In this post we will be looking at the meaning of school application letter, types, how to write and the benefits of school application letter.
INTRODUCTION.
School application letter is a type of cover letter used to introduce an applicant to a committee reviewing school applications. A typical school letter of intent is comprised of a header, a salutation, the body, and the closing. The contents of the letter should include either the applicant’s personal story and/or academic and extra-curricular achievements and accolades. This letter is key to an application, as it sets the tone for the rest of the documents within the individual’s application. An admission letter mainly informs any school of your request and reasons to enter a university, secondary school, high school, or college. The Formal letter also informs student applicants of a declining reply or a detailed confirmation of acceptance in a private school. There are many uses for an admission simple letter. Students and educational institutions use this as a provisional request or notice for masters, nursing school, or hospital applications. Sometimes, it contains other content such as a guarantee, scholarships, and more.
WHAT IS SCHOOL APPLICATION LETTER?
A school application letter is used to introduce an applicant to the person or selection committee in charge of admissions. This letter can be used for private school admissions for students in grades kindergarten through 12 and for students seeking admission to an undergraduate program at the university level.
An application letter is written by a potential student or their guardian to a school administrator for consideration for admission to the school. This letter introduces a prospective learner to the admission committee of the institution. The letter takes a business format and is highly polite since it is the initial contact with the reviewer.
TYPES OF SCHOOL APPLICATION LETTERS.
There are different types of applications depending on the institution one is applying to. Here are the main types of school application letters:
- Junior school application letter: This is written mostly by the parent or guardian seeking admission to an elementary school for young learners.
- High school application letter: This is drafted by high school learners applying to be considered for admission to a high school.
- College application letter: This letter is written by a student seeking admission to a course in a college institution.
- Graduate school application letter: This is written by a person seeking to be considered for higher studies such as a master’s or doctorate program.
An application letter to a graduate school is mostly required where the application package is sent by mail. Otherwise, most graduate schools have an online application form requiring applicants to fill in their details. In most cases, a school application letter is accompanied by relevant documents including but not limited to:
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Transcripts
- Certificates
- Application form
- Recommendation letters
HOW TO WRITE SCHOOL APPLICATION LETTER. If you want your school application letter to stand out to the admissions committee, here are the steps to follow:
1. Address your letter. Start your letter by indicating your name and contact information such as:
- Your email address
- Phone number
- Physical address
- Home address
Beneath your contact information, indicate the day you are writing the letter. The date can take any format such as month-day-year or day-month-year. Leaving some space and just beneath the date, write the recipient’s address. You can write the recipient’s name or you can use their official title. If unsure of the name or title, you may need to do some simple research to find it online or by calling the school’s front desk. Keep in mind that writing the wrong recipient may create a false perception regarding your keenness for detail, so ensure you get it right.
2. Use proper salutation A school application letter is a formal document; thus, you should use a proper salutation. If you included a name in the address section, use the same name in the salutation. Likewise, if you decided to use their job title, use the same title in the salutation. The most common salutations are:
- Dear Ms./Mr./Mrs. (recipient’s surname)
- Dear (Admissions Coordinator, or the appropriate title)
- Dear Sir/Madam
- To Whom It May Concern
Using the recipients’ names builds rapport with the reviewer. However, the other three forms of salutation are also acceptable, albeit less personal.
3. Create a subject line Write a subject line to make the reviewer know at a glance what the letter is all about. The subject line should be brief. Example: Application for Admission to Music Major. If you are sending the application packet via email, repeat this line in the email subject.
4. Introduce yourself, your purpose and your interests Use this section to give an overview of yourself to the reviewer. Keep this paragraph concise but rich in relevant content that will attract the reader’s attention. Help your audience form an image of you after reading your compelling background. Here are some of the things you can mention in your introduction:
- The program you are applying for
- Why you are interested in the program
- Your background and why you stand out
- Why you are choosing that institution
The entire introduction should be no more than one paragraph in length. Keeping it under five lines is recommendable as the reviewer may not have the time to read through winding prose.
5. Highlight your skills and achievements It is important to go over your best achievements so you can stand out amongst other program applicants. Also be sure to link your achievements with the program. Mention your qualifications and skills to convince the reviewer why they should consider you for admission. Here are a few topics you can touch on:
- Test scores you have achieved
- Your hobbies and interests
- Any interpersonal skills you have
- Your leadership abilities
- Any work experience you have
- Your mentors or notable references you have worked with
- Recognition and awards you’ve received
Depending on the level of education you are applying for, tailor your letter to fit into the above checklist. If you are applying for a graduate school program, it might be a good idea to mention your research interests. However, this may not be relevant for someone applying for admission to a junior high school.
6. Reiterate your interest In this section, reiterate your interest in joining the program. Express a hopeful wish that you are deeply interested in joining the school to make your aspirations come true. Also, mention what value you would add to the school upon admission.
7.Thank the reviewer Express gratitude to the reviewer for reading your application letter. Invite them to read the rest of the application packet as well.
8. Closing salutation and sign Close your application letter with a professional salutation. Avoid excessively sentimental salutations as they could hurt your chances of admission. Remember the reviewer’s perception of your application letter is key in determining whether you move to the next stage of the process. Here are some effective salutations you can use:
- Sincerely
- Warm regards
- Respectfully yours
- After the closing salutation, leave some space and write your name. If you are sending hard copies, write your official signature in the space. If you are sending electronically, you might use a digital signature or leave it blank.
9. List the enclosures Beneath the closing salutation, list the documents enclosed with the application letter. It is advisable to include them in the order in which they are attached or enclosed. Crosscheck with the school requirements to ensure that you have enclosed all that is needed
10. Proofread and save Read through the application letter to identify any grammatical errors or poor formatting. Ask your friend to read over it as well to be certain the letter is perfect in all aspects. Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind:
- Use single-spaced text and block paragraphs
- Leave transitional black spaces between sections
- Align your letter to the left
- Use basic fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, size 10-12
You can then save and dispatch the letter along with the supporting documents through the recommended medium.
BENEFITS OF SCHOOL APPLICATION LETTER.
- Your resume is factual, your cover letter is personal
- It demonstrates your interest
- It shows you’ve done your research
- Will give them a taste of who you are.