Graduate School Letter of Intent Template

A graduate school letter of intent (LOI) or statement of purpose is a written communication an aspiring student sends to an admissions committee when seeking acceptance to graduate school. This letter conveys the student’s purpose for applying, allowing the admissions committee to better understand their suitability for the program.

Table of Contents

• By Type
• Why Is a Graduate School Letter of Intent Important?
• Key Sections in a Letter of Intent for Graduate School
• What Do I Need to Apply to Graduate School?
• Tips When Applying to Grad School
• Graduate School Letter of Intent Example
• Sample Letter of Intent for Graduate School
• Frequently Asked Questions

By Type

Why Is a Graduate School Letter of Intent Important?

Explore some reasons why a graduate letter of intent is an essential aspect of applying for grad school:

• It highlights your communication abilities. The coursework in graduate programs is often very writing-intensive and requires collaboration with peers and faculty members. Whether you’re applying for a doctoral or master’s degree, an admissions committee wants to accept candidates with strong communication abilities and writing skills.
• It conveys your research interests. An LOI lets you tell the admissions committee about your research interests. If you convey them properly, the admissions committee may deduct that their program suits you well.
• It complements other application materials. An LOI lets you expand upon the information in your other application materials. You can use this letter as a more personal approach, explaining why you want to advance your education in a way other application materials may not allow.
• It communicates your interest in a particular school. This letter lets you explain why you’re applying for a specific school. For example, you may evaluate factors like the presence of a particular faculty member with deep expertise or the school’s research facilities or ongoing projects. An admissions committee may appreciate your unique reasoning if they can see the thought you’ve put into your decision.

Key Sections in a Letter of Intent for Graduate School

Header

Please adhere to formal business letter formatting when creating your letter. Include your name, address, and email in the top left-hand corner of the letter. Add the date on a separate line.

Follow this information with the graduate program director’s details, including their name and address. Visit the institution’s website to locate the program director’s name and address. You may address the school’s department if you can’t find the director’s name.

Introductory Paragraph

After a short salutation, begin writing your introductory paragraph. State who you are and briefly explain what you’re doing and what you’ve done in the past to qualify you to apply for entry into a graduate program.

Statement of Intent

Name the program and state the reason for applying. Incorporate your interests to create compelling reasons the admissions committee should admit you. Explain what factors drew you to the university or program.

Paragraph about Your Accomplishments

Summarize your academic history, including your undergraduate studies and extra coursework. Provide an overview of your professional achievements if you’ve spent time in the workforce. If you haven’t held a full-time position, you can elaborate on how your internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities have helped you develop relevant skills.

Paragraph about Your Goals

State your academic and professional goals. Your academic goals will relate to the topics you want to learn and why, while your professional goals will relate to what you hope to accomplish in your future career endeavors. You may give some insight into your personal background as well, stating how you’ll use your current knowledge and resources to accomplish your goals.

Concluding Paragraph

Use the concluding paragraph to reaffirm your interest in admission to the graduate school program. Thank the reader for their time and invite them to discuss your application and background further.

What Do I Need to Apply to Graduate School?

In addition to a compelling letter of intent, here are some other materials you may need to submit alongside a graduate school application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV records all your professional and academic accomplishments. Depending on your accomplishments so far, it may include a list of your education, work experience, research experience, presentations, publications, professional memberships, and grant work.
• Undergraduate Transcripts: A graduate school’s admissions department may request your undergraduate transcript to better understand your past academic performance.
• Recommendation Letters: Request a recommendation letter from a former professor or employer so they can speak to your ability to thrive in a graduate program.
• Admissions Tests: You may have to submit scores for standardized admissions tests. Depending on your desired program, the admissions committee may require your score from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• Application Fees: Prepare to pay the relevant application fee. It may range between $50 and $100, depending on the institution.

Tips When Applying to Grad School

Here are some tips to implement when applying to graduate school:

• Research potential schools and programs. Conduct research on various graduate schools, both locally and outside of your immediate area, to expand your options. Learn which ones have the resources that will let you accomplish your academic and career goals. Review each program’s curriculum structure and ongoing projects to see if they meet your needs.
• Consider applying to multiple schools. Submitting multiple applications to different schools and programs may increase your chances of admission.
• Prepare in advance. Prepare your statement of purpose and other application materials early so you can meet all appropriate submission deadlines.
• Personalize your letter of intent. Include a personal statement or a personal story to emphasize your passion for your specific field. These inclusions can also highlight relevant qualities and skills, adding depth to your letter. This depth may create a more convincing case for your acceptance.
• Have a trusted colleague review your letter. Ask a fellow student or professor to review your letter before you submit it. They can assess its formatting and flow to ensure it reads well. They can also ensure you adequately summarize your experience and emphasize the most important points.

Graduate School Letter of Intent Example

Here is an example letter of intent from a student applying for graduate school:

Cynthia Drake
Tampa, Florida
[email protected]

May 12, 2024

Admissions Committee
University of South Florida
USF Health

Dear Admissions Committee Members,

I’m writing to express my strong interest in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of South Florida. With a dedicated focus on improving population health through evidence-based practices and policy initiatives, I believe your esteemed institution will provide an ideal environment for my graduate studies.

My academic journey in health sciences began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Promotion from Purdue Global. During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in health behavior theory, biostatistics, and epidemiology, which ignited my passion for addressing public health challenges.

Beyond academics, I have gained valuable experience through internships and volunteer roles. As an intern at Partners in Health, I collaborated on community needs assessments and developed health education programs for underserved populations. These experiences enhanced my analytical skills and deepened my understanding of health equity and its role in effective public health interventions.

Additionally, my involvement with the Purdue Student Branch of the Health Physics Society allowed me to organize public health workshops, engage communities, and promote health literacy among diverse groups. These experiences confirmed my desire to pursue a career in public health and equipped me with practical skills for graduate-level study.

I’m particularly drawn to the University of South Florida for its renowned faculty in global health, innovative research initiatives, and commitment to translating research into actionable policies. I’m eager to explore topics such as infectious diseases and global health policy and governance within your program.

Post-MPH, I aspire to specialize as a public health policy analyst focusing on infectious diseases. I’m driven by a passion for advancing health equity and achieving sustainable health outcomes.

I’m confident that the MPH program at the University of South Florida will provide the mentorship and training I need to achieve my professional goals. I look forward to contributing to your academic community and collaborating with faculty and peers on pressing public health issues.

Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my dedication and skills to the University of South Florida and contribute positively to its mission. I eagerly anticipate hearing from you to discuss my application further.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Drake

Sample Letter of Intent for Graduate School

Download a graduate school letter of intent template in PDF or Word format below:

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Frequently Asked Questions