Putting together a motivational letter may initially seem overwhelming, but it is not—not when you have our comprehensive step-by-step guide to crafting a perfect motivational letter that guarantees the scholarship of your dreams.
Motivation Letter
A letter of motivation is also known as a personal statement, a letter of introduction, and more. It allows you to elaborate on how you would be a good fit for their scholarship and why you deserve to be selected among other participants. It is a personal document that introduces you and your goals.
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Research and Preparation
One of the main aspects of writing the letter of motivation is to conduct thorough research on the scholarship program and the university you’re applying to. Keeping the university’s values, guidelines, history, and achievements in mind will help you stand out in the crowd of applicants. It is essential to know the eligibility criteria, deadline, and any other specific requirements for the scholarship application.
The Structure of your Letter
While each letter is different in its own way, certain aspects need to be met while writing one. Writing an appealing motivational letter requires proper planning and structure. You may present your letter in one of the following ways:
The letter is composed of 400–700 words and is divided into three sections: an introductory paragraph, two to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Rather than sticking to the usual three-paragraph structure, you can use the 5-7 paragraph structure, in which you divide your main body paragraph into several paragraphs based on the key points.
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And now, which one do you opt for? Ideally, the seven-paragraph approach works best if you want to be more precise and to the point. You may then utilize every body paragraph to elaborate on specific accomplishments or ideas. If that is not how you write, you can take the story-telling approach, the three-paragraph outline. In this way, the flow of the essay will remain intact. Below is a general outline to stick to:
Title and Header
Your essay’s title and header should be the first and most significant elements you present.
Title: “Letter of motivation for [scholarship to which you are applying]”
Header:
Your name
Your address
Current date
[University] Admissions Committee
[University] Admissions Office
University address
Dear [University] Admissions Committee…….
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Introduction
Your introductory paragraph matters the most, as it sets the tone for your essay. It must be appealing and immediately pique the reader’s interest in hearing more about you. Describe yourself briefly using a couple of sentences, alongside your application to [program] and [university].
Body
Body paragraphs are where you explain in detail who you are and why you are the perfect candidate for the scholarship. Outline your academic achievements, talents, and abilities. Highlight every accomplishment of yours that is related to the scholarship or the university you are applying to. Do talk about the goals and how the program can help you accomplish them with passion.
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Conclusion
Finish off well so that it leaves a positive, lasting impression. You should thank the recipient for reading your application, convey your eagerness to learn and offer new ideas, and encourage them to get in touch with you if they have any questions.
Tips to Remember While Writing a Compelling Letter of Motivation for Scholarship Application
The following are letters of motivation tips you need to keep in mind while writing a compelling letter of motivation for a scholarship application:
- Avoid writing excessively. The majority of motivational letters are at most a page long!
- Focus on your strengths rather than your shortcomings.
- It should be easy to read and divide paragraphs based on what aspects you cover.
- Follow the requirements provided by the university you’re applying to.
- Incorporate your personality into your writing. Craft your essay in a tone that seems genuine and natural.
- Proofread as much as you can. Utilize every resource at your disposal to ensure that your writing is flawless.
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9 Letter of Motivation Mistakes to Avoid
A motivational letter plays a key role when submitting your scholarship application. If you wish to increase your chances of getting accepted into your desired university on a scholarship, there are a few letters of motivation mistakes to avoid.
Generic Language
Use generic language that captures the essence of what you’re saying. Adopt simple language and refrain from repeating words; there’s no need to rely on complex vocabulary.
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Exaggerating or Lying
You do not need to lie or create fake stories. Be realistic. Exaggerating your accomplishments and adding false information to your letter may result in your application being denied.
Focusing on Solely what you want
Although it is necessary to talk about the goals you want to accomplish, don’t limit yourself to what you desire. Additionally, highlight how you can contribute to the program or organization.
No Motivation
While writing a motivational letter, some people, oddly enough, describe their CV in sentences rather than expressing motivation for the scholarship. This letter of motivation error, at all costs, should be avoided. Your motivation is the most crucial component of your letter and can be deemed valuable. It reflects your desire to attain new knowledge and develop your skills.
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Plagiarism
Adopting another person’s idea and passing it off as your own is unethical. You may check out several motivational letter samples on the internet; however, you do not need to copy them. The motivational letter samples can merely serve as a guide.
Failing to Provide Support for Claims
Statements you tend to make about your strengths and accomplishments should be backed up with facts and figures. Being all talk and no action will create a negative impression on the selection committee.
Using the Wrong Tone
Writing a motivational letter requires a formal writing style. However, it does not need to be overly formal, as it may bore the reader. Humor is never to be utilized, as it conveys a lack of seriousness. A balance between formality and flexibility should set the ideal tone for your letter.
Missing Deadlines
Missing deadlines is a scholarship pitfall to avoid. Occasionally, students make the most common mistake of not submitting their applications before the deadline, which results in their applications being rejected.
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Using a Weird Font
You may come across several letters of motivation written in a font that is often challenging to read. Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are some of the preferred fonts. Use an easily readable font that’s both clear and within the size range of 10 to 12. The background color should be light—preferably white. The improper use of fonts will make the selection committee not take your application seriously.
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Conclusion
The guidelines we mentioned will help you compose the perfect motivational letter and increase your chances of getting the scholarship. A well-written letter not only allows you to highlight your passion but also serves as a purpose for you to make a difference. Writing a motivational letter is not considered a piece of cake, but with the right approach, you will have nothing to worry about. Give it your all, gain knowledge from the experience and any potential errors, and keep trying no matter the outcome.