Writing a Simple College Application Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample college application letters as templates for your formal application letter.
Last updated on December 2, 2023
The letter that helps determine whether or not you will be accepted into the college of your choice is a big feat. The admissions process has increasingly become more competitive. No specific letter-writing approach can promise that you will get admission, but a few tips help you to have a better chance at obtaining acceptance.
Study and read everything there is about the college. The main objective is to convey how much you adore this college and that it is perfect for you. Think about it as if you were trying to convince someone to date you.
When looking for someone to go on a date with, you want to know all there is about this person. You would want to know a great deal about this person to be able to communicate effectively.
Dating is a long process that lets two people to get to know each other better to see if the relationship can develop further. A college application letter is very similar to the dating process in how it works. The goal is to let the admissions counselor know all about you and to give them enough that they think you might be a good fit for what they have to offer.
Study and read everything there is about the college. The main objective is to convey how much you adore this college and that it is perfect for you. Think about it as if you were trying to convince someone to date you.
When looking for someone to go on a date with, you want to know all there is about this person. You would want to know a great deal about this person to be able to communicate effectively.
Dating is a long process that lets two people to get to know each other better to see if the relationship can develop further. A college application letter is very similar to the dating process in how it works. The goal is to let the admissions counselor know all about you and to give them enough that they think you might be a good fit for what they have to offer.
Convey Why You Want To Attend
The main thing the letter needs to convey is why you want to attend this specific college. It is important to not embellish too much and end up sounding unrealistic.
Avoid statements like “I think Washington State is the greatest college in the entire world and I've desired to go there since I was a child. Try to honestly lay out all the reasons why you think this college is perfect for you. After all, isn’t this whole reason you’re applying to this college anyway.
Market Yourself
Every college has a type of student that they specifically look for, market yourself as that student. Clearly, you must mention the academic qualifications you have, especially if you are on the honor roll. While applications do look at academics, admittance is not all based on a person’s academic standing.
If the college is known for having an outstanding drama club or sports team, and those areas are something you excel in, then be sure to make mention of this.
Take a look at the brochure for the college; does it talk about community or civic events? If you are involved in different things around the community, mention that. Reading all documentation on the school can give you an advantage.
The main thing the letter needs to convey is why you want to attend this specific college. It is important to not embellish too much and end up sounding unrealistic.
Avoid statements like “I think Washington State is the greatest college in the entire world and I've desired to go there since I was a child. Try to honestly lay out all the reasons why you think this college is perfect for you. After all, isn’t this whole reason you’re applying to this college anyway.
Market Yourself
Every college has a type of student that they specifically look for, market yourself as that student. Clearly, you must mention the academic qualifications you have, especially if you are on the honor roll. While applications do look at academics, admittance is not all based on a person’s academic standing.
If the college is known for having an outstanding drama club or sports team, and those areas are something you excel in, then be sure to make mention of this.
Take a look at the brochure for the college; does it talk about community or civic events? If you are involved in different things around the community, mention that. Reading all documentation on the school can give you an advantage.
Clarify That You Have Something Unique To Offer
Clarify that you have something unique to offer. After talking about why you are perfect for the college, start focusing on what the college offers that is good for you. You can focus on anything from the local art club to the desire to be a part of the football team.
Just because you are an honor roll student won’t necessarily give you an advantage. Keep in mind that there will be thousands of other individuals who have great greats applying as well. It is important to showcase why you will be a great addition to the college campus.
Double-Check the Letter
The worst thing you can do is submit a letter with grammatical or spelling errors. Have others look over the letter and make sure it is error free. While it may be a pain, one of the first reasons that and choose one application over another is a badly spelled letter. Below is a sample entrance application letter.
Clarify that you have something unique to offer. After talking about why you are perfect for the college, start focusing on what the college offers that is good for you. You can focus on anything from the local art club to the desire to be a part of the football team.
Just because you are an honor roll student won’t necessarily give you an advantage. Keep in mind that there will be thousands of other individuals who have great greats applying as well. It is important to showcase why you will be a great addition to the college campus.
