This is the heart of your letter: the place to connect your background and interests to what the program offers. The way you do this will vary depending on whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
For Bachelor’s Applicants:
Most undergraduate applicants won’t have research or work experience—and that’s okay. Instead, focus on:
- What excites you about the subject
- Relevant school projects or coursework
- Extracurriculars or life experiences that reflect your curiosity, drive, or character
- Challenges you’ve overcome that shaped your interests or motivation
Example:
“Helping care for my younger siblings while my parents worked showed me how children’s emotional development is shaped by everyday interactions—sparking my desire to study psychology and better understand how minds grow and adapt.”
For Master’s Applicants:
Graduate programs expect more experience and focus. Highlight:
- Relevant academic projects or research
- Professional or volunteer experience
- Specific achievements or skills
- Your evolving goals in the field
Example:
“While working with an NGO in Nairobi, I led the data visualization of community health reports, which revealed patterns that helped direct aid more effectively. This experience cemented my passion for data-informed policy and led me to your MSc in Development Studies.”
Connect Your Strengths with Specific Program Features
Instead of listing general strengths, tie them to what the program offers. This works for both Bachelor’s and Master’s letters.
Examples:
- “Your program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, especially through the first-year project module, matches my love of team-based problem-solving.”
- “Building on my coursework in statistics and policy analysis, I’m excited about your program’s Data & Governance concentration.”
What to Include vs. Leave Out
Include:
- School achievements that show motivation
- Life experiences that connect to your field
- Personal growth or curiosity related to the subject
- Program-specific interests (courses, professors, projects)
Avoid:
- Hobbies that don’t support your goals
- Generic statements like “I’ve always been interested in this”
- Overly vague or sentimental language
Activity:
Choose the correct category for each item. Click on a box to select your answer — only the correct choice will be highlighted. If the box does not highlight, try again until you find the correct category.
Weaving in Program Details Naturally
Do your research (see earlier lesson!) and reference specific elements. Show how they align with your interests or experience.
Instead of:
“I want to study at your university because it’s highly ranked.”
Say:
“Your focus on social entrepreneurship, especially the Innovation Lab course, resonates with my desire to turn environmental ideas into real-world solutions.”
Show, Don’t Tell
Telling:
“I am passionate about public health.”
Showing:
“During high school, I volunteered at a community health drive where I helped organize check-ins for over 400 patients. It showed me how logistical systems impact health outcomes.”
