College Application Letter

A well-written college application letter will help you get in to the college of your choice. A good letter highlights your academic, athletic, extracurricular and community service achievements and helps you gain favor during the highly competitive selection process.

Format and Content

Avoid writing a generalized form letter. Instead, use the college application letter format to explain how you will benefit auniversity or college and why the institution is perfect for you.Do your research to find out the type of student the college favors and write your letter in a way that highlights these attributes. List your accomplishments in the order of importance and include any special skills you have to offer. Proof read the letter carefully, and preferably, have someone else proofread it as well before sending.

Sample

This college application letter sample is written by a student who wishes to pursue a career in teaching. She explains why the goal is so important to her and how the university will help her achieve her goal. She includes a list of some of her high school achievements to prove she is a good candidate for university admittance.

Dear Admissions Department,

A month ago, I attended a tour of the University of North Texas. I was very impressed by the campus and by the helpful and friendly staff. I am even more impressed with the exceptional reputation of your institution and its outstanding academic achievements. After reading numerous rave reviews from University of North Texas Alumni, I am convinced the university is the best choice for me and the one that will help me achieve my goal of teaching children at the elementary level.

My interest in becoming a teacher is directly connected to a personal experience. In kindergarten, I struggled to learn the concepts other children picked up so easily. My interest in school quickly faded and I was given the title of class dummy. Everything changed for me in the third grade, thanks to the patience and wisdom of my teacher. Mrs. Wilson refused to believe I was incapable of learning. In short time, she uncovered the root of my educational struggles and tutored me on her own time to help me catch up with my classmates. I discovered a love for learning simply because I was lucky enough to have a teacher who truly cared.

I am currently a senior in high school and I will graduate this spring with highest honors and a 3.9 GPA. I am a member in good standing in the National Honor Society and the Beta Club. I won second place in the Odyssey of the Mind competition in the 10th grade and I won the UIL gold medal in the state finals for Poetry Interpretation in the 11th grade. I am a 4-year, award-winning member of the marching and concert bands, President of the English Literary and French clubs, and a member of the volleyball team. I am a volunteer math and English tutor for students at the junior high school level and I have logged over 240 hours as a volunteer at the Kids Matter afterschool program.

I am thoroughly convinced the College of Education at the University of North Texas will help me achieve my career goals. I am determined to become the best teacher I can possibly be and to use my skills to identify and reach students who have given up on themselves and learning. I am enclosing my application packet along with letters of recommendation from my teachers and community leaders. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Kari Hall

Enclosures:

Letter of Recommendation from Mrs. Spielberg, Honors English

Letter of Recommendation from Ms. Wayman, Honors Calculus

Letter of Recommendation from Mr. Billings, Girls Athletic Coach

Letter of Recommendation from Mrs. Johnson, CEO, Kids Matter

Letter of Recommendation from Mrs. Smith, District Tutoring Coordinator