Many graduate programs require a letter of intent, also called a personal statement or a statement of purpose. There are several things to consider when constructing a letter of intent for a graduate school application. Frequently a graduate program will have specific questions that the graduate committee want answered in a statement of purpose or letter of intent. It is important to fully
. examine the application requirements fully. Generally a letter of intent allows the applicant to explain to the graduate selection committee why he or she is right for the program and why this is the right program for the applicant. The letter also ought to explain what the applicant intends to do with the sought degree. It allows the applicant an opportunity to express goals, strengths weaknesses, and expectations.Whether or not the graduate program the applicant is seeking entrance into requires specific questions to be addressed there are certain things that should always be included in a letter of intent. This is the only place the applicant gets to address the committee directly, and therefore this is the ideal place to explain possible anomalies in G.P.A or GRE scores. It is also the place for the applicant to show the committee what sets this applicant apart from anyone else applying to the program. It is important to stand out in this letter, but applicants should avoid "selling" language such as would be included in a typical resume cover letter. The remaining items in the graduate application packet should sell the student, but the letter of intent should show the committee a little bit about who the applicant is outside of just numbers and a writing sample. There are a number of guides and sample letters available online. Follow the provided links below for a couple of excellent examples and some helpful advice. More reference links: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/ http://www.sampleletter1.com/sample-letter-of-intent-for-graduate-school/3019
