a document that describes your personal motivation and competence for a particular research project. It is usually submitted together with your academic CV to provide admissions staff with more information about you as an individual, to help them decide whether or not you are the ideal candidate for a research project.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

A motivation letter can play a key part in the application process . It allows the admission committee to review a group of PhD applicants with similar academic backgrounds and select the ideal candidate based on their motivations for applying.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

How Should I Structure My Motivation Letter?

A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include:

• A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for,
• Your academic background and professional work experience,
• Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate,
• Your interest and motivation for applying,
• Concluding remarks and thanks.

This is a simplistic breakdown of what can be a very complicated document.

However, writing to the above structure will ensure you keep your letter of motivation concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Remember, the aim of your letter is to show your enthusiasm and that you’re committed and well suited for the programme.

To help you write a motivation letter for a PhD application, we have outlined what to include in the start, main body, and closing sections.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarise your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

• Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
• Do you have any research experience?
• Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
• Have you read any literature within the research area?

Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

Concluding the motivation letter is where most people struggle. Typically, people can easily describe their academic background and why they want to study, but convincing the reader they are the best candidate for the PhD programme is often more challenging.

The concluding remarks of your motivation letter should highlight the impacts of your proposed research, in particular: the new contributions it will make to your field, the benefits it will have on society and how it fits in with your aspirations.

With this, conclude with your career goals. For example, do you want to pursue an academic career or become a researcher for a private organisation? Doing so will show you have put a lot of thought into your decision.

Remember, admissions into a PhD degree is very competitive, and supervisors invest a lot of time into mentoring their students. Therefore, supervisors naturally favour those who show the most dedication. Your conclusion should remind the reader that you are not only passionate about the research project, but that the university will benefit from having you.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

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Motivation Letter Format

There are some basic rules to follow when writing a successful motivation letter. These will mimic the standard format for report writing that the supervisor will be familiar with:

• Use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman),
• Use a standard font size (e.g. 12pt) and black font colour,
• Keep your writing professional throughout and avoid the use of informal language,
• Write in the first person,
• Address your motivation letter to a named person such as the project supervisor, however, this could also be the person in charge of research admissions,
• Structure your letter into paragraphs using the guidance above, such as introduction, academic history, motivation for research, and concluding remarks.

How Long Should a Motivation Letter Be?

A good rule of thumb for PhD motivation letters is to keep it to around one side of A4. A little longer than one page is acceptable, but two pages is generally considered too long. This equates to approximately 400-600 words.

Things to Avoid when Writing Your Motivational Letter

Your motivational letter will only be one of the several documents you’ll be asked to submit as part of your PhD application. You will almost certainly be asked to submit an Academic CV as well. Therefore, be careful not to duplicate any of the information.

It is acceptable to repeat the key points, such as what and where you have studied. However, while your CV should outline your academic background, your motivation letter should bring context to it by explaining why you have studied what you have, and where you hope to go with it. The simplest way to do this is to refer to the information in your CV and explain how it has led you to become interested in research.

Don’t try to include everything. A motivation letter should be short, so focus on the information most relevant to the programme and which best illustrates your passion for it. Remember, the academic committee will need to be critical in order to do their jobs effectively , so they will likely interpret an unnecessarily long letter as in indication that you have poor written skills and cannot communicate effectively.

You must be able to back up all of your statements with evidence, so don’t fabricate experiences or overstate your skills. This isn’t only unethical but is likely to be picked up by your proposed PhD supervisor or the admissions committee.

Whilst it is good to show you have an understanding of the field, don’t try to impress the reader with excessive use of technical terms or abbreviations.

PhD Motivation Letter Samples – A Word of Caution

There are many templates and samples of motivation letters for PhDs available online. A word of caution regarding these – although they can prove to be a great source of inspiration, you should refrain from using them as a template for your own motivation letter.

While there are no rules against them, supervisors will likely have seen a similar letter submitted to them in the past. This will not only prevent your application from standing out, but it will also reflect poorly on you by suggesting that you have put minimal effort into your application.

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25 Best Motivation Letter Example Templates

The key to convincing potential employers that you are a good candidate is to write a motivational letter.  Motivational letters are one of the keys to impressing potential employers. This is different from a cover letter and can be more effective to showcase your years of experience by quantifying your previous accomplishments.

Below we have 25 motivation letter example templates for you to put together a single-page letter unique to you and help you land that dream job.

Sample Letter Template for Inserting Your Body Paragraphs (Body Paragraphs Below)

Using the free template below, the first paragraph should introduce why you are writing to this employer, who you are, and include a summary of your academic institutions and work experience. In the second paragraph, talk about your professional experience, relevant skills, and highlight your value to the company by aligning your skills and experiences with the job posting. The third paragraph should ask for the job interview and include your contact information so that the hiring manager can reach you.

