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College Admission Application Letter

A college admission application letter is a professional letter a student writes to send to a college with their college application. Writing a college admission application letter is a great way to make your college admission application stand out in the highly competitive application process. Write your letter in a professional format and tone and double-check for errors.

You want your letter to stand out for the right reasons , not because it contains errors! A well-written letter should explain why you feel you are a good fit at the college and detail your best points.

How to Write a College Admission Application Letter

Before applying for college admission, it is essential to do detailed research about college. Collect the data and sort it out in a list before submitting an admission application letter to the college. Here is a quick guide with sample letters to help you in writing your application.

Create a List of Your Qualities

• Grade Point Average
• Extracurricular Activities
• Class Government
• Pom, Cheer-leading, Drill Team
• Acting, Debate
• Community Service

Do Some Research

Find out what qualities your target college prefers in their students. Decide in what ways you fit the qualities your target college prefers. Outline those qualities on a separate piece of paper.

Find the name of the college admissions representative’s name to whom you should address your letter. Personalization is key to making yourself stand out. Writing a letter addressing “To Whom it May Concern” is inappropriate for any professional letter. It’s a good way to get your letter tossed into a dust bin, however.

Writing your Letter

Your goal is to be a step above applicants who do not think to write a letter. You need to discuss why you feel the college is a good choice. How does the specific program in which you want to enroll fit your future career plans? How will you represent the college as a student and future alumnus? These are the thing a college wants to know about you, so determine your goals and prepare to express them clearly.

Parts of Application Letter for College Admission

These are the specific parts you should include in your college admissions application letter:

• Your Full Name, Address
• College Name, Address
• Introduction
• Why you want to attend college, you are applying to
• Your academic interests
• How the college fits your interests and goals
• Why you are a great candidate to consider
• Personal connections to the college: Did any relatives or friends attend? Is the college in your hometown?
• Explanation of how the college will receive your application: Is it enclosed? Will you send it at a later date?
• Request for admission to the college
• Complimentary close
• Name – Signature
• Your Contact Details

College Admission Application Letter Format

Here is the basic format of a college admissions application letter. Note: You can center your personal information at the top of the page to make it stand out if you would like.

{your full name, as written on your college application}

{your address}

{college admissions representative’s name}

{college name}

{college address}

Dear {Admission representative’s name}:

{Use this space to discuss why you have chosen this college to apply to attend. Did you take a tour? Has it been a long-term goal?} {Use the next few lines to discuss why you feel the academic program fits your career goals.} {Wrap up this paragraph with a strong statement about your determination to succeed at this college and your career.}

{Here, discuss why you are a good fit for the college. Match those qualities you found in your research. Highlight the qualities that make you a great candidate.}

{Here re-emphasis your conviction that you are a great student for the college to consider.} {Explain how you are sending your application – is it attached or coming later?}

{Thank the college for their time and consideration. Express your interest in speaking with them about your future attendance. Offer your telephone number and your email address.}

{your signature}

{your name}

Sample College Admission Application Letter

Here is a sample letter based on the format above. You can use this sample to help you understand how to write your perfect college admissions application letter.

Elizabeth Ann Montgomery

2000 South Meridian Avenue

Los Alamos, NM 89776

March 22, 2039

Mrs. Janice Emory

University of Olympia

2008 South Livingston Place

Los Alamos, NM 89779

Dear Mrs. Emory:

My goal to attend the University of Olympia became a driving force in my high school years. I have lived in Los Alamos since I was young, and I have always dreamed of attending my hometown university. I have always wanted to teach History and the Humanities at the University level, and Olympia’s history and art history programs are highly acclaimed. I am certain these amazing programs are key to my future success as an educator.

As you can see from my academic records and my test scores, excellence has always been my highest priority. I have spent the last two years serving in my class government. This has allowed me to participate in making my graduating class successful at helping younger students prepare for higher education. My fellow classmates and I tutored students who needed some extra help to succeed. In addition, I have been active in my school’s drama and debate programs for three years.

I believe my skills and experiences have prepared me to succeed at the University of Olympia. I have no doubt I will represent Olympia well in debate teams and conferences. I look forward to adding to Olympia’s reputation of producing leaders in the fields of education and history. I am excited to enclose my application to the University of Olympia.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon regarding my future at the University of Olympia. I can be reached at (918) 999-3558 or at montgomeryeli @ email . com.

