Motivation letter templates and tips for writing it

StudyFans Date : 26 Apr 23

Most undergraduate courses, from bachelor's and beyond, expect a good number of applicants. It is not just about specifying the academic requirements and the forms to be filled in each course; most applicants will also be required to provide samples of their work and a resume and even take preparatory exams.

Many master's courses, especially those highly competitive, such as MBA, and scholarships, such as the Turkish scholarship, encourage applicants to obtain recommendation letters from senior colleagues or academic supervisors. The most challenging demand of this stack of documents is the motivation letter.

A motivation letter is one of the essential steps that will take you towards obtaining admission to international universities, as it is your opportunity to introduce yourself, in which you will be evaluated. It is required for admission by most scholarships.

What is a motivation letter / what is a letter of intent?

A motivation letter is a short content in which a person writes about his past, ambition, personality, and interests. It is a message formulated steadily and professionally for a person to present himself to the university, and therefore it must be ideal, well-produced, and effective for those who receive it.

How to write the motivation letter?

The following are important points recommended to give the motivation letter a formal and compelling trait: 

• You need to know what and where to apply. You address your letter to the person in charge, who will read it to find your motivation by which to classify you on the priority list for admission. So, speak directly in the opening paragraph in the usual salutation, often (Dear/Dear), (Mr./Ms.), or with a technical or academic nickname.
• Before writing the motivation letter, it is necessary to check the program requirements and the institution's website. You should be familiar with the three essential requirements for the concerned vacancy and explain how you are the best candidate.
• Show that you share the organization's values or that you are exceptionally qualified through a short story or some personal examples. Be specific because it has to do with the institution's identity and competitive advantage.
• In the motivation letter, you must clarify your passion and interest in getting accepted into the college or the academic program, and the formula must be characterized by reasonableness, with no insistence, which weakens the body of the motivation letter.
• Make sure that everything you mention is documented so as not to lose your acceptance when requesting certified documents.

1. Avoid repeating ideas and use a straightforward information delivery method.
2. Avoid using terms that make you hesitant or unsure about your information.
3. Do not make your letter too long. The reader may get bored.
4. Avoid using ready-made motivation letters. However, use them as an inspiration and then formulate the ideas in your style.
5. Avoid negative words.
6. Carefully check the name and position of the recipient.
7. Write persuasively, not deceptively.
8. Do not draw inferences, and remember that the reader will ask himself, "How will this profit me?"

Learn more about: How to begin studying in Turkey?

Ways to write a motivation letter?

The motivation letter is that motivational speech usually consists of one page, in which the writer acceptably presents himself and must take care of the sequence of ideas.

There are two main ways to write a motivation letter:

The first method

Using three main paragraphs. Namely, the introduction, body, and conclusion. This method makes the motivation letter as flow as telling a story.

The second method

Using 5-7 paragraphs, you divide the main paragraph (the body) into smaller paragraphs from 1 to 3 sentences according to the main points. This method is the most realistic, and it gets to the point, mainly since each primary paragraph can be used to discuss any of the required items specified in the motivation letter.

Motivation Letter Content

• Write the current address and the full date of the same day the letter is written on the top left of the page. The letter should not exceed one or two pages (500 words).
• Make sure that there are no spelling errors.
• The motivation letter is written in the same language determined by the scholarship or the letter's recipient.
• The self-presentation includes name, date of birth, country, place of study, languages, information about parents, as well as some information related to the technical, community, and voluntary matters in which the applicant works, and any other matters directly related to the specialization that the student intends to study.

Motives

• This part is the most critical part of the letter. It must explain why applying for the scholarship and choosing the university and city.
• Mentioning the knowledge and skills that the applicant has, the points that distinguish him, and his professional experience.
• Explaining in short and passionate words about the applicant's possession of scientific, cultural, and social excellence, focusing on the factors that convinced that the applicant is worthy of obtaining the grant/admission.
• Submitting the certified documents gives the impression that the applicant can succeed in the study. The documents include the academic grades -if they are distinct- and the student's ability to reach good grades -if his previous ones were less than the required. Mentioning the reasons and circumstances convincingly and succinctly while emphasizing the desire to obtain acceptance for the recipient of the letter.
• Including a paragraph about future projects related to the specialization to serve the development of the granting country or the mother country.
• The letter ends with thanks to the recipient for reading the application, mentioning the full name and signature in blue color only if necessary.

Note:

The content of the motivation letter varies from one scholarship to another. It must be compatible with the specialization and university to which it is applied (goals, vision, achievements).

Learn more about: How to Write a Recommendation Letter 2023?

How to format a motivation letter?

• It is vital to commit to the professional formats of the motivation letter. The following are some of them:
• Use a black color font.
• Use a professional font of size 12.
• Font type usually is "Arial" or "Times New Roman".
• Maximum 1-page length, A4 size, and about 2/3 full text.
• Set letter spacing to 1 on all sides of the page. Choose a professional layout and design.
• Keep the space between lines at least 1.5.
• Write your name slightly larger than the font size of the rest letter.
• Create a professional file title so the recipient can find your letter right away.
• Avoid abbreviations and technical terms.
• Always send your CV and motivation letter in PDF and put your name on the title.
• Have the motivation letter proofread by someone else before sending it.

What is the purpose of the motivation message?

It is important to focus on the motivation letter as it is the mean by which you can achieve the letter's goal. It highlights the personality, goals, and ambition of the writer, and the more professional the design and content are, the more opportunities will be targeted.

Why do we need a motivation letter?

Today, the motivation letter is one of the basic skills requested by academic institutions and universities. It is among the requirements of the student's first admission stage.

The motivation letter is often requested if applying for a master's or a doctoral degree.

The purpose behind the motivation letter must be mentioned to make the recipient clear. For example, applying for a scholarship, volunteer opportunity, training with a non-profit organization, etc.

It is recommended to get help from those with experience to write a professional letter and ensure the proper wording. Do not trust the electronic auto-correction. Check your letter by yourself, and then show it to someone else to check it for you.

Read more about: Your Guide for Master's in Turkey 2023

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