Tailor the following motivation letter to your needs:

[Your Name] [Street Address] [City, State Zip Code] [Telephone Number] [Email Address]

[Hiring Manager Name] [Title] [Company Name] [Street Address] [City, State Zip Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager]:

My name is [Name], and I am writing to express my interest in applying for the [position] at [Company Name]. I have been working toward the goal of having a career in the [industry] industry with [Company Name] and helping it attain its goals of [researched company goals]. My [credential] from [University Name] gives me an edge that can benefit [Company Name].

[Insert your body paragraph(s) here.]

My resume is attached. If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an interview, please call me at [phone]. I look forward to meeting you to talk further about employment opportunities at [Company Name].

Sincerely, Signature (if a hardcopy letter) [Your Printed Name] [LinkedIn Page, if you have one] [Facebook Page, if it will help you get the job]

25 Best Motivation Letter Example Template Body Paragraphs

Here are 25 sample body paragraphs to plug into the template to create your own letter for that potential job at your dream company.

1. What drew me to [Company Name] was your company vision, [company vision/slogan]. I have demonstrated these values through my work at [Company Name] by always being [quality] and taking the time to [quality]. [Quality] and [quality] are also very important to me, both professionally and personally.

I have [relevant experience] that has catapulted me into learning other aspects of [industry], such as [aspect] and [aspect]. With this well-rounded perspective of [industry], I believe I am the perfect candidate for this position. I have the necessary skills and experience to get you results while keeping your core values at the forefront of everything I do.

2. As you will see by my job application, I have vast experience in [industry], and I’ve always prioritized [quality] and [quality] to ensure a great first impression for every customer. While at [previous Company Name], I developed skills in customer service, sales, and shipping and receiving.

My contributions to the changes in our packaging department saved the company [$number], and our staff appreciated the new [packaging feature]. I believe my strong educational background and extensive experience in the field will be an asset to [Company Name]. I have always been passionate about [industry], and I know that my love of the industry will make my transition into your team very smooth.

3. In your job description for the [position], you listed [quality] as being a priority at [Company Name]. I have [years] of experience managing the [department] where [quality] was made a priority due to changes I implemented in my first year. I have worked in [industry] for [years], and I was impressed by your company news about [quality] being improved across all of your locations. With my extensive experience and a solid background in executing [previously mentioned priority goal], I feel my skills would be a welcome addition to the [department] at [Company Name].

4. Having previously held a [position] and experience in a [field], I understand how challenging it can be to maintain relevance with the rising value of currency and inflation in the [field] market without breaking the budget. I know that [Company Name]’s current focus is to improve [quality], and I’m happy to report that at [current Company Name], I was part of a team that did just that.

In one short [timeline], I led our team to increase [goal] by [number]%, and decrease [goal] by [number]%. The results gave [Company Name] the opportunity to expand [division] by [number]%. Leading my team through this transition allowed me to support all my team members to achieve incredible results. I’m certain I could be a huge benefit to your business.

5. As a master’s degree holder in [industry] with [years] of proven experience in managing both [department] and [department] effectively and efficiently, I am well-prepared for your position. Professionally, I am very organized, calm, and patient with excellent [industry] skills. When [Company Name] experienced hardship with [project], my team and I were able to provide comprehensive solutions that [Company Name] could implement quickly to avoid any loss whatsoever.

In addition to providing quality service to [clients], I have the leadership skills needed to motivate other employees to perform above the industry standard. My team members have always described me as approachable, and results-driven, and I’m proud to say I was awarded [award] for my role at [Company Name]. I would love to bring my incredible expertise to your organization, to plan what we can achieve together.

6. As an [position] at [Company Name], I am responsible for evaluating the [specific measure] of up to [number] [clients]. I am also responsible for developing a rotational system to manage the care of [clients] and coordinate the workforce. I have been recognized as an ambitious, reliable, and dedicated individual who works independently.

Furthermore, I realized and implemented [field] duties I learned in school when I worked in a [position] at [previous employer] for [years]. The [employer]’s management commended my handling of difficult situations with [clients] while I worked there. All of this, along with my relevant education, makes me an ideal candidate for this role.

7. The job position for [position] that you have advertised matches well with the skills that I have acquired during my time at [Company Name]. My areas of expertise and passions are [industry] analysis, project management, and research. In addition to being my passions, these skills are the foundation for any project management professional.

As a financial manager who excels in data analysis, I understand where the company should be focusing its efforts. My experience and deep skillset will launch your company forward into the next decade.