Your goal is to encourage your target college to consider you for admissions. Pitch your best qualities in your letter. Write in a professional but upbeat tone, and express your excitement to attend. Always be certain your application letter is double-checked for errors. This is the beginning of your career, so display your qualities in a way that will get your application noticed!

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Application Letter Samples for College Admission

All the aspirants who want to get admission to the college have to write a college admission application letter in which they make a humble request to the principal of the college to give admission to that aspirant who has written the application. 

What is the purpose of writing the college admission application letter?

There is a particular procedure to follow whenever a candidate wants to enroll in an educational institute. Some colleges require the aspirants to write an admission letter as it provides more details regarding the candidate as compared to the conventional form that is filled out at the time of admission. 

What is the purpose of the college admission application letter?

The purpose of writing the admission letter to the college is to approach the head of the college directly and let him know about the candidate. This letter is the best opportunity for a student to represent himself as a passionate student whose urge to get higher education is impeccable. 

As a matter of fact, a college admission letter is the best opportunity for students to prove that they are capable of making a difference in society with their education. If you can write an effective letter, you can easily manage to stand out from the crowd. 

How to write an application letter to a college?

Following are some key points:

Get the information about the college’s requirements:

Before you start writing the application, you should get information about the basic requirements of the college. Write the application letter tailored to the needs of the college. You should know the eligibility criteria so that you can write this letter and claim that you are eligible and deserve to get admission. 

State why you want to apply:

When you write an application letter for getting enrolled in a college and express your interest, the reader would always like to know why you want to take admitted because they want only those aspirants to get enrolled in the college who have a clear vision and purpose and who want to make a difference to the society with the degree they want to earn. Make sure that you are realistic when you are stating the purpose of getting admission. 

Give details about yourself:

This application letter is usually considered the best opportunity for a candidate to get admission because he can express himself in such a way that he can prove that he is passionate and enthusiastic. The candidate can discuss all those details that he thinks can help him convince the reader into giving him admission. 

Here, the candidate should explain his academic background briefly, all the co-curricular activities he has taken part in, the voluntary work the student has done, and much more. These all details can help a candidate prove that he stands out. 

Conclude the letter carefully:

If a reader receives so many applications, it would be very difficult for him to read the entire letter. In this situation, he will read the conclusion to make a decision. So, conclude the entire letter in at least five lines and draft it in such a way that the reader comes to know everything about your profile. 

Show gratitude at the end and let the reader know that you are waiting for the college to come up with a positive response. 

Read the sample letter given below to know how to write an effective letter. 

Sample college admission application letter:s

Date: 

The principal, Name of the college, 

Name of the student:

Subject: Admission applicatio n for [XYZ]

Respected sir, 

Through this letter, I would like to express my interest in ABC College as after thorough research, I have come to realize that this college is the most suitable college for me. I have read various reviews about this college and due to the high ranking and excellent reviews from alumni; I have decided to enroll myself in ABC College. 

I am aiming at completing my master’s in software engineering from ABC College. After completing my post-graduate program, I am confident that I will be able to make the right career choice after completing this study program and excel in my area of education.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Regards, 

Signatures 

Letter File 55 KB

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• Letter to Employer Requesting Mental Health Accommodation
• Letter Requesting Reference Check Information
• Letter Requesting Salary Certificate
• Letter Requesting Recommendation from Previous Employer
• One Hour Off Permission Letter to HR
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• Advice Letter to Subordinate on Effective Communication

College Application Cover Letter Examples

As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

When you are applying for college admission, it's important to do everything possible to make sure your application really stands out. Sending a cover letter in support of your application materials can be a great way to capture admissions officers' attention in a positive way while also giving them a chance to learn a bit about your personality and unique circumstances.

Example Cover Letter Templates for College Applications

You can use a cover letter whether you are applying via the Common Application or if you are submitting an individual admission packet. Choose the sample letter below that best fits your needs and adjust it to convey key highlights of why you should be considered for admission. To access each letter, simply click the image. It will open as an editable PDF file that you can customize, save and print. This guide for Adobe printables can be of assistance if you need help with the documents.

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Sample Cover Letter for College Application Packets

If you are submitting a school-specific applicant packet, include the letter with all of your other materials (such as your application form, essay, and application fee).