Double-Check the Letter
The worst thing you can do is submit a letter with grammatical or spelling errors. Have others look over the letter and make sure it is error free. While it may be a pain, one of the first reasons that and choose one application over another is a badly spelled letter. Below is a sample entrance application letter.
College Application Cover Letter Sample
Note: The application cover letter is the first sample of the applicant’s writing skills. Before writing the letter, the applicant should learn and follow the college or university’s requirements for an application letter.
If the applicant is planning to send application letters to several colleges, he or she needs to follow the requirements of each college. There is no one-size-fits-all for this type of letter. However, there are some guidelines for any college application letter.
College Application Cover Letter Sample
Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Head of Admissions
Name of College
Address of College
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Head of Admissions:
After doing much research about colleges in the area that have a Psychology program, I am applying to Ohio State University because of the outstanding reputation and the exceptional reviews that I have read from other recent graduates.
Additionally, I am enthusiastic about Psychology program at the Ohio State University because of the graduate psychology programs that are offered.
Currently, I am just beginning my journey and ready to dive into the undergraduate studies program. My ultimate goal is to finish the Psychology program at Ohio State University.
Once I have completed my undergraduate in psychology, my desire is to continue my studies and enter the graduate program for psychology where I may be a counselor dealing with children.
I am sure this is the correct career path, as I grew up in a family where my father was a counselor and my mother a social worker. My father is a graduate of the Ohio State University, and my mother a graduate of OU University.
Considering both of my parents have similar career paths, I feel like I would be honoring them and their dedication to helping others by entering this field of work.
Pursuing a psychology major is my long-term goal, and I would like to start by earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ohio State University.
I have attached my application, as well as transcripts, an essay, and all of my letters of recommendation as defined in my admissions packet. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
Enclosure: Application Form, high school marks list, Advanced Placement scores, SAT scores and all other required information
College Application Letter Template Sample
Note: A college application cover letter is the first document a college admission committee will see. They will read it before looking at the application, which is why it should give an idea of who the applicant is, including his or her interests, goals, motivation as well as why the applicant would make a good fit for the college. Most colleges are looking for a certain type of student.
College Application Letter Template Sample
Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Head of Admissions
Name of College
Address of College
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Head of Admissions:
This letter is a formal request for admission to Name of College. I have looked at several colleges that offer Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Applications, and chose Name of College because of its commitment to its environmental program.
Your program is very extensive covering many more aspects of global warming than other colleges in this state. For example, you offer courses on the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Forest Stewardship Council and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design among other things.
My aim is to participate in forming government environmental policy, and believe that Name of College is the best option to prepare me for this challenge.
I have worked for the past two years in a waste management company and helped create innovative approaches to recycling certain items. Learning as much as I can about sustainable living in different aspects of commercial enterprises, will help me create fair and beneficial public policy.
My application form and all of the required document are enclosed. I hope for a favorable response from you. If you would like arrange an appointment or have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address. Thank you for your kind attention to my application.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
Enclosure: Application Form, high school marks list, Advanced Placement scores, SAT scores and all other required information
By Andre Bradley
Note: A college application cover letter is the first document a college admission committee will see. They will read it before looking at the application, which is why it should give an idea of who the applicant is, including his or her interests, goals, motivation as well as why the applicant would make a good fit for the college. Most colleges are looking for a certain type of student.
College Application Letter Template Sample
Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Head of Admissions
Name of College
Address of College
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Head of Admissions:
This letter is a formal request for admission to Name of College. I have looked at several colleges that offer Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Applications, and chose Name of College because of its commitment to its environmental program.
Your program is very extensive covering many more aspects of global warming than other colleges in this state. For example, you offer courses on the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Forest Stewardship Council and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design among other things.
My aim is to participate in forming government environmental policy, and believe that Name of College is the best option to prepare me for this challenge.
I have worked for the past two years in a waste management company and helped create innovative approaches to recycling certain items. Learning as much as I can about sustainable living in different aspects of commercial enterprises, will help me create fair and beneficial public policy.
My application form and all of the required document are enclosed. I hope for a favorable response from you. If you would like arrange an appointment or have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address. Thank you for your kind attention to my application.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
Enclosure: Application Form, high school marks list, Advanced Placement scores, SAT scores and all other required information
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What should I include in my college application letter?