8. I see from your posting that you’re looking for a [position] with experience in [field] maintenance, which happens to be one of my primary strengths. As a [position] at [Company Name], I steered full upgrades to our [task] over [timeline], resulting in an average increase of [number]% in [measurable goal], as well as a decrease of [number]% in [measurable goal]. As a result, productivity and employee satisfaction improved dramatically across the board. Employees found themselves eager to use the new system, and productivity increased by [number]%.

Additionally, I have developed my knowledge of hardware and software issues on [software] as well as [software] at [Company Name]. In addition to my experience level with advanced technical abilities, my proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems, and my excellent interpersonal skills, I am confident that I could be a valuable team member at [Company Name].

9. My role as a [position] at [Company Name] is to ensure fluid communication between [department] and [department], including all parties involved. I have doubled the [quantifier] at all [company-organized functions] by implementing new [industry] tactics over the past year. My degree in [subject] also places me in an ideal position to bring forward leadership skills to motivate and encourage all employees.

I have a track record of reliable reporting and a self-reflection tool I use with myself and my employees to drive results to the highest level possible. Employees become motivated to work together as they know I am receptive to all feedback. My passion for hard work and solid results make me the best candidate for your job opening at [Company Name].

10. At [Company Name], I managed a team of [number] people, and my main priority was always based on their safety and security. In contrast to other [positions], I make sure everyone knows their responsibilities when they are due and when they need to make changes, all the while keeping safety in mind. This is done using the system that I have used for [years] throughout that works for me. We conduct a safety meeting every day before anyone lifts a tool, and every [area] is viewable at any time. Every project is then executed on time and on budget, and we can clearly see when we have succeeded and where we need to improve. I think your company would find that I am a good fit for this position.

11. I’ve spent [years] managing [departmental budgets] for a [number]-person company, so I could plan a [frequency] project budget or draft an inter-office budget in my sleep. My career goals include consulting with executives to determine their financial strategies based on their experience.

My skills speak for themselves, but it’s that personal touch that each executive will find invaluable as they watch their investments compound. I take the time to research every client I work for and get to the root of their motivation for maximum results. My experience as a result-oriented professional makes me the right candidate for this position.

12. It was exciting to see that there was an opening in [department] with [Company Name] as your involvement with [other Company Name] has been meaningful to me for a long time. As a result, this job is my best fit since it brings together my experience with [department] and [other Company Name]. This would be a great way for me to integrate myself into your team and help your company launch through your next steps to reach your ambitious goal of [goal].

With my team building and management experience, together with my ability to troubleshoot this process, I believe I would prove invaluable to [Company Name]. At [previous role], I ensured a successful launch of merging both parties, which had a profound effect on both sides. You can count on me to deliver the same caliber of results to your organization.

13. As a longtime admirer of [Company Name]’s success, it was a pleasure to see your job opening. In light of my experience decreasing [goal] by [number]% for [Company Name] while reducing [goal] by nearly [number]% and boosting [goal], I believe I can be of assistance in [Company Name]’s current market challenges. As your company is about to embark on this new chapter, and since I’ve just led a team through a similar project, I think setting up an interview would be beneficial.

14. Ideally, this position will enable me to use my experience gained while holding [position] with [Company Name]. As such, I performed the [duty] at the [location] in all areas of the [department] and the [department]. The experience I gained working in [industry] further prepared me to progress in [industry].

I have a great deal of transferable experience, specifically in [area] and [area]. My objective is to gain a broad understanding of [area], [area], and [area]. Given the opportunity to interview with you, I believe I will make a great first impression on you and your management team.

15. As a [role] at [Company Name], I am in charge of analyzing the [specific measurement] of up to [number] [clients] as well as developing a systematic method for coordinating the care of [clients]. Known for my tenacity, reliability, and dedication, I can work independently. Those clients had a better chance at satisfaction with me leading the team in [department].

When I held a [position] at [previous employer] for [years], I used what I learned in school to fulfill [field] duties. While I worked there, [employer’s management] recognized my ability to resolve difficult scenarios with [clients]. My relevant education, along with my professional experience, makes me an ideal candidate for the role.

16. I have [years] of experience in this part of the business and I understand the communication skills required to perform this job effectively. I am confident that my exposure and knowledge will be an asset to your company. My experience has taught me that teamwork is of the utmost importance. I believe that strong relationships with all the departments in the organization take the company toward success.

I have taught myself to reach out and build relationships with all facets of the organization. I am passionate about my work, and I am confident you will find me a perfect fit for your business.

17. My experience includes leading multi-disciplinary teams and providing actionable solutions through [field] reports, overall campaign effectiveness, analysis, and insights. At [Company Name], I have been successful at increasing [goal] from [number] to number] in [timeframe]. My competitive nature allows me to handle complex situations both strategically and tactically.