Example Cover Letter to Pair With the Common App

If you are using the Common App, also known as the Common Application, you may still want to send an individualized cover letter to the schools that you're most interested in attending. Consider sending your cover letter to each school's admissions representative at the same time you complete your Common App, or even a few days before.

Writing Your College Application Cover Letter

While the samples here are great starting points, you will need to adjust them to focus on your specific situation. You will need to include:

• Why you want to attend this particular school
• What your academic interests are
• How the school is a good fit for your academic interests and long-term goals
• How your background and future interests make you a great candidate to consider
• Any special connections you have to the school (i.e., do you have relatives who graduated from the school?)
• Details on how the other components of your application packet will be received
• A specific request to consider you for admission
• Details on how to contact you

Stand Out to College Admission Officers

A well-written cover letter can be a terrific add-on to your college application package. Not everyone will think to send this kind of document, so it just might help you stand out among the other applicants. Of course, a poorly written letter can have the opposite effect. So, be sure that your letter follows an appropriate business letter format, really presents you in a positive light, is well-written, and error-free .

Effective & Hassle-Free Letter for College Admission (Free Samples)

When my niece first asked me to help with her college admission letter, I wasn’t entirely sure how to guide her. After writing dozens of these letters for family, friends, and even acquaintances over the years, I’ve developed a systematic approach that not only saves time but also produces impressive results. 

In this article, I’ll share my tips, personal insights, and three unique sample letters to help you craft a standout admission letter.

College Admission Letter Generator

Disclaimer: This tool generates a sample college admission letter. Please ensure that you review and edit it for accuracy and personalization.

Key Takeaways

My approach to writing college admission letters, 1. understand the purpose.

A college admission letter is more than a formality—it’s a chance to make a case for why the applicant deserves a place. Think of it as a story that reveals the individual’s unique journey, strengths, and aspirations.

2. Conduct a Quick Interview

Before drafting the letter, I always “interview” the applicant. Here are the key questions I ask:

• What motivates you to apply to this college or program?
• What are your biggest achievements or challenges?
• How do you see this program shaping your future?
• Are there specific professors, values, or opportunities that inspire you?

This process not only personalizes the letter but ensures that every sentence resonates with authenticity.

3. Structure the Letter

I follow a tried-and-tested structure:

• Introduction: A compelling opening that grabs attention.
• Middle Paragraphs: A detailed account of achievements, skills, and alignment with the college’s values.
• Conclusion: A confident yet humble closing, reaffirming enthusiasm for admission.

Personal Insights: Common Mistakes to Avoid

From experience, I’ve noticed these pitfalls that can derail an otherwise good letter:

• Generic content: Avoid copying templates without customization.
• Overuse of clichés: Admissions officers read thousands of “passionate” and “dedicated” applicants.
• Too much focus on academics: While grades matter, colleges also value personality, leadership, and extracurriculars.

Three Unique Sample Letters

Sample 1: stem enthusiast’s application.

Introduction: Growing up in a household of engineers, I’ve always been curious about how things work. The first time I disassembled a clock, I was 10 years old. That curiosity has since evolved into a passion for robotics and artificial intelligence, leading me to your cutting-edge program in Computer Science.

Middle Paragraphs: During high school, I founded a robotics club, leading our team to win the regional championship. I’ve also completed advanced courses in Python and machine learning through online platforms, applying these skills to a local community project that optimized resource allocation for a food bank.

Your college’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly through the [Insert Relevant Research Lab Name], aligns perfectly with my goals. I’m eager to contribute to such an environment.

Conclusion: Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited about the prospect of joining your vibrant academic community and am committed to contributing meaningfully.

Sample 2: Overcoming Adversity

Introduction: Three years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when my family relocated to a new country. Adapting to a new culture while excelling academically was challenging, but it taught me resilience and adaptability—qualities I believe will make me a valuable addition to your student body.

Middle Paragraphs: Despite the initial struggle, I quickly immersed myself in my new environment, becoming president of the multicultural club and organizing events that celebrated diversity. Academically, I maintained a 4.0 GPA while working part-time to support my family.

Your commitment to fostering an inclusive campus resonates deeply with me. The chance to contribute to initiatives like [Insert College Program] excites me as someone passionate about cultural exchange.

Conclusion: Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to the opportunity to grow, learn, and share my unique perspective at your esteemed institution.

