Graduate School Application Letter

The competition for graduate programs can be fierce. Increase your chances of gaining admittance by writinga graduate school application letter that ties your accomplishments and present goals to the educational offerings of the institution.

Format and Content

Address the letter to the head of the graduate school department. The graduate school application letter format is focused and identifies the graduate program you are applying for, the reason you are a good candidate for the program and a brief summary of your academic and work accomplishments. Express your excitement about the program and the school in general. If you were referred to the program, mention the person who referred you by name in the opening paragraph.

Sample

This graduate school application letter sampleis from a student who wishes to gain addmittance into a university’s graduate program for education. The applicant provides the reader with specific details concerning his education and work history. He lets the recipient know he has researched his options and that this school is his preferred choice. He reinnerates his interest by suggesting an inperson meeting.

Dear Dr. Jenkins,

I am very interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development at the University of Dallas. I have reviewed many graduate programs in the field of education and believe the one offered at your university is the best fit for me. I selected the program based on the outstanding academic reviews earned by the School of Education at the university and candid discussions with professionals in the field of teaching.

I am currently enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin and plan to graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Teacher Education. My educational studies include coursework in childhood psychology, theories for teaching special needs students, school and family crisis intervention, and teacher leadership and effective classroom management. My goal is to increase my knowledge and skills with an intense focus on childhood development in the classroom setting while gaining hands-on teaching experience as outlined in your curriculum.

I have gained valuable knowledge in the field by way of internships. During my sophomore year, I worked as a teacher’s aide at an elementary school located in Austin. For the last two years, I served as a teaching assistant in elementary programs aimed at helping children identified as special needs or at-risk. I am very dedicated to the profession of teaching and will graduate with highest honors. I am motivated to help children develop a love of learning at the early stages of their educational careers.

I am enclosing my completed application packet along with letters of recommendation for your consideration. I will be happy to send any other documentation needed or to answer any questions you may have. I am planning a tour of your campus in May and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person. You may reach me by phone at (555)-555-5555 or by email at [email] I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

James Blackman

Enclosures:

University of Dallas Application Packet

Letter of Recommendation, Mr. Josh Brent, Professor of Child Psychology, University of Texas at Austin

Letter of Recommendation, Mr. Philip Myer, Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Texas at Austin

Letter of Recommendation, Mrs. Lisa Wilson, Internship Coordinator, Austin Elementary Education