With my knowledge of [industry], I managed to achieve [goal for Company Name]. You provide applicants with a vast array of career and growth opportunities, and I would like to join your company because you offer excellent career and growth opportunities. I believe that I am your best chance at hiring someone who will work hard to acquire those opportunities aggressively and with great enthusiasm.

18. I am a brilliant professional [position] who has been consistently praised as a trustworthy leader by my colleagues. Throughout several my career, I have developed proven [skill], [skill], and [skill], which I hope to leverage within the [department] of your company. The first thing I think about before tackling any project is “How can I improve this process to make it safer, and more efficient?” I am always looking for better ways to accomplish company goals. With my vast education and wide-ranging experience, I believe I am the ultimate contender for this position.

19. When it comes to handling and manipulating [product], I am known for my attention to detail and precision. Also, I am proficient in communicating between various groups, including designers, producers, quality assurance personnel, and warehouse personnel.

Your healthcare work appeals to me most about your company. As an employee of [Company Name], I learned the requirements of working in a federally-regulated environment and maintaining the strictest adherence to environmental protection and health regulations. Furthermore, I am committed to setting the latest industry trends and best practices to ensure that my team and I are bringing the latest standards to the warehouse floor. The best thing about having me on your team is that you won’t have to worry about a thing.

20. I worked for a leading [Company Name] for ten years after obtaining a degree from [University]. Several [industry] developments were delivered, and business was good. Along with many other industry professionals, I was laid off during the recession. My new career began with [Company Name] as a leading consultant, achieving a [number]% [goal] for its [project]. Based on this success, my CEO offered me a promotion to my current position [position] for the newly launched [project] of [Company Name].

This high-profile position entails overseeing a team of [number of] [industry] consultants, [industry] engineers, and support staff. Because of my industry knowledge and contacts, I have been able to reduce [field] costs by [number]% every year. In addition to the growth and occupancy goals, I overshot my vacancy turnover goals and resident satisfaction rates as well. Since these results can be reproduced for [Company Name], I believe I would be a good leader to bring a successful future to your department.

21. I’ve had several responsibilities and accomplishments in my previous position at [Company Name], making me an ideal candidate for [position] at [Company Name]. Using a similar format to [Company Name], I wrote plans for [project] at [Company Name], and a number of locations have now adopted it. Furthermore, my [percent] success at [project] and [project] in [industry] are among the best in the state, and I am sure I can produce similar results at [Company Name].

My dream would be to acquire the position at [Company Name]. Your company’s values have always impressed me. I was initially encouraged to become a [position] by several members of [Company Name]. Although I love [task] dearly, there is no other business that would make me as happy to work for as [Company Name]. Should I inherit this position, I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to the team.

22. In my professional career [position], I have consistently been praised by my colleagues as a superior leader. My career has enabled me to develop [skills], [skills], and [skills] that I hope to leverage within your company’s [department]. My successes with [project] over the last [number] years were directly responsible for an increase of [number]% in sales for [Company Name]. In addition, I take the health and safety of my staff very seriously. Before every project, I plan ways to make it efficient, safer, and more cost-effective. Aiming for greater success for the company is my constant goal. Given my extensive education and a variety of experiences, I am the most qualified candidate for this particular role.

23. I am well-suited for this position as a result of my master’s degree and my graduate studies. To complete it, a great deal of independent research was required, necessitating initiative, motivation, and an extensive set of skills. The knowledge of the [industry] was essential for one course, [insert course]. I found this subject to be very stimulating. It prepared me well to begin my career with [Company Name].

My [industry] skills are proficient and precise, and I have a keen eye for detail, so I would be very grateful if I were able to prove myself in this position. My enthusiasm and determination will help me guarantee success in this role immediately.

24. It is my pleasure to have extensive knowledge and experience with multiple applications and processes, including but not limited to [software], [software], [software], [software], and [software]. Throughout my career as an analyst, I acquired skills such as [skill] and [skill], and I approach analytics with a passionate and curious outlook. On my website, you can read several client reviews that demonstrate my ability to spot anomalies and provide solutions to remediate them.

As a self-employed [position], I was not only responsible for delivering on promises to clients but also solely responsible for managing multiple accounts and communicating with any clients. I am confident that these communication skills will help me in this role, which requires good time management and prioritizing skills, along with the ability to communicate findings clearly and concisely.