Sample 3: Creative Arts Advocate

Introduction: Since the age of five, I’ve been captivated by the power of storytelling. Whether through painting, writing, or directing school plays, I’ve found creative expression to be both my refuge and my passion. It’s this passion that draws me to your esteemed program in Fine Arts.

Middle Paragraphs: At [Current School], I spearheaded a student art exhibit that raised $5,000 for local charities. My artwork has been featured in state-level competitions, and I’ve interned with a nonprofit to teach art therapy workshops for at-risk youth.

Your college’s emphasis on merging creativity with community impact—especially through initiatives like [Insert Program Name]—is precisely why I’m so drawn to your institution.

Conclusion: I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey and excited about the prospect of contributing to your artistic community.

Pro Tips for Writing Your Letter

From my experience:.

• Use Active Verbs: Words like “spearheaded,” “collaborated,” and “achieved” are more engaging than passive phrases.
• Tailor Every Letter: Admissions officers notice when you genuinely connect with their program.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying “I’m a leader,” mention a project where you led a team successfully.

Key Details to Include:

Final thoughts.

Writing a college admission letter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a structured approach, a focus on authenticity, and attention to detail, you can create a letter that truly stands out. Remember, this is your chance to tell your story—so make it count!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a College Application Letter? 

Answer : A College Application Letter is a document that a student submits to a college or university as part of their application for admission.  The letter typically provides information about the student’s academic background, extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and other factors that make them a good candidate for admission.

Q: What should be included in a College Application Letter? 

Answer : A College Application Letter should include the student’s name, contact information, and the name of the college or university they are applying to. 

It should also provide information about the student’s academic background, including their GPA, test scores, and any relevant coursework or academic achievements. 

Additionally, the letter should highlight the student’s extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and other factors that make them a good candidate for admission.

Q: How long should a College Application Letter be? 

Answer : The length of a College Application Letter can vary, but it is generally recommended that the letter be no longer than one page. The letter should be concise, well-organized, and easy to read.

Q: What is the purpose of a College Application Letter? 

Answer : The purpose of a College Application Letter is to provide the college or university with information about the student that is not included in other parts of the application, such as transcripts and test scores. 

The letter is an opportunity for the student to showcase their personality, interests, and achievements, and to demonstrate why they would be a good fit for the college or university.

Q: How important is a College Application Letter in the admissions process? 

Answer : A College Application Letter can be an important factor in the admissions process, as it provides the college or university with additional information about the student that is not included in other parts of the application. 

The letter can help the student stand out from other applicants and demonstrate why they would be a good fit for the college or university. However, the weight placed on the letter can vary depending on the specific college or university and their admissions process.

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College Application Letters: Cover Letters & Letters of Continued Interest

College application letters.

College application cover letters support your college applications, college resume, and college application essay prompts. In combination with the other elements of your college applications, particularly your college entrance essay, college application letters help establish your “why.” In short, a college application letter is a cover letter for your college applications that describes your background, skills, and interest in the school. When looking at college application cover letter examples, pay attention to the values that they express. College application letters and college entrance essays are similar in that they are exercises in personal branding. When reading college application cover letter examples, pay attention to the messages they convey. 

If you’re wondering how to write a college application letter, CollegeAdvisor.com has advisors who can walk you through every part of the process. If your goal is to get into top colleges, CollegeAdvisor.com can help. We’ll analyze examples of college application letters and discuss the letter of continued interest to help you craft successful applications. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the different kinds of college application letters you may encounter when completing your college applications. We’ll discuss the college application letter and the letter of continued interest, as well as teacher recommendation letters.

If you want to read college application cover letter samples, you’ve come to the right place!

What is a college application letter?

To learn how to write a college application letter, you must first understand its purpose. Do this by checking out college application cover letter examples. College application letters and college resumes serve as introductions for your college applications. Unlike college application essay prompts, there are no specific questions to answer in your cover letter. Instead, include the essential elements of university application letters: your background, what makes you unique, and your reasons for wanting to attend that particular college. In short, what makes you, you .

As you’ll see when reading example college application letters, college application cover letters are not all that different from what you would write in a cover letter when applying for a job or graduate school. The purpose of college application cover letters, college entrance essays, and college resumes is to persuade colleges that you are the strongest candidate for admissions. 

