Writing academic letters of intent is a common occurrence in higher education.
In the field of academia, you may be called upon to write a letter of intent, or "statement of purpose." These are especially required when applying to an academic program or asking for grant funding. This letter offers your reviewer the opportunity to understand your academic goals and achievements. When developing your letter of intent, you want to be sure it is clear and to the point, but demonstrates your value to the institution.
Instructions
1. Format your letter of intent in standard business letter format. In order to be considered for admission or funding, you will need to make sure your letter is sent to the right person. If necessary, call the organization and ask for the specific name and title of the person your letter should be addressed to.
2. Introduce yourself to your reader. Detail the education you have received thus far and what you are asking for in this letter. Explain what you want to study and why it would benefit the institution. If you have already met the person you are writing to, include this towards to beginning to grab interest and help jog the reader's memory.
3. Describe the motivators that led up to your chosen field of study. This is your opportunity to give your reader a little background of who you are, why you want to be involved with this particular program and what you have to offer the institution.
4. Detail why you are best suited for this particular program. Use this space to talk yourself up, but keep it relevant to the topic at hand. If you are a high school student applying to college, you may include details that show you are a well-rounded student. If you are applying for a graduate level program or looking for funding, avoid any "fluff" by keeping your details exclusively relevant to your request.
5. Compliment the institution wherever possible. Demonstrate your understanding of the institution and why you would be the right fit. This shows that you have specific interest in the institution or department you are applying to be involved with, while demonstrating that you would be the right fit.
6. Edit and revise as needed. In order to leave your best lasting impression with the reader and improve your chances of having your request approved, you will need to be sure your letter is free of any redundancies or typographical errors which may question your legitimacy as a candidate.
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