Despite enjoying the flexibility that comes with working for myself, I am ready to move into a full-time position with a company like [Company Name]. As a team member, I am eager to have the opportunity to collaborate with both my colleagues and clients. Both technical and non-technical team members can benefit from my strong research abilities and presentation skills. As an individual, I am well organized, am open to constructive criticism, and am driven to surpass everyone’s expectations. In my work, I strive for clarity and excellence, which are principles aligned with the company’s core values, which makes me a confident candidate for success on [Company Name]’s team.

25. [Publication] published an article about the opening of your company’s branch in my area, and I read it with great enthusiasm. Congratulations on your new business venture, as well as your pre-launch sale of $[amount]. When I discovered that [Company Name] was hiring, I knew I had to apply.

I have long desired to find a company where I feel like I can make an impact even while working in a [position] in [industry]. My training and knowledge make this the perfect opportunity for me to be a part of your team. Having been vital in the successful launch of [product] at [Company Name], I feel my passion for this [industry] and experience with [field] places me at the top for suitable applicants.

In addition to your letter, you will want to include your resume. Remember: hiring managers read many resumes. If you’re applying for the job of your dreams, as a starting point, consider how quickly your resume could be skimmed by a reader. You want to be direct, assertive, and keep it succinct. Always consider the following:

• Keep your letter to a simple, clean, single page.
• Hook them with the first line.
• Triple check for grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Research the company you are applying to.
• Check the job listing carefully for key requirements and align those with your accomplishments – quantifiable results are what employers are looking for!
• Let your personality shine tough!

For recent graduates with no work experience, it can be the best way to demonstrate your relevant skills by showing specific skills you’ve acquired in school or through volunteering. I hope these examples of professional cover letter samples help you draft your winning letter.

Good luck. You can do this!

Home > Graduate Admissions: Tips and Tricks For Writing Your Letter of Motivation

Graduate Admissions: Tips and Tricks For Writing Your Letter of Motivation

Applying for a master’s programme at Sciences Po for the upcoming intake? Read our best tips for writing your admissions letter.

As part of your application to one of Sciences Po's graduate schools , you will have to write a formal letter of motivation respecting the rules and guidelines given. Your letter should be written in the language of the programme you are applying to. For special focus and dual degree programmes, additional letters may be required. Here are our five essential tips for writing your letter. Best of luck!

Be professionally-minded

You are applying for a master’s programme that will set you on track to launch your career. What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? What further milestones do you plan to reach? Your letter of motivation should mention in a maximum of a thousand words your goals and how they fit with the programme you have chosen.

Detail your plans, word your ambition, tell us all about how your academic journey, your values and your experiences are at the core of your decision to apply.

Defend your programme choice

Show us that you’ve done your research about Sciences Po and about the programme that interests you. A lot of ressources are available: the syllabus, curriculum, alumni testimonies and, of course, the career opportunities it provides.

It is of the utmost importance that you show how well you understand how the programme is built and how it fits perfectly with your professional goals.

Own your letter (and your letter should be your own)

While it is always helpful to get a second opinion on your letter, you shouldn’t get caught up in rewriting and having it edited by someone over and over again, and in the worst case scenario: by ChatGPT.  Your letter of motivation is the only part of your application that allows you to really introduce and express yourself. You know your strengths and skills better than anyone else.

For those applying through the domestic procedure, if you are admitted to the final interview you should be ready to answer any questions about your letter from the admissions committee.

Humility and marketability: find the right balance

At Sciences Po, we look for candidates who seek to become game-changers, who will use their talent to make the world a better place and contribute to their community in a meaningful way. We are seeking intellectually curious students, challenge-oriented, capable of facing complex situations.

You are invited to put forth your strengths and achievements, but be sure to temper them according to the context and the relevance they have to your academic and professional projects. Make sure to give specific examples that support and illustrate the image you want to portray.

Make a decision

Your letter of motivation is only a part of your overall application, along with your grades and résumé, among others.

It cannot tell your whole personal experience but is rather an opportunity to explain more precisely what your goals are, and why you are well-suited to the programme you are applying for. You are the one that decides what is the most relevant to tell us.

Edit, design and format

A letter of motivation cannot be written in one sitting. Give yourself time to brainstorm, to build your pitch, and then to review, edit, and format. UK English? US English? Realise or realize? Doesn’t matter - as long as you’re consistent.

Make sure your sentences are balanced, your ideas are well thought-out and relevant, and your document is easy to read. Keep it simple, but effective!

Please remind that the letter of motivation should be added in the designated space during the application process and that it should not exceed 1,000 words.

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Best Motivation Letter Erasmus: 5+ Editable Samples

If you’re an ambitious student looking for a way to expand your academic horizons and gain invaluable international experience, then you’ve likely heard of the Erasmus+ program. Erasmus+ is a European Union initiative that offers students the chance to study abroad for a semester or two at one of many prestigious universities across Europe. However, the competition for Erasmus+ placements is fierce, which is why a well-crafted motivation letter is crucial.