College application cover letters are not the time to be shy, but they’re not the time to be pretentious either. When reading college application cover letter examples, you’ll see that there’s a fine line. Your tone matters. In your university application letters, show your experiences and accomplishments while portraying character traits that colleges value. To get into top colleges, find a balance between being proud of your accomplishments and being humble.

College application letters – Who requires them?

Unlike college entrance essays, college application letters are required by very few colleges. However, the skills you’ll develop by writing university application letters will serve you well as you approach your college application essay prompts. When researching college application examples, you’ll notice that there are optional materials to submit. If you’re serious about your college applications, submit university application letters to show your interest. 

College application cover letters are particularly effective if the college does not have college application essay prompts that ask you to explain why you want to attend the school and/or why you want to study your major. They are even more strongly recommended when applying to colleges that don’t have any supplemental essays. You’ll see many college application cover letter examples that focus primarily on academics, but you can include so much more.

Though university application letters are rarely required, they provide an ideal way to introduce yourself. After all, you’ll notice when reading college application cover letter samples that the goal is to help the admissions committee get to know you as a person. You are more than just your grades and scores.

If you want to get into top colleges that don’t allow you to submit a college resume or don’t provide interviews, you need to take extra steps to earn acceptance. Often, you can repurpose content from college application essay prompts that ask why you want to study your major! The college application essay format differs from that of a college application letter, but they serve a very similar purpose.

Test your knowledge about other aspects of the college admissions process in our quiz below!

What is a letter of continued interest?

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a letter you send to a college when you are deferred or placed on the waitlist. So, not everyone will need to write a college application letter of continued interest.

Your letter of continued interest has three primary goals: 

• Reaffirm your interest in the school.
• Provide additional context for your application. 
• Discuss accomplishments on your college resume that have occurred since you submitted your application.

In this guide on how to write a college application letter, we discuss all forms of college application letters in detail. We’ll expand on the above goals to explain the strategies for writing effective letters.

Explaining teacher recommendation letters 

In addition to submitting a college application cover letter and, potentially, a letter of continued interest, your application will also include recommendation letters . These letters enhance your college application entrance essay and build on answers to supplemental college application essay prompts. 

Due to the shift away from standardized testing, other parts of your college applications are inevitably getting more attention in the evaluation process. When assessing your college applications, admissions committees will often rely on letters from your teachers and counselor in place of interviews.

When reading sample college application letters of recommendation, you’ll observe that some are better than others. But, it can be a bit harder to find example teacher recommendations than it is to find college application cover letter examples. To ensure high-quality letters, create a plan well in advance of your senior year. You’ll want to ask teachers to write your recommendations who know you best beyond your grades. The strongest sample college application letters of recommendation speak to both your personal and academic strengths. 

College application sample recommendation letters with the biggest impact typically come from teachers from your core junior year courses – math, science, English, and social studies. If there’s a teacher from your junior year who taught you during your sophomore or senior year too, even better! Teachers who know you through multiple environments – clubs, classes, sports, or other areas – can often do the best job speaking to your growth and achievement over time. 

Choose teachers who know you best

Ultimately, the most effective sample college application letters of recommendation are written by the teachers who know you best. Pay attention to the college application requirements for each school on your list. Note when reading example college application letters of recommendation who the intended audience is. Some schools require math or science teachers for STEM and business majors , while others require English or social studies teachers for humanities majors .

For example, when looking at college application sample requirements, MIT writes “One recommendation should be from a math or science teacher, and one should be from a humanities, social science, or language teacher.” Caltech also requires one math or science teacher evaluation and one humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation. 

Some applicants are tempted to send more letters than the college applications require. However, aim for quality over quantity. If you want to ask another teacher to write a recommendation letter for you, ask yourself what perspective they will bring to your college applications that isn’t already covered in your college entrance essay or other recommendation letters. 

Don’t hesitate to provide materials to help your teachers and guidance counselor write their letters of recommendation for you. In fact, you should! When reading college application sample letters of recommendation, you’ll note that they are specific and provide examples where possible. Some teachers will even have you fill out a standard form to gather information from you. So, by having additional information already prepared, you are helping them tremendously. 

Here are some materials you can provide to help your recommendations augment your college applications:

• College entrance essay
• College resume or a list of your extracurricular activities and awards
• Responses to college application essay prompts.
• A sample college application letter that you’re sending to one of your colleges.
• A few paragraphs about why you want to study your major or pursue your intended career. 
• Key elements of the course you took with them, such as a favorite project or unit. 

