5 tips to write a great letter of intent

Annamaria

Written by Annamaria

20 Jan 2025

Writing a letter of intent or a motivation letter does not have to be terrible. It’s an opportunity to showcase not just your qualifications, but also your passion, goals, and personality. When I first sat down to write my own letter of intent, I was both excited and nervous. How could I stand out among so many applicants? Looking back at my own process that got me into the universities of my choice, here are a few tips that helped me craft a letter that truly represented who I am and why I’m passionate about my chosen field.

Start with a personal story or motivation

Begin your letter of intent with a hook – by telling a story that reflects your personal motivations. I often try to start with an engaging anecdote about a memory or an experience from which my interest in the subject arose. This creates an immediate connection for the reader and highlights your passion. You should share a story that demonstrates why you want to pursue this particular field or study at this institution.

Girl in a library
Photo: Annamaria

Highlight your progress so far

Highlight how your past experiences have shaped your educational and career aspirations. In the letter of intent, it should be visible that you are committed to the field and the best way to do that is to highlight your progress so far. This is the part where you explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the programme and how you have worked towards developing the skills necessary for success within the field. So focus on your prior education, jobs, or extracurricular activities that are related to your field of interest.

Be specific about what attracts you to the particular programme

Here I often connect my personal values and goals with the specific programme. I emphasise how the education aligns with my future aspirations. It’s important to show that you’ve researched the program and know that it is exactly what you need to help you grow in your career. Why this university and why this program? Mention specific aspects of the curriculum, faculty, or the university’s approach that appeal to you and will help you reach your goals.

IT faculty at Lindholmen campus.
Photo: Annamaria

Highlight your skills and qualities

In one letter of intent, I quote Angela Duckworth to emphasise determination and endurance, which are qualities that I believed would make me successful in the programme. This is sometimes considered a bit of a cheesy way to do it unless you have a really good quote. You can also be more direct and mention skills and personal qualities that will most likely help you thrive in the programme. It could be your dedication to overcoming challenges or your commitment to making a difference. Think of what you are good at or even what you enjoy doing and bring that to the table.

Notebook and a girl writing notes.
Photo: Patrik Moravcik

End with a strong positive statement

Lastly, finish your letter of intent on an optimistic note. It should provide a quick summary of who you are and show excitement for the future opportunities. This way you reinforce why you’re a great fit for the program and how you plan to contribute.

A girl wearing a graduation hat and holding flowers.
Photo: Annamaria

There are, of course, many other ways to write a letter of intent, these are just tips on what worked for me. I was lucky enough to get into most universities I applied for, so I can say that this approach seems to work. This is also how I got into my Master’s in Communication at the University of Gothenburg. It is however also important:

  • To be authentic and personal: Write in your own voice, and make sure your passion comes through clearly.
  • Be clear and concise: Admissions committees often have limited time, so make sure every sentence adds value to your story.
  • Focus on what sets you apart: Showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and skills.
  • Proofread: Make sure your letter of intent is error-free. Ask someone else to review it to ensure clarity and flow.
Annamaria

Written by Annamaria

20 Jan 2025