A motivation letter, also known as a personal statement or statement of purpose, is an essential component of the Erasmus+ application process. It’s a chance for you to showcase your personality, academic achievements, and language skills, and to explain why you would be the ideal candidate for an Erasmus+ placement.

But writing a motivation letter that stands out from the crowd can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks for crafting a compelling motivation letter that will catch the attention of the selection committee and increase your chances of being selected for an Erasmus+ placement.

Key Components of a Strong Motivation Letter Erasmus

When crafting a strong motivation letter for Erasmus, it’s important to consider the following key components:

• Introduction: Begin with a clear and concise introduction that explains who you are, what you’re currently studying, and why you’re applying for the Erasmus program.
• Goals: Clearly state your academic and personal goals for the program and how it aligns with your future career plans.
• Relevance: Explain why the specific program and institution you’re applying for is relevant to your academic and personal goals.
• Skills and Experience: Highlight your skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the program, including any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work.
• Language Proficiency: Provide evidence of your language proficiency in the language of instruction at the host institution.
• Cultural Awareness: Demonstrate your cultural awareness and adaptability, and explain how you plan to immerse yourself in the host country’s culture.
• Commitment: Show your commitment to the program and your willingness to take advantage of all the opportunities it offers.

Remember to keep your sentences short and to the point, and use language that is professional and persuasive.

Motivation letter Erasmus example

Erasmus motivation letter sample, motivation letter for erasmus mundus scholarship, erasmus motivation letter example, mistakes to avoid in writing a motivation letter erasmus.

Here are some mistakes to avoid in writing a motivation letter for the Erasmus program:

• Not addressing the letter properly: Ensure that you address the letter to the right person or institution.
• Using a generic template: Avoid using a generic template as it will make your letter look unoriginal and uninspired.
• Focusing too much on personal information: Don’t include too much personal information that is not relevant to the program or scholarship.
• Being too vague: Be specific about your goals, achievements, and aspirations in relation to the program.
• Not proofreading: Always proofread your letter before submitting it to avoid grammatical errors and typos.
• Using slang or informal language: Use formal language and avoid using slang or colloquial expressions.
• Writing too much: Keep your letter concise and to the point, don’t write more than one page.
• Copying someone else’s letter: Don’t copy someone else’s letter, make sure that your letter is unique and reflects your personality.

In conclusion, a well-written Letter can make all the difference when it comes to being accepted into the Erasmus program. Avoid these mistakes to ensure that your Motivation Letter Erasmus stands out and showcases your motivation and suitability for the program.

Final Thoughts:

In conclusion, a well-crafted Letter is crucial for your Erasmus application. It provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and goals. Remember to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and language proficiency. Moreover, explain why you are interested in the specific program and country, and how it aligns with your future plans. Additionally, demonstrate your cultural awareness and willingness to adapt to new environments.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful in guiding you through the process of writing a successful motivation letter for Erasmus. As we are grateful for your time and interest in our blog. We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future posts. Please leave your comments below or reach out to us through our website.

Lastly, if you are looking for more ideas and tips on studying abroad, don’t forget to visit our website. We have a wealth of resources and articles to assist you in your academic journey. Thank you for reading and we wish you the best of luck in your Erasmus application!

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Motivation letter vs. personal statement

What do you think are the most important differences when writing a personal statement and a motivation letter?

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Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

For a quick overview of personal statements, you might begin by watching this "5 Minute Fellowships" video!

If you are writing your first personal statement or working to improve upon an existing personal statement, the video below is a helpful, in-depth resource.

A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Below is a second 5 Minute Fellowships video that can help you get started!

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

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Un ypp motivation statement: writing an effective one for the united nations ypp.

As part of your resume-style profile in Inspira – UN’s online application platform –, you are required to submit a Motivation Statement (also known as a Motivational Statement) as part of your application. The main goal of this document is to give you a chance to introduce yourself and explain your motivation in applying to the UN YPP at this point in your career.

The Motivation Statement is a very important part of your application, and in this article we will guide you through the process of writing and structuring it to make sure you are well on your way to the success in the UN YPP!

GET THE BEST PREPARATION FOR THE UN YPP NOW:

I WANT TO IMPROVE MY UN YPP APPLICATION WITH A SPECIAL DISCOUNT

To help you feel more secure and increase your chances of succeeding in the application stage, OpenIGO Network has developed an application review service, which is carried out by a native English proofreader and a PhD professor with extensive experience in the UN YPP.