When preparing materials to give to teachers, read the instructions given to recommenders by MIT. Even if you aren’t applying to MIT, the information can still be helpful to know. By understanding the process of writing recommendation letters on the teacher’s side, you can see what information will help them write a strong letter for you. 

Don’t wait until you’re submitting your college applications to ask your teachers for recommendations. Some teachers limit the number that they will write, and you want them to have plenty of time to write a quality recommendation. To make sure you have the best recommendations , ask teachers late in your junior year or early in your senior year.

The College Application Letter

As we’ve mentioned, a college application letter is a cover letter for your college applications. It describes your background, skills, and interest in the school. It’s different from both the college application essay format and the letter of continued interest. When reviewing college application samples, you’ll see that your cover letter works together with your college resume and college entrance essay to help admissions officers get to know you. 

Below, we’ll discuss how to write a college application letter and walk through a sample college application letter. But remember, you want your letter to be original! Don’t feel limited by what’s in any examples of college application letters.

Do all schools require a college application letter?

No — few schools actually require college application letters. However, learning to write a strong college application letter can help you in other aspects of the college admissions process. Reading college application cover letter examples can also help you learn how to write for the admissions committee audience. 

One of the ways to learn how to write a college application letter is to read sample college application letters. For instance, the same skills that help you write a strong and concise college application letter will help you in the college essay format, too.

The college application letter – What should I include?

So, you know the purpose of college application letters, but what should you include in them? Reading college application cover letter samples can help you determine this. While the college application essay format lends itself to focusing on one topic or story, college application cover letter examples highlight the importance of covering several different topics.

College application letters should contain the following elements: 

1. school name and address.

You college application letter should follow formal letter formatting guidelines, which include writing the full name of the college or university you are applying to in the upper left hand corner of the letter. Try to be as specific as possible with the address you choose to use.

2. Salutation

A standard salutation is suitable for your college application letter. However, it is a great idea to do your research and use the full name of the admissions officer assigned to your region.

3. Introduction

The best examples of college application letters open strong. Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application, and introduce yourself. Do you have a unique connection to the school? Can you hook the reader in some way to make them want to keep reading?

4. Explanation of academic interests

Your primary purpose in college is to earn a degree, so notice that in example college application letters most of the space is often devoted to discussing academic plans. Include your intended major and career path, as well as interdisciplinary interests.

5. Discussion of extracurricular interests

The college application essay format may be a place for you to discuss extracurricular involvement, so use this space to elaborate or discuss additional interests. These could be connected to your academic plans, but they don’t have to be.

6. Conclusion

Express your interest in the school! Impactful example college application letters have a clear and brief conclusion that reaffirms your desire to attend and enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the next class of undergraduates. Point to specific classes, professors, programs, organizations, and aspects of the college that pique your interest. No one is going to hold you to your plan, but colleges want to see that you have one.

8. Complimentary Close

Lastly, every good college application letter should include an expression of gratitude alongside your close and your signature.

In the example of a college application letter above, there are a few key details to highlight. The letter is essentially a five-paragraph essay, with one paragraph for each of the five elements. This differs significantly from the college application essay format. In this college application example, the college application letter has clear and distinct sections, and this is very common in college application cover letter samples.

Depending on your interests and plans, you could take a more integrated approach. You’ll read some examples of college application letters that center around a theme or broad plan rather than separated into individual paragraphs.

This sample college application letter is a narrative. The applicant’s goal is to tell her story to the admissions committee. The best sample college application letters paint a picture for the reader and draw the reader into the storyline. Though it can feel like being vivid and descriptive is a waste of your space, “showing instead of telling makes for stronger college applications.

How to format your college application letter?

When reading sample college application letters, you’ll observe that they are formatted very similarly to professional cover letters. Your university application letters should be one page single-spaced. The heading should also be consistent across college application letters. 

• Your full address
• The date you will send the letter
• The admission officer’s name
• The college name
• The college address

Then, open your letter with a salutation. Many examples of college application letters open with “Dear” and are addressed to the admission officer. If you cannot find your regional admissions officer, it is fine to address the letter to the admissions office as was done in the sample college application letter above. Once you write the body of your letter, don’t forget your closing salutation – “Sincerely,” and then your name. 