Answer: Your college application letter should include a brief introduction of yourself, your academic background, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work or volunteer experience. Highlight your achievements, strengths, and any challenges you've overcome. Explain why you are interested in the particular college and how you align with its values or programs. Finally, conclude with a strong closing statement that reiterates your interest and thanks the admissions committee for considering your application.
Q2: How long should my college application letter be?
Answer: A college application letter should typically be one page long. Admissions committees review numerous applications, so a concise, well-written letter is appreciated. Stick to the most relevant and impressive details without overloading the letter with information.
Q3: Can I use the same application letter for multiple colleges?
Answer: While you can use a similar structure or format for multiple colleges, it's essential to personalize each letter. Research each college and mention specific programs, faculty, or aspects of the college that attract you. Tailor your letter to show that you've thoughtfully considered why each college is a good fit for you.
Q4: How formal should my language be in a college application letter?
Answer: Your language should be formal and professional but not overly stiff. Use clear, concise language and avoid slang or overly casual phrases. It's important to maintain a respectful tone throughout the letter.
Q5: Should I mention my weaknesses in my college application letter?
Answer: It's not necessary to focus on your weaknesses. However, if there's a particular challenge or obstacle you've overcome that's relevant to your academic journey or personal growth, you can mention it. Frame it in a way that highlights your resilience, learning experience, and how it has prepared you for college.
Q6: How important is the opening of my college application letter?
Answer: The opening of your letter is crucial as it's your first chance to engage the reader's interest. Start with a strong opening sentence that introduces you in a compelling way. Avoid clichés and strive for an opener that reflects your unique voice and perspective.
Q7: Can I include humor in my college application letter?
Answer: While a touch of humor can be refreshing, it should be used cautiously. Make sure any humor is appropriate and doesn't distract from the main message of your letter. Remember, what's funny to you might not be amusing to others, so use humor sparingly and wisely.
Q8: How should I conclude my college application letter?
Answer: Conclude your letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the college and the program you're applying to. Thank the admissions committee for considering your application and express hope for a positive response. Keep the conclusion brief and to the point.
Answer: Your college application letter should include a brief introduction of yourself, your academic background, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work or volunteer experience. Highlight your achievements, strengths, and any challenges you've overcome. Explain why you are interested in the particular college and how you align with its values or programs. Finally, conclude with a strong closing statement that reiterates your interest and thanks the admissions committee for considering your application.
Q2: How long should my college application letter be?
Answer: A college application letter should typically be one page long. Admissions committees review numerous applications, so a concise, well-written letter is appreciated. Stick to the most relevant and impressive details without overloading the letter with information.
Q3: Can I use the same application letter for multiple colleges?
Answer: While you can use a similar structure or format for multiple colleges, it's essential to personalize each letter. Research each college and mention specific programs, faculty, or aspects of the college that attract you. Tailor your letter to show that you've thoughtfully considered why each college is a good fit for you.
Q4: How formal should my language be in a college application letter?
Answer: Your language should be formal and professional but not overly stiff. Use clear, concise language and avoid slang or overly casual phrases. It's important to maintain a respectful tone throughout the letter.
Q5: Should I mention my weaknesses in my college application letter?
Answer: It's not necessary to focus on your weaknesses. However, if there's a particular challenge or obstacle you've overcome that's relevant to your academic journey or personal growth, you can mention it. Frame it in a way that highlights your resilience, learning experience, and how it has prepared you for college.
Q6: How important is the opening of my college application letter?
Answer: The opening of your letter is crucial as it's your first chance to engage the reader's interest. Start with a strong opening sentence that introduces you in a compelling way. Avoid clichés and strive for an opener that reflects your unique voice and perspective.
Q7: Can I include humor in my college application letter?
Answer: While a touch of humor can be refreshing, it should be used cautiously. Make sure any humor is appropriate and doesn't distract from the main message of your letter. Remember, what's funny to you might not be amusing to others, so use humor sparingly and wisely.
Q8: How should I conclude my college application letter?
Answer: Conclude your letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the college and the program you're applying to. Thank the admissions committee for considering your application and express hope for a positive response. Keep the conclusion brief and to the point.