Click here to find out more about it: 

UN YPP – Application Review

Our team has also developed a comprehensive manual (PDF eBook) to help you better understand the UN Young Professionals Programme itself and the stages of the selection process, allowing you to perform successfully in each of them.

In our eBook you will learn all the secrets on how to craft a strong Motivation Statement  that will make you stand out from other candidates: 

UN YPP – Preparation

This article is only a small sample from the extensive content present in the chapter “Writing an Effective Motivation Statement for the UN YPP” of our E-Book.

Understanding Motivation Statements

A motivation statement   is a  document job seekers  s end  to  organiza tion s with t he aim of indicating the applicant’s interest in the  job va c a ncy they’re applying for . This document also has to contain the reasons why you are applying for this job position/selection process .

In the UN YPP selection process, the motivation statement is a part of the candidate’s resume-style profile, serving as an introduction to the latter. However, make sure you do not simply replicate information that can be easily found on your profile. Instead, you should explain in what way this job opportunity aligns with your overall career goals, including a career or location change, as well as how elements of your personal character and experience will help you be successful when working with the UN. 

In order to write a strong UN YPP motivational statement, it is important to know what the recruiters will be looking for, so here are some of the aspects the recruiting team seeks to evaluate:

• Competencies : Competencies may be understood as the candidate’s set of knowledge, abilities, attitudes and values. It is important for the candidate to show that they have the main competencies the organization is seeking, such as Professionalism, Teamwork, and Planning & Organizing. Since the United Nations is indisputably a value-driven organization, your personal values and the manner in which they are linked to the organization’s should also be highlighted.
• Knowledge about the organization: It is expected that the candidate demonstrates knowledge about the United Nations, such as its mission, its operational approach, activities, and main objectives (knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals).
• Cultural fit: Showing sound knowledge of the organization is not enough. The candidate should highlight that there is compatibility between their values, principles, objectives, and understanding of reality with those of the organization.
• Communicative capacity: The motivation statement enables the recruiter to evaluate the candidate’s writing skills and their ability to structure ideas and coherently defend arguments.

When writing your motivation statement, take all of the aforementioned aspects into consideration and make them evident throughout the document when expressing three main things: your interest in working for the organization, the reason you are interested in the vacancy (or in a specific exam area, in the case of the UN YPP), and why you are a strong candidate for the position.

Structure and Content of a Motivation Statement

Choosing what to write in your motivational statement can be a challenging task, especially if you have experienced multiple and diverse professional/academical engagements throughout the years. This section will provide you with guidance on choosing the most relevant experiences to expound upon and the best way of structuring them in writing.

First of all, keep in mind that recruiters are primarily looking to read information that gives them a clear perception of the benefits you can offer the organization, if selected, and the ways in which you intend to help it to solve problems. To that end, a great way to display your skills and competencies is by choosing relevant stories from past professional or academic engagements where these competencies stood out. Remember to use keywords from the Competencies section of the UN YPP job opening for this part.

At our Online Magazine, we have an article only on competencies required by the UN YPP! Check it out here:

UN YPP Competencies

In chapter 06 of our UN YPP Manual for Candidates, we define what kind of work experience is considered as “relevant” for the UN YPP:

“Taking into consideration the UN recruitment guidelines, prior professional engagements are considered as ‘relevant’ if your duties are closely linked to the ‘Responsibilities’ outlined in the job opening you are applying for.”

  When choosing relevant facts/stories to share in your motivational statement, take the aforementioned definition into consideration, especially if you have had previous professional experience. Keep in mind, however, that the number one stipulation for an engagement to be considered “relevant” in the motivation statement section of your profile is that it showcase that you have the competencies required by the job opening you are applying for. An important volunteering activity that you engaged in, for example, although not directly related to your exam area, could be considered relevant if you tailor the story around the specific required competencies.

Keywords from the UN YPP job opening can also be used to display your knowledge of the organization. You can even demonstrate awareness of any particular challenges or developments the United Nations is currently facing within the specific exam area you are applying for.

Please note that there is no single way to structure your UN YPP motivation statement. The fundamental aspect of an effective structure is that the logical sequence of the parts is able to tell your story . Also, know that long texts should be avoided —one page is a good length to tackle the main topics. The maximum length for the UN YPP motivation statement is 2,000 characters (including spaces).

Checkpoints for a Motivation Statement

In this section, some general checkpoints have been listed for you to pay special attention to when writing and revising your motivational statement. Make sure to go through all of them prior to submitting your final version to Inspira.

As far as “language” is concerned, here is a list of aspects you should pay attention to:

– Avoid clichés, idioms and outdated language.

– Beware of errors in grammar, use of verb tense, and punctuation. Show that you have an understanding of the language’s basic rules. If possible, use a spell checker or have a proofreader analyze your content when you’ve finished writing your motivation statement.

– Give preference to writing out the full names of organizations, positions and people.

– Remember to use the first person singular to describe your personal accomplishments and achievements.

– A broad vocabulary should be used, which is appropriate for the United Nations, the competencies the program seeks, and the exam area.

– Do not use words and expressions without being sure of their meaning. Although it is important to have an extensive vocabulary, it is a mistake to think that you should misuse elaborate words which are hard to understand.

– Avoid repeating words and expressions, as they make the text tiresome and unattractive.

– Avoid slang, abbreviations (such as “asap” for example), or traces of the spoken word (that is, informal expressions typical of oral conversations).

– It is recommended that you refrain from using general terms, which demonstrate absolute certainty, such as: “always”, “never”, “every time”, “undoubtedly”, etc. Exchange these for softer expressions, such as: “possibly”, “one can imagine”, “probably”, and “it is inferred that”, among others.

• Organization

Read your motivation statement and ask yourself why the sentences and paragraphs are arranged in that order. If you cannot find a justification, it is likely that your motivational statement is not logically organized;

• Review your Motivation Statement

Doublecheck the grammar, spelling, verbal agreement, and cohesion, and especially check that the information is consistent with what you have put in your resume-style profile;

After finalizing your motivation statement, show it to your colleagues and ask them to provide sincere comments on its content and organization of ideas. In this way, any mistakes which you had not noticed in preparing the document can be identified and corrected.

Ideally, you should ask for the opinion of someone who does not have a close emotional tie with you or has enough maturity to be neutral, since, generally speaking, people who are very close are embarrassed about being critical, even when they have identified mistakes.

Getting professional feedback is a plus in competitive selection processes such as the UN YPP, and can highly increase your chances of passing the first screening round. That is why OpenIGO offers a complete Application Review for candidates applying for the program. You can find out more about this service at our online store . We can help you suceed in this competitive selection process!

Access the following link to know more about our UN YPP products: 

UN YPP – Products & Services

Read also: UN YPP – Overview

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Letter of Application

Hi, Does anyone have any advice on what type of thing to put in the personal statement about why you are moving to Portugal in the application for the D7? Thanks

Wow !!! I was just writing the exact same question !!! Lets hope somebody can share a successful example with us ! Neale

Hi All, Please read this: The Motivational Letter / Personal Statement https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 42#5219297 (post #11)

@JohnnyPT   Hi Johnny, my Husband and I have our VSF appt in a couple of weeks and I am starting to compose my Personal Statement / Motivation Letter.  Its my name only on the property deeds, but his pension income only as proof of finances.  Should I be writing a letter each or separate letters.  If separate letters, is there something else I need to be adding like I am allowing him to live in the house and he will write he will financially support me.

I'm trying to make sure my application is water tight, and I cover every eventuality.

Hi Michelle,

Please do not repeat questions:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 42#5626144

@shelly14 I have a VFS appt for May 9th in San Francisco with my longtime partner... we are currently typing up our personal statements... How did your appointment go? Much like yourself, I am trying to hammer out all the details perfectly so there is no issues

The actual appt. was fine, we were not asked anything.  She checked the insurance and that was about it.  However we did receive an email from the Consulate about 2 weeks after the appt asking us to clarify a couple of points at the request of the SEF.  The first was the total valuation  of our pensions.  I'd written in the personal statement the amount we would receive each month and submitted all if the pension statements giving the current valuations.  They wanted the total valuations for all 4 of pensions as one figure. The second was my employment, even though I'd explained I am currently employed in the UK but if our Visa is approved I would give up my job and take retirement, this seemed to confuse them.  I then had to write, sign and email back as a pdf an additional Statement.  I would say to write it as simply as possible, give as much detail on income as possible and if you have more than 1 source of income, break it down and also give the total amount.   We are still waiting on a decision, but it has only been 4 weeks since our appt, and a week since we emailed the info back to them.  Here in the UK and Portugal there have been a lot of public holidays in April and more to come in May.

I wish you both the best of luck

Thank you for the advice.

My husband and I live in Colorado, USA.

We are applying for D2 Visas- migrants entrepreneurs-.

We are both in our 30s and are close to purchasing a bed & breakfast in the Azores.

We are anxious. This forum has been very helpful.

Best of luck to you and your husband.

You might explain why you have chosen Portugal as your destination. This could include factors like the country's culture, lifestyle, quality of life, climate, or any personal connections you might have to the country for example.

The D7 visa is often linked to demonstrating financial self-sufficiency. Provide details about your financial stability and how you plan to support yourself in Portugal. This could involve discussing your sources of income, investments, or savings.

Best wishes,

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