Graduate SchoolLetters of Intent

Caitlin Henke, MACareer Development FacilitatorCareer Services

Letters of Intent Also known as:

Letter of introductionPersonal

statement/essayStatement of

professional interests Statement of career

goals

Self-Evaluation

What are my motivations for going? How do I fit with this program/ School What do I know about this

program/faculty/research Short and long term career goals? Is an advanced degree a necessary pre-

requisite for achieving my goals?

The MAPS Tool MAPS is a tool to help you through the writing

process. It is a tool for thinking, planning, writing, evaluating, and reflecting.ModeAudiencePurposeSituation

Mode

What are the characteristics of a letter of intent?

Are there conventions or standards for the formal features of a letter of intent? What format would be most effective?

How might you organize/structure your document?

Does it have a title? What language is most appropriate?

Audience You can write a more effective letter of

intent if you have a clear understanding of the audience we are writing for.

Who will read your letter of intent?

In most cases, we're talking about faculty who teach in the program that you're applying to.

How much do you know about the department to which you are applying? Do your research!

AUDIENCE, CONT’D What do we know about their expectations

for your letter of intent?

What do they hope to learn from it?

How does it factor into their decision-making process?

Purpose What is the purpose of a letter of intent?

If you're trying to convince someone of something, what is it?

Again, put yourself in your reader’s position—What is the department’s purpose in asking you to submit this document?

PURPOSE, CONT’D What do you expect your letter of intent to

accomplish for you? What impression do you want to leave with

your reader(s)? How does the letter of intent function within

the application process? How does it relate to other materials, like

forms, cover letters, references, CV, etc.?

Situation Strategy

What do you know about the particular school and program you're applying to (that maybe other applicants may not know)?

What is it about your skill set, experience, or interests that sets you apart?

SITUATION, CONT’D Planning

What resources are available to you that might help you write your letter of intent?

How can you build in time for feedback and revision?

Logistics What are the university guidelines?When is your application due?

So what might a letter of intent look like? Introduction

Catchy example that shows your interest in the field Mention the program you are applying for

Supporting paragraphs detailing your background and skills that relate to the program Address questions they asked Summarize your qualifications and establish fit Detail your long term goals

Conclusion Tie together loose ends Reiterate your interest in the program

Challenges Find a way to make your story unique and

interesting.

Be specific. Don’t just say you will make a good speech pathologist—back this up with evidence from previous experience.

Create a first paragraph that will really hook the reader and keep their interest.

Things to Avoid Clichés and anecdotes, too much personal

information “I ’ve always wanted to help people” “I want to make a difference” Your goal is to convince the admissions committee that

you are serious about doing graduate level work.

Careless mistakes in grammar, spelling, typos

Making stuff up! Including experiences from high school Controversial subjects Don't be tempted to use the same letter for all

applications—your audience will know if you try this.

Strategies for Revision

You are writing to discover, so revision may be critical to weed out things that are less interesting or less relevant

Be sure you answer the question Be specific

Will the committee know enough about what you're writing about?

Will the committee feel bored or condescended?

Strategies for Revision

Managing length

Stay within length requirementCutting or expanding What's most important? What's

worth repeating? Think themes Think flow Think evidence

Strategies for Revision

Save everything Read it aloud

Awkward phrases or sentences Quality of writing reflects on you

Have someone else read it Writing must stand on its own Someone with experience in the field Someone with experience on admissions

committees

What Are They Looking For?

Academic rigor and knowledge/ability “Goodness of fit” for program Writing ability Goals relating to your career Focus and maturity Why this field of study? Unique characteristics Areas of interest

Last reminders A story that tells who you are and what you

have to offer Reflection of why you’re a fit and asset to

that particular program Indicator that you’ve done your research Be aware of what qualities your profession

values Gauge of your writing abilities/organization

ResourcesWe Can Help

www.career.unm.edu

Talk to an advisor at the Career Services Office

Make an appointment by calling 277-2531

Or stop in for walk-in hours (posted online)