Once you read several sample college application letters, you’ll understand the best practices. After writing a university application letter for one school, you don’t need to start from scratch for additional schools. Adapt what you have to fit the next college’s context and your specific interests on their campus. 

Being concise is key. Your university application letter should not be redundant. If it exceeds one page, see where information you mention is repeated elsewhere in your application. In your cover letter, focus on the content that makes you as original and unique as possible. Most importantly, don’t forget to proofread your university application letters! 

Can a college application letter help me with other parts of my application?

Think of the college application cover letter as the glue that holds your college applications together. When writing it, think about it as your opportunity to show your best self. After brainstorming the content, you’ll be better equipped to craft your candidate profile into a cohesive narrative and articulate why you want to attend the college.

Though many parts of your college applications will be out of your control by the time you reach your senior fall, the college application cover letter is one that you can control. Use it to elevate your college applications, show interest in your top schools , and make yourself stand out among other applicants!

The Letter of Continued Interest

Another form of college application letter is a letter of continued interest . In sample college application letters of continued interest, you’ll see that the primary purpose is to reaffirm your candidacy for a spot in the next incoming class of undergraduates. 

Though it can feel like a waiting game, the waitlist should not be passive. As soon as you are waitlisted or deferred, begin crafting a letter of continued interest. The best college application sample LOCIs are submitted promptly. Put in the effort to show you’re serious about attending. 

College application example LOCIs should focus on recent updates. Likely, a lot has happened since you submitted your application, particularly if you applied by the early deadlines. Strong college application sample LOCIs convey accomplishments and experiences that either add to previously mentioned ones or provide another dimension to your application. 

Letter of continued interest – When and where to submit?

Learn as much as you can by reading college application example LOCIs, but know that each school’s process for when and how to submit them is different. Additionally, the process may vary based on whether you were deferred to the regular decision round of admissions or waitlisted after the regular decision round. It’s important to follow each university’s directions.

Many schools will request that you upload your letter of continued interest to a portal. Some will request that you email it to an address – typically the admissions office. Others won’t allow you to submit any additional materials. If you’re in doubt, call or email the admissions office and ask. 

What to include in your letter of continued interest?

You’ll notice common trends when reading college application sample LOCIs. Effective college application example LOCIs convey a tone of sincerity, gratitude, and enthusiasm for an opportunity to attend. A strong sample college application letter of continued interest includes four elements. 

First, reaffirm your interest in attending the school if offered the chance to matriculate. Then, discuss relevant developments to your application, such as additional extracurricular accolades and continued academic successes. Sometimes, you’ll see a sample college application letter of continued interest that mentions how a student improved a lower mid-year grade or discusses a new leadership role. 

When reading a sample college application letter of continued interest, remember that colleges are looking for reasons to admit you, so don’t be shy! Offer to answer any questions they have and provide additional info in the conclusion of your letter. 

It’s important to back up your claims with supporting evidence. Strong college application sample LOCIs provide examples and specific details, just as you would in a cover letter or essay. Be vivid and descriptive as you share your story!

However, college application example LOCIs that include overly emotional appeals or merely complement the university are unlikely to be effective. Your letter of continued interest should be all about you. Though it can be difficult to realize this when reading college application example LOCIs, recognize that the content of your letter should fit within the context of the rest of your application. 

The many types of college application letters – Final Thoughts

In this guide, we covered several types of letters associated with your college process – college application cover letters, teacher recommendation letters, and letters of continued interest. Reading sample college application letters, whether they are college application cover letter samples or LOCIs, can help you do your best work. But, remember that every applicant’s college application process is unique. 

Our final tips for writing college application letters:

• Proofread. College application letters with typos or grammatical errors reflect poorly on your effort and candidacy. Use a polished and professional tone in everything you write for your college applications.
• Be yourself. Though this goal can get lost in the requirements, scores, and grades, you should focus on helping the colleges on your list get to know who you are . 
• Follow the requirements. Each college has their own requirements for how they want you to submit materials. Pay close attention to the details for each college as you go through the admissions process. 

CollegeAdvisor.com can help guide you through every step of the college application process. Check out our blog , webinars , or register with CollegeAdvisor.com today. Good luck!

This guide to college application letters and letters of continued interest was written by Caroline Marapese, Notre Dame ‘22. At CollegeAdvisor, we have built our  reputation  by providing comprehensive information that offers real assistance to students. If you want to get help with your college applications from CